Khoya paneer recipe

Khoya Paneer Recipe: A Rich and Delicious Indian Delight

Khoya Paneer is a decadent North Indian dish known for its rich, creamy texture and mild yet flavorful taste. This dish combines soft paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with khoya (reduced milk solids), creating a deliciously indulgent gravy. It's perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something extra special. In this blog post, I'll walk you through the step-by-step process of making Khoya Paneer at home.

What is Khoya?

Khoya, also known as mawa, is a milk product made by slowly evaporating milk until it becomes thick and condensed. It's used in both savory and sweet Indian dishes, adding a rich, creamy flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

For the Paneer:

• 250 grams paneer, cubed
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee for shallow frying

For the gravy:

• 1 cup khoya (mawa)
• 2 large onions, finely chopped or made into a paste
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2-3 green chillies, slit
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cream for garnish (optional)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Fry the Paneer:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a pan.
• Lightly fry the paneer cubes until they turn golden on all sides.
• Remove the paneer and place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Khoya:

• In the same pan, crumble or grate 1 cup of khoya and gently roast it on low heat until it turns light golden. This process will enhance the flavor of the khoya.
• Remove it from the pan and set aside.

3.Make the Gravy:

• In the same pan, heat a little more oil or ghee if needed, and add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Sauté until fragrant.
• Add the finely chopped onions (or onion paste) and cook until they turn golden brown.
• Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cooking until the raw smell disappears.
• Add the tomato puree and cook for 4-5 minutes until the oil starts to separate.
• Mix in the red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well.

4. Incorporate the lost:

• Add the roasted khoya to the tomato-onion mixture. Stir it in thoroughly, allowing the khoya to melt into the gravy, making it rich and creamy.
• Cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

5.Add the Paneer:

• Now, gently fold in the fried paneer cubes. Ensure they are well-coated with the khoya gravy.
• Add 1 cup of water (adjust to your preferred consistency) and simmer the gravy for another 5-7 minutes.

6.Finish the dish:

• Crush kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it over the gravy for added aroma and flavor.
• Add garam masala and stir.
• You can garnish with a drizzle of fresh cream and freshly chopped coriander leaves.

7.Serve :

• Your Khoya Paneer is ready to be served! Pair it with naan, roti, or jeera rice for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Pro Tip:

• Frying Paneer: If you prefer a softer texture, skip frying the paneer. You can also soak fried paneer in warm water for a few minutes to make it softer.
• Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding more or less water, depending on your preference. The dish can be made with a thick, creamy gravy or slightly thinner, depending on how you like it.
• Khoya Substitute: If you don't have khoya on hand, you can use unsweetened condensed milk or a mixture of cream and milk powder as a substitute.

Final Thoughts

Khoya Paneer is a dish that perfectly balances richness and subtle flavors. Whether you're hosting a festive dinner or just want to treat yourself, this dish never fails to impress. Its creamy texture and delightful taste make it a favorite for paneer lovers everywhere. Give it a try, and let the flavors transport you to the vibrant kitchens of North India!

Happy Cooking!