How to Make Malai Paneer at Home?

wellhealthorganic.com Malai Paneer: Indulge in the rich flavors of Malai Paneer, a luscious semi-dry dish that boasts creamy textures and delicate spices. Crafted from tender paneer cubes, onions, light cream, and a blend of aromatic spices and herbs, this recipe promises to deliver a restaurant-style experience with minimal effort.

Malai Paneer

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Cuisine: North Indian

Course: Side Dish

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Difficulty Level: Easy

Also Read: Varan Bhat

Ingredients:

• 250 grams Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
• ½ cup light cream or 25% to 30% fat cream
• ¾ or 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
• ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder or Deggi mirch or ⅓ teaspoon of any red chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
• 2 tablespoons oil – any neutral oil
• ¾ cup finely chopped onions
• 1 teaspoon Ginger Garlic Paste or ½ inch ginger + 2 to 3 small to medium garlic cloves crushed to a fine paste in a mortar-pestle
• ⅛ teaspoon Garam Masala
• ⅛ or ¼ teaspoon crushed dry fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) 
• Salt as required
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves

Instructions:

Preparation:

1. Begin by chopping the paneer into cubes and set aside.
2. Finely chop the onion.
3. Peel and crush the ginger-garlic to a fine paste in a mortar-pestle.

Also Read: Unni Appam

Making Malai Paneer:

1. Heat up some oil in a frying pan, then toss in the onions. Stir continuously to ensure even browning.
2. Sauté until the onions turn golden on low to medium-low heat.
3. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw aroma dissipates (approximately 15 to 20 seconds).
4. Over low heat, add the coriander powder, red chili powder, and turmeric powder. Stir and sauté the spice powders briefly, being cautious not to burn them.
5. Incorporate the paneer cubes, gently mixing and sautéing for about a minute until they are evenly coated with the masala. Avoid overcooking the paneer at this stage.
6. Pour in the cream and continue to gently stir until the paneer cubes are well-coated.
7. Cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes after adding the cream, seasoning with salt and stirring to combine.
8. Sprinkle crushed fenugreek leaves and garam masala, gently stirring to mix.
9. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve the Malai Paneer hot as a delectable starter or alongside naan, roti, chapati, or bread.