Paneer, hearing this many of your mouths will start watering. Yes, because most foodies love it. Paneer can be used in variety of cuisines and also there are many tasty dishes prepared out of paneer. One of many dishes that has gained special place in food connisseurs’ list is Paneer, and therefore no wonder Paneer Pasanda is the most searched food item in the world.
Pasanda is a thick gravy, usually made with tomatoes and onions and flavoured with a range of Indian spices. It is topped with cream or yogurt and garnished with almonds. Many chefs even use the almond paste to flavour the dish, which is again eaten with another Indian soft bread, naan. However, the hero ingredient in the dish is the Paneer.
Paneer, also known as Indian Cottage Cheese, is believed to have derived from the Persian word ‘peynir’ meaning ‘cheese’, while Pasanda is believed to have derived from the Urdu word ‘pasande’. It is widely believed that pasanda used to be prepared as a non-vegetarian dish, using lamb or goat meat in the place of Paneer during the Mughal period. However, the Kayasth community members, who used to serve as courtiers for Mughals began replacing the meat and calling the dish as Paneer Pasanda.
Ingredients for Paneer Pasanda Recipe:
*Cottage Cheese
*Paneer cubes
*Cashewnuts
*Raisins
*Oil for deep fry
*Green chutney
*Cornflour/corn starch
How to make Green Chutney
1. Rinse 2 cups full of coriander leaves, rinse well in water and pat dry, roughly chop and put it in a small grinder or blender jar.
Then, add 2 chopped green chilies
½ inch chopped ginger
½ teaspoon chaat masala powder
½ teaspoon cumin powder
¼ to ½ teaspoon lemon juice or lime juice
Now, add 1 or 2 teaspoons water and blend the ingredients into smooth chutney. Add more water, if required. Don’t make it too thin.
For gravy
*Bay leaves 2
*Cinnamon & Green cardamoms
*Cloves
*Onions boiled and grounded
*Ginger-garlic paste
*Tomato puree
*Red chilli powder
*Coriander powder
*Turmeric powder
*Green chillies
*Cream
Preparation:
*Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and then add the garlic paste to it.
*Salt, sugar, red pepper flakes, cumin powder, and garam masala are added to the garlic paste after stirring for around 30 seconds.
*Chop cashewnuts and add to mashed paneer along with raisins. Add green chutney, salt and mix well.
*Spread this mixture on 2 paneer slices and cover them with remaining two slices. Cut into small triangles. Mix cornflour in ½ cup water to make a thick batter.
*Dip the paneer triangles in the batter and deep fry till lightly golden. Drain on absorbent paper
*To make the gravy, heat oil in a nonstick handi. Add bay leaves, cinnamon, green cardamoms and cloves and sauté. Add the onion paste and sauté. Add ginger-garlic paste
*Add tomato purée and mix well. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add red chilli powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, green chillies and salt and mix well. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Apart from filling stomach paneer also has some Health benefits:
*Reduces risk of breast cancer
*Makes teeth and bones strong
*Helps in weight loss
*Regulates digestive system
*Works well for diabeties
Above all these health benefits Paneer Pasanda has gained a special place in the world i.e. it one the distinction of one of the most searched Indian food in the world in 2022.