Paneer Chana Masala: Easy Delicious Recipe

In the vibrant tapestry of Indian cuisine, paneer chana masala stands out as a beloved dish, known for its rich flavors and comforting warmth. This vegetarian delight combines the softness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with the hearty texture of chickpeas (chana), all enveloped in a spicy and aromatic tomato-based sauce. Whether you're looking to impress at a dinner party or treat your family to a delicious homemade meal, this recipe will guide you through making an authentic paneer chana masala.

Ingredients

• 250 grams paneer, cubed
• 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight and cooked or 1 can of chickpeas
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon amchur (dry mango powder, optional)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), crushed
• 3 tablespoons oil or ghee
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Steps to Make Paneer Chana Masala

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   - Cube the paneer into bite-sized pieces.
   - If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight, then pressure cook or boil until soft. If using canned, rinse and drain them.
   - Finely chop the onions and tomatoes, and slit the green chilies.
2. Start with Tempering:
   - Heat oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat.
   - Add cumin seeds. Once they start to crackle, add the chopped onions.
   - Fry until the onions are translucent and start to turn golden.
3. Add Spice Base:
   - Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté until the raw smell disappears, about a minute.
   - Add the tomatoes and cook until they soften into a paste, releasing their juices.
   - Now, mix in the turmeric, coriander, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
4. Combine Chickpeas and Paneer:
   - Add the cooked or canned chickpeas to the pan. Stir to coat them with the masala.
   - Gently fold in the paneer cubes. Be careful not to break them.
   - If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Final Touches:
   - Sprinkle garam masala, amchur, and kasuri methi over the dish.
   - Stir gently and simmer for another 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.
   - Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Serving Suggestions

Paneer chana masala can be enjoyed with:

• Naan or roti
• Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice
• Parathas
• As a filling in wraps or burritos

⚠️ Note: If you use store-bought paneer, soaking it in warm water for 15 minutes before cooking can make it softer and more absorbent of the flavors.

Variations

• Palak Paneer Chana: Add spinach for a nutrient-rich twist.
• Creamy Version: Include a splash of cream or cashew paste to make the curry richer.
• Vegan: Replace paneer with tofu or increase the quantity of chickpeas.

Embarking on the journey of making paneer chana masala not only fills your kitchen with the aromatic spices of India but also brings a piece of its culinary heritage to your table. Each ingredient, from the soft paneer to the robust chickpeas, plays a pivotal role in this symphony of flavors. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility; you can adjust the spices to suit your palate, add variations to make it your own, or even scale up or down the recipe for any occasion. This recipe encapsulates the essence of comfort food with a kick of spice, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or an exciting addition to your party menu.

Can I make paneer chana masala ahead of time?

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Yes, paneer chana masala can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors tend to meld together even better if allowed to sit for a while. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water if needed to adjust the consistency.

Is paneer chana masala healthy?

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Paneer is high in protein and chickpeas provide fiber, making this dish quite nutritious when paired with whole grains. However, like many rich dishes, the healthiness can depend on the cooking method; using less oil or choosing healthier fats can make it even better for regular consumption.

What can I use instead of paneer?

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If you can’t find paneer or are looking for a vegan alternative, you can use firm tofu, tempeh, or simply increase the amount of chickpeas for a totally chickpea-based masala.