Are you a fan of the exquisite flavors of South Indian cuisine? Have you ever tasted the delightful Anjappar Paneer Butter Masala at a restaurant and wished to recreate it at home? Fear not, because we've got the perfect recipe for you! In this post, we're going to walk you through 5 easy steps to make Anjappar Paneer at home. This dish, known for its rich, creamy texture and the harmonious blend of spices, is a vegetarian delight that you can master in your kitchen with some patience and the right guidance.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you dive into the cooking process, it’s vital to collect all the ingredients:
- Paneer: 250 grams, cut into cubes
- Onions: 2 large, finely chopped
- Tomatoes: 3 medium, pureed
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Cream: 1⁄2 cup
- Cashews: 10-12, soaked and ground to a paste
- Spices:
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh Coriander: A small bunch, for garnish
Preparing the Base
The foundation of any good curry is its base, which requires:
- Heat oil in a pan, add finely chopped onions, and fry until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
- Pour in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens and oil starts to separate.
- Now, sprinkle the turmeric, red chili, and coriander powder. Stir well to combine.
🔎 Note: Cooking the base low and slow will enhance the flavors significantly. Don't rush this step.
Adding Paneer and Flavors
Now it’s time to bring in the star of the dish:
- Add the butter and let it melt into the base, followed by the cashew paste for creaminess.
- Here, you gently place the paneer cubes into the gravy, ensuring they’re well coated.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes, then add the cream, salt, and garam masala for depth of flavor.
Final Touches
To finish off your Anjappar Paneer:
- Crush kasoori methi between your palms and sprinkle over the gravy.
- Add a dash of water if the gravy is too thick; you want a rich, silky consistency.
- Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to infuse all the flavors together.
🔍 Note: Kasoori methi can make or break the dish, so ensure you add it at the right time to retain its aroma.
Garnishing and Serving
Your Anjappar Paneer is almost ready!
- Turn off the heat and let the curry sit for a couple of minutes to cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice for an authentic South Indian meal experience.
In this detailed guide, we've explored the basic steps to replicate the beloved Anjappar Paneer Butter Masala. The key is to handle each element of the dish with care, from the base preparation to the gentle simmering of the paneer. Each step was designed to build up the flavors layer by layer, resulting in a dish that is not only delicious but also carries the essence of traditional South Indian cooking. By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to impress your friends and family with a restaurant-quality dish right from your home kitchen.
What can I substitute for paneer if I don’t have it?
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If you don’t have paneer, tofu or extra firm cottage cheese can be good substitutes.
How can I make this dish vegan?
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For a vegan version, substitute paneer with tofu, use vegan butter, and replace cream with coconut milk or cream.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
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Yes, you can make the base and store it in the refrigerator. Add paneer and cook just before serving to keep the paneer from getting too soft.
Related Terms:
- anjappar paneer recipe
- anjappar paneer recipe
