Creamy Paneer Methi Malai: Restaurant-Style Indian Curry
1 hour
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About Creamy Paneer Methi Malai: Restaurant-Style Indian Curry
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Paneer Methi Malai, a classic North Indian vegetarian dish. This recipe expertly balances the sometimes-bitter fenugreek leaves with a luscious cream sauce, resulting in a surprisingly mellow and delicious curry that even picky eaters will love.The secret? Pre-soaking the fenugreek leaves to eliminate any harshness. Tender paneer, sweet green peas, and aromatic spices create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers an authentic restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your own kitchen.Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor and the velvety smooth texture of this unforgettable vegetarian masterpiece. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Paneer Methi Malai is sure to become a family favorite!
Recipe Time & More
Prep30 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total1 hour
Ingredients
For the Fenugreek Preparation
- 2 bunch Fenugreek Leaves methi, fresh
- 1 tsp Salt for soaking fenugreek leaves
For the Paneer
- 400 gm Cottage Cheese indian cottage cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil for shallow frying paneer
For the Curry
- 1 large Onion finely sliced
- 2 Tomatoes finely chopped, medium-sized
- 5 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/4 cup Cashews
- 1 tsp Chili Powder red
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder haldi
- 1 tsp Curry Powder
- 1 tsp Chili Paste Or Chillies adjust to your spice preference, chopped, green
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Peas boiled, fresh or frozen, green
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil for cooking the curry
- 1 tsp Dried Fenugreek Leaf dried fenugreek leaves, dried, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Fenugreek
- Wash fenugreek leaves thoroughly, chop, and soak in salted water for 30 minutes. Drain, rinse again, and squeeze out excess water.
Fry the Paneer
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry paneer cubes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside, keeping them immersed in warm water to prevent drying.
Sauté the Greens
- Heat oil in the same pan. Add the prepared fenugreek leaves and green peas. Sauté until the leaves lose their raw smell. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Onion and Tomato Base
- Wipe the pan clean and heat oil again. Add sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook until onions are light golden. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy.
Make the Cashew Paste
- Microwave cashews in milk for 1 minute or until softened. Let cool slightly. Blend the softened cashews, milk, and the cooked onion-tomato mixture into a smooth paste. Add a little water for desired consistency.
Combine and Simmer
- Wipe the pan again. Add a small amount of oil. Add the paneer, sautéed fenugreek and peas, and the cashew paste. Stir well to combine. Add salt and the remaining spices. Add more milk to achieve your desired gravy consistency. Simmer on low heat until flavors meld, about 10-15 minutes.
Finish and Serve
- Stir in the heavy cream. Adjust seasoning to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Garnish with kasuri methi powder. Serve hot with roti, naan, or rice.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Paneer Methi Malai
- Soak the methi: Soaking the fenugreek leaves is crucial for mitigating bitterness. Don't skip this step!
- Don't overcook the paneer: Overcooked paneer becomes rubbery. Fry it just until lightly golden.
- Adjust the spice level: Modify the amount of green chilies or red chili powder to suit your taste preferences.
- Make it ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 193kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 15gFat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 855mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8g
6 Comments
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What a delicious idea! Thanks for sharing.
I’m excited to make this at home!
This looks so inviting! Thank you.
This looks so appetizing! Thank you.
This is one recipe which I will try during the festive season this time. I think it’s easy and would be loved by all the guests
Looks so flavorful! Thanks for posting.