Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a mind-blowing Indian dish that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mumbai! This Paneer in Creamy Tomato and Cardamom Sauce is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that will make your dinner guests think you've secretly trained with a master chef. With its luxurious blend of velvety cream, aromatic cardamom, and perfectly cubed paneer, this dish promises to be the star of your dining table, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200 g paneer, cubed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cube the paneer into bite-sized pieces, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Set these aside for later use.
- In a medium-sized pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and slightly golden.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. If desired, add salt to taste during this step.
- Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom, stirring well to incorporate it into the sauce. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, and slowly pour in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a creamy consistency. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring it does not boil.
- Gently add the cubed paneer to the sauce, stirring carefully to coat the paneer without breaking it. Let the paneer heat through for about 3-4 minutes.
- Once the paneer is heated, taste the sauce and adjust the salt if necessary. Remove the pan from heat.
- To serve, transfer the Paneer in Creamy Tomato and Cardamom Sauce to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Paneer in Creamy Tomato and Cardamom Sauce with naan, rice, or your favorite Indian bread!
Tips
- Paneer Perfection: For the best texture, use fresh paneer and cut it into uniform cubes to ensure even heating and coating.
- Spice Mastery: Toast your ground cardamom lightly before adding to intensify its aromatic qualities and bring out a deeper flavor profile.
- Cream Control: Add cream slowly and on low heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky sauce.
- Garnish Game: Fresh cilantro is key—chop it just before serving to preserve its bright flavor and vibrant color.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with warm naan, fragrant basmati rice, or jeera rice to complete your Indian dining experience.Pro Tip: Let the sauce simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld together, creating a truly authentic and rich taste that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 80mg
