Discover the Secret Recipe for the Most Luxurious Paneer Pasanda That Will Make Your Diwali Unforgettable!

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time of joy, celebration, and of course, feasting on delicious food. Among the myriad of sweets and snacks that grace the Diwali table, savory dishes hold a special place. One such exquisite vegetarian delight is Paneer Pasanda. This rich, creamy dish, with its layers of flavors and textures, is sure to be a showstopper at your Diwali feast. In this article, we’ll take you through the journey of making the perfect Paneer Pasanda, from selecting the ingredients to the final garnish.

Ingredients

For the Paneer Sandwiches:

• 250 grams of paneer (cottage cheese)
• 1 tablespoon of finely chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, and pistachios)
• 1 tablespoon of raisins
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon of finely chopped ginger
• 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for shallow frying

For the Gravy:

• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 cup of cashew nuts, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• 1/2 cup of fresh cream
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon of garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Paneer Sandwiches:

1. Slice the Paneer: Cut the paneer into thick slices. Each slice should be about 1/2 inch thick. Carefully make a slit in the middle of each slice to create a pocket.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the chopped nuts, raisins, green chili, chopped ginger, coriander powder, and salt. This mixture will form the stuffing for the paneer pockets.
3. Stuff the Paneer: Carefully fill each paneer pocket with the prepared stuffing. Press gently to ensure the filling stays inside.
4. Shallow Fry the Paneer: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed paneer slices. Shallow fry them until they are golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Preparing the Gravy:

1. Blend the Cashews: Drain the soaked cashew nuts and blend them into a smooth paste using a little water. This will add richness and creaminess to the gravy.
2. Cook the Onions: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
3. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Add the ginger-garlic paste to the onions and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
4. Incorporate the Spices: Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala to the pan. Stir well to combine and let the spices cook for another minute.
5. Tomato Puree: Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil begins to separate from the mixture. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
6. Cashew Paste: Add the cashew paste to the pan and stir well to combine. Cook for a few minutes until the gravy thickens.
7. Add Fresh Cream: Pour in the fresh cream and mix well. Allow the gravy to simmer for a couple of minutes. Add salt to taste.

Combining the Paneer and Gravy:

1. Add the Paneer: Gently place the fried paneer sandwiches into the gravy. Let them simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
2. Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Serving:

Paneer Pasanda is best served hot with Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha. It also pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed basmati rice or jeera rice.

Tips and Tricks

• Paneer Quality: Ensure you use fresh and soft paneer. If the paneer is hard, soak it in warm water for 15 minutes before use.
• Filling Variations: You can experiment with the stuffing by adding finely chopped mint or cilantro, grated paneer, or even a little crumbled khoya for a richer taste.
• Spice Level: Adjust the green chili and red chili powder according to your spice preference.
• Gravy Consistency: If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a little water or milk to adjust the consistency.

The Essence of Diwali in Paneer Pasanda

Paneer Pasanda is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that embodies the spirit of Diwali. The creamy, nutty filling encased in crispy paneer slices, all enveloped in a rich, aromatic gravy, is a culinary delight that brings warmth and joy to the festive table. This dish, with its elaborate preparation and luxurious taste, is a testament to the love and effort that goes into making Diwali special.

As you prepare this delightful dish, remember that the essence of Diwali lies in sharing joy and love with family and friends. So, gather your loved ones, light up your home with diyas, and let the aroma of Paneer Pasanda waft through your home, making this Diwali a truly memorable one.

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