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Paneer Tomato Curry

This paneer tomato curry combines fragrant spices, creamy yogurt, and soft paneer chunks simmered in a rich tomato base. The dish features a silky, flavorful sauce with tender paneer pieces that melt in your mouth, finished with fresh herbs for brightness. It’s a comforting vegetarian main with a vibrant, inviting appearance.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp oil vegetable or ghee
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 cup tomato puree or thick tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup full-fat yogurt strained if runny
  • 1/2 cup cashews soaked and blended
  • 12 oz paneer fresh, cubed
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Pan
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and add cumin seeds. Once they start popping and releasing aroma, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add ground coriander, turmeric, and garam masala to the pan, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant and toasted lightly.
  3. Pour in the tomato puree, stirring to combine everything well. Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the tomato base, indicating it’s cooked through.
  4. Mix in the strained full-fat yogurt and blended cashews, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce is thick and fragrant.
  5. Gently add the paneer cubes into the sauce, folding carefully to coat each piece without breaking them. Cover and simmer on low heat for 5-8 minutes until the paneer is heated through and tender.
  6. Finish by sprinkling chopped cilantro over the top and giving the curry a gentle stir. Serve hot with rice or naan, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.