Paneer do Pyaaza

Paneer do Pyaaza is a delightful North Indian dish featuring succulent cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a rich, creamy gravy with an abundance of onions. The name “do pyaaza” refers to the dish being prepared with two varieties of onions—sliced onions added at two stages of cooking, creating layers of flavor and texture. The creamy tomato-based gravy, infused with aromatic spices, complements the softness of the paneer, making it a popular and flavorful vegetarian choice in Indian cuisine.

Here’s a detailed recipe to help you prepare it at home:

Ingredients:

For Paneer Marination:

• 250 grams paneer, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup thick yogurt
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste

For Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, cut into cubes
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 cloves
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 cup fresh cream
• Salt to taste
• Chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinating the Paneer:

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
2. Add paneer cubes to this marinade, ensuring they are coated well. Let it marinate for at least 20-30 minutes.

2. Cooking the Onions:

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan or kadai over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
3. Add thinly sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and caramelized. This process might take around 10-12 minutes on medium heat. Stir occasionally.

3. Making the Gravy:

1. Once onions are caramelized, add chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
2. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Now, add the marinated paneer along with the marinade. Gently mix without breaking the paneer pieces. Add cube cut onion.
4. Pour in the fresh cream and stir gently to combine. Adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding water if needed.
5. Simmer the gravy for 5-7 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to blend together. Taste and adjust salt or spices if required.

4. Garnish and Serving:

1. Once the gravy reaches your desired consistency, turn off the heat.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
3. Serve Paneer do Pyaaza hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Paneer do Pyaaza! Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences, and feel free to add a bit of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for an extra flavor punch if you like.