Paneer in Cashew Sauce

Paneer in Cashew Sauce Recipe - Authentic Indian Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Paneer in Cashew Sauce is a rich and creamy Indian dish that combines the softness of paneer with the nuttiness of cashews. This dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a luxurious and flavorful meal.

History

Paneer in Cashew Sauce is a popular dish in North Indian cuisine, known for its creamy texture and rich flavors. The combination of paneer and cashews creates a unique and indulgent dish that is loved by many.

Ingredients

14 oz (397 g) block of paneer, cubed
3 tbsp of oil
2 small onions, finely chopped
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can of tomato sauce
3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp of grated ginger
green chili, to taste, finely chopped
2 tsp of cumin powder
2 tsp of coriander powder
2 tsp of garam masala
0.75 cup of cashew pieces
1 cup of milk
1.5 cups of water
1 tbsp of sugar
salt, to taste
5 sprigs of cilantro, finely chopped, for garnishing

How to prepare

Soak cashews in milk for approximately 15 minutes or until ready to use.
Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a medium-sized non-stick wok over medium to high heat.
Add onions and fry until they start to dry out.
Add ginger, garlic, and green chili and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add tomato sauce, stir well, and cook until the oil separates.
While the onions and tomato sauce are cooking, blend the soaked cashews and milk in a blender until smooth.
Once the onion and tomato mixture is ready, add cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala – mix well.
Add the cashew and milk mixture and mix well. There should be no lumps in the gravy.
Add water, salt, and sugar and bring to a boil.
While waiting for the gravy to boil, sauté cubed paneer in 1 tbsp of oil over medium to high heat in a non-stick pan.
Once the paneer is light gold/brown in color, take it out on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Once the gravy comes to a boil, add in the paneer and mix.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or additional broken cashews.

Variations

Add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach to the gravy for added nutrition and flavor.
Use tofu instead of paneer for a vegan version of this dish.
Experiment with different spices like turmeric, paprika, or cinnamon for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fry the paneer until it is light gold/brown in color to enhance its flavor.

- Soaking the cashews in milk helps to soften them and create a smooth gravy.

- Adjust the amount of green chili according to your spice preference.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Paneer in Cashew Sauce with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete and filling meal. Pair it with a side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad for a balanced and refreshing accompaniment.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the paneer before adding it to the gravy helps to enhance its texture and flavor.

- Blending the cashews with milk creates a smooth and creamy sauce that coats the paneer perfectly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond or coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative to regular milk.

- Substitute cashews with almonds or pistachios for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the gravy in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the gravy and add the fried paneer before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Paneer in Cashew Sauce in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh cilantro and cashew pieces for an elegant and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Paneer in Cashew Sauce with a side of fragrant basmati rice, garlic naan, and a refreshing cucumber mint raita for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Paneer in Cashew Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 380 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 18g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 28g per serving

Saturated Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 40% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy (paneer) and nuts (cashews)

Summary

Paneer in Cashew Sauce is a high-protein dish that is rich in fats and carbohydrates. It is a good source of calcium and iron, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Summary

Paneer in Cashew Sauce is a decadent and flavorful dish that combines the creaminess of paneer with the richness of cashews. This dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a luxurious and indulgent meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Paneer in Cashew Sauce. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. She had received the recipe from a dear friend who had traveled to India and brought back a treasure trove of exotic dishes.

The first time I saw the ingredients laid out before me, I was fascinated by the vibrant colors and aromatic spices. The paneer, a type of Indian cheese, was wrapped in a creamy, fragrant cashew sauce that promised to be a delight for the senses. As I watched my mother prepare the dish with precision and care, I knew that I wanted to learn how to make it myself.

Over the years, I have perfected the recipe, adding my own twist to it and making it a staple in my culinary repertoire. The creamy cashew sauce, infused with spices like cardamom, cumin, and coriander, envelops the tender cubes of paneer, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that never fails to impress.

I still remember the first time I made Paneer in Cashew Sauce for my family. The look of delight on their faces as they took their first bite was priceless. From that moment on, it became a cherished dish that we would enjoy together on special occasions and holidays.

As I grew older, I continued to experiment with different variations of the recipe, incorporating new ingredients and techniques that I learned from friends, cookbooks, and even cooking shows on television. Each time I made Paneer in Cashew Sauce, it was a labor of love, a way for me to connect with my roots and share a taste of my heritage with those around me.

One of my fondest memories involving this dish was when I hosted a dinner party for my closest friends. I had spent hours in the kitchen, carefully preparing the Paneer in Cashew Sauce with all the love and care that I could muster. When my guests arrived and took their first bite, their eyes lit up with joy and appreciation.

They showered me with compliments, praising the dish for its rich flavors and creamy texture. I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that I had succeeded in creating a culinary masterpiece that brought so much happiness to those I cared about.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe for Paneer in Cashew Sauce with friends and family, passing down the tradition from one generation to the next. It has become a symbol of my passion for cooking and my love for bringing people together through food.

As I look back on my journey with this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and memories it has brought into my life. It has taught me patience, perseverance, and the importance of savoring each moment spent in the kitchen.

I will always cherish the moments spent preparing Paneer in Cashew Sauce, the fragrant aromas that filled my home, and the smiles of satisfaction on the faces of those who enjoyed it. Cooking has always been my passion, and this recipe holds a special place in my heart as a testament to the joy and fulfillment it brings me every time I create a delicious masterpiece for my loved ones to enjoy.