Go Back
achari paneer recipe

Achari paneer recipe

blessmyfoodbypayal
Achari paneer recipe is mildly tangy gravy based paneer dish coked in achari masala
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine North Indian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Spices for achari masala

  • 2 whole red chillies
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds/dhaniya beej
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds/saunf
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds/jerra
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds/rie
  • 1/2 tsp nigella seeds/kalongi
  • 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds/methi dana

Other ingredients

  • 250 grams paneer/cottage cheese
  • 1/3 cup tomato puree
  • 1/2 tsp ginger paste
  • 2 green chillies crushed
  • 1 cup curd
  • 1/4 tsp asafoetida/hing
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp kasuri methi
  • 1 tbsp fresh coriander leaves
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 tbsp oil

Instructions
 

  • Dry roast all the spices mentioned for achari masala i.e whole red chillies, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, nigella seeds & fenugreek seeds in a pan on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • When the roasted spices turn cool, transfer them to blender and blend to a powder. This is your achari masala. Keep aside.
  • Take 3 tbsp of oil & add asafoetida, crushed green chillies and ginger paste. Saute for a minute so that ginger turns brown.
  • Add turmeric and red chilli powder. Saute. Make sure oil shouldn't be too much hot at this juncture otherwise turmeric and red chilli will burn.
  • Add tomato puree and let the tomatoes cook on low flame. Keep stirring occasionally.
  • After 4 to 5 minutes, oil will be seen floating over the tomatoes & tomatoes will leave the sides of the pan. This is the indication that tomatoes are cooked now.
  • Add achari masala, recently made, and salt. Mix & let masala cook for 2 minutes.
  • Time to add curd but when you add curd, the very moment start whisking it otherwise curd may curdle. Whisk continuously at least for a minute or little more.
  • Let curd cook. It may take about 5 minutes.
  • Add sugar and mix it.
  • Now add paneer cubes, mix and let them simmer in gravy for 4 - 5 minutes on low flame.
  • Finally add kasuri methi & fresh coriander leaves. Mix them.
  • Your achari paneer is ready. Enjoy with naan or chapati.

Notes

  1. Curd should be fresh and not sour. You are already adding achari masala into the dish which itself is having a tangy taste. Thereupon, if the curd too will be sour, the paneer will become sharp more than required & then tough to eat.
  2. For more creamy texture, you can add a spoon full of cream by the end of the process.
Keyword achari, cottage cheese, paneer, pickling