How to Make Indian Paneer Curry with Mustard Oil

North Indian foods are very popular among all Indian households. Vegetarian options like paneer curry are mandatory for many Indian dinner tables. This recipe mainly features cubed paneer, cooked in onion-tomato gravy laced with warm ground spices. You can enjoy this delicious creamy curry at lunch or dinner. It will enhance your overall food experience instantly.

But the most important thing to consider is the right cooking medium. The right medium will not ruin the original flavour and will add several nutrients and health benefits to your diet. Mustard oil, commonly known as sarson ka tel, can be the right choice for a nutrient-rich food recipe. If you are looking for the authentic restaurant-style paneer curry, you must check the recipe given here.

Mustard Oil: Why Is It an Inseparable Ingredient in Paneer Curry?

Using simple oil cannot open up the real flavours inside the dairy-based food like paneer. Mustard oil can play a vital role in adding the rustic taste. Here's why you must use this oil for paneer curry.

• The natural sharpness of sarson ka tel can balance the mild sweetness of paneer.
• North Indian foods usually include some rustic and smoky flavour. This oil can easily add such flavour, which brings authenticity to your food.
• Mustard oil has higher heat capacity. This is why this oil can bring the real flavour of all spices without mixing them.
• Sarson ka tel is mainly available as a cold pressed version. This retains the healthy elements inside the oil.

Paneer Curry: Ingredients Required

Here is the entire list of ingredients you need to prepare paneer curry.

• Paneer
• Mustard oil
• Cumin seeds
• 2 green cardamom & 1 bay leaf
• Onion, finely chopped
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Tomato puree
• Turmeric powder
• Kashmiri red chilli powder
• Coriander powder
• Garam masala
• Kasuri methi
• Fresh cream
• Salt
• Chopped fresh coriander leaves

If you want to learn more about Why Mustard Oil is Best for Indian Cooking, you can read our article: Why Mustard Oil is Best for Indian Cooking.

Steps to Cook Paneer Curry Using Mustard Oil

Now follow the steps to get authentic paneer curry at your dinner table.

1. First, heat the pan, then add approx. 2 tablespoons of sarson ka tel. Heat the oil until you get a good aroma.
2. Once the oil is heated properly, toss the paneer cubes in the oil. For 1 to 2 minutes, stir well and fry them until a slight golden brown color appears. Once done, remove the paneer and soak it in mild warm water for softness.
3. Now, in the oil, add cumin seeds, bay leaf, and green cardamom. Let them sizzle and release their sweet, warm aroma into the fat.
4. Add the chopped onions and ginger-garlic paste to the pan. Sauté on medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes until the raw fragrance vanishes and the onions turn deep golden brown.
5. Now, pour in the tomato puree along with turmeric, Kashmiri chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook on medium heat until the gravy thickens and glossy oil droplets release around the sides.
6. Now, add 1 cup of warm water to set the gravy consistency. Boil it for a few moments, then add the drained paneer cubes. Simmer on low heat for 4 to 5 minutes so the cottage cheese absorbs the spices.
7. Stir in the garam masala, crushed kasuri methi, and fresh cream. Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

For a crispy, flavorful, and authentic Bengali recipe, read our Bengali Begun Bhaja with Sarson Ka Tel guide.

Expert Tips for Soft Paneer & Smooth Gravy

• Soaking the paneer: Always soak paneer cubes in warm water. It will help to keep paneer soft, and the taste will be elevated.
• Oil separation during cooking: Allow the tomato and onion to be cooked until the oil comes out on the edge of the mixture.
• Fresh cream condition: Once fresh cream is added, do not boil the curry. It can curdle the cream, and the taste will be ruined.
• Dried kasouri methi leaves: Always rub and crush the dried fenugreek leaves in your palms and then add them. It releases the aroma, and your curry will taste better.

Health Advantages of Mustard Oil

• Supports Digestive Secretion: The naturally warm compounds in it stimulate the Digestive Enzymes. These help in breaking down the rich milk-based meals into absorbable substances.
• Promotes Cardiovascular Health: Mustard oil is rich in Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFAs and PUFAs). These maintain the cholesterol level in the human body.
• Rich in Natural Antioxidants: A high levels of Vitamin E in sarson ka tel helps fight free radical damage. Also, it strengthens the body's immunity.
• Higher Thermal Stability: It does not lose its nutritional profile even when it is used for high-flame Indian frying.

Learn the key signs of pure sarson ka tel and make a smarter purchase by reading our detailed article: How to Choose Pure Mustard Oil in the Market.

How to Serve Paneer Curry in Your Meal?

Paneer curry can go well with multiple Indian main dishes. Here are some ideas you can try.

1. Garlic Butter Naan: Garlic butter naan can be the best option with paneer curry. Both dishes will complement each other.
2. Hot Jeera Rice: Fluffy basmati rice, sizzled with jeera, can be another great choice for a full meal.
3. Missi Roti: A spiced chickpea-flour flatbread, known as missi roti, complements the sharp notes of sarson ka tel perfectly.

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Authentic North Indian paneer curry is preferred by all age groups because of its creamy texture and soft paneer delicacies. If you are trying this recipe, you have to choose the right cooking medium. Nothing can beat the flavour and taste of sarson ka tel in Indian food. So, purchase only reliable brands that supply pure cold pressed mustard oil. So, do not wait anymore. Try this exclusive dhaba-style recipe and enjoy it with your family.