Tandoori Paneer Bowl – In such challenging times, there’s nothing like the comfort of tender paneer in a classic makhani sauce. This super simple version served on a bed of rice is sure to be a hit even with your kids!
The gravy has a creamy, velvety texture that just envelopes the paneer in a warm hug. The delicate heat from the Kashmiri red chili just tickles the back of your throat and allows the rest of the spices to really shine through!
Paneer is a staple ingredient in any Indian kitchen! It’s loved by adults and kids equally, making it the perfect family pleaser while we’re all at home!
If you liked this recipe, make sure to check out my other paneer and rice dishes:
- Paneer Coconut Masala – Instant Pot or Stovetop
- Paneer Makhani (Quick & Easy Recipe)
- Saffron Rose Biryani – Instant Pot or Stovetop
- Vegetable Badam Tehri (Biryani)
Tandoori Paneer Bowl - there’s nothing like the comfort of tender paneer in a classic makhani sauce. This super quick version served on a bed of some rice is sure to be a hit even with your kids!
- 5 medium tomatoes , diced
- 1 medium onions , diced
- 4 cloves garlic , chopped
- 1 inch ginger , chopped
- 1 tsp green chilies , chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1 small bay leaves
- 1 black cardamom
- 1 cinnamon sticks
- 2 cloves
- 1 tsp butter
- 8-10 cashews , or peeled almonds or 3 tbsp almond flour
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 1/2 tsp kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp kasoori methi
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- 1/2 cup milk , or 1/4 cup cream
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- salt , to taste
- 2 1/2 cup paneer , diced
- 1 tbsp yogurt
- 1/2 tsp roasted gram flour
- 1 tsp mustard oil
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- pinch turmeric powder
- salt , to taste
- 1 1/2 cup basmati rice
- 3 cups water for stovetop or 1 3/4 cup water for instant pot
- 2 tbsp ghee , or oil
- 1 green chilies , halved
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaves
- 4 green cardamoms
- 1 cinnamon sticks
- 2 cloves
- 1 strand mace (javitri)
- salt , to taste
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Mix together the paneer with all of the marinade ingredients, cover it and leave it for 1 hour in the fridge.
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Meanwhile, in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, boil together all the gravy ingredients for about 10 minutes on medium heat. Make sure to keep the pan covered.
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Remove from the heat when the nuts and tomatoes are tender and remove the black cardamom, cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf.
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Let the mixture cool and then blend it until creamy. If you feel the purée is too dry, add in a little water to smooth things out.
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Heat up the oil and butter in a saucepan and add in the purée. Let the puree come to a boil.
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Now add in the rest of the tadka ingredients including the milk or cream. Cook covered for 10 minutes on a medium flame.
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While the gravy is simmering, roast the marinated paneer in pan with some ghee or oil for about 5 minutes until the coating is done. Don’t over sauté the paneer because otherwise it will become hard.
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When the gravy is done, add in the paneer.
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Serve warm with your choice of rice and a simple salad! Enjoy!
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Wash the rice a few times until the water runs clear. Then soak it in water for 10 minutes and drain. In a pot heat up the ghee and add in the spices and sauté until fragrant. Add in the drained rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the water and salt and then cook covered on low to medium heat until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
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Wash the rice a few times until the water runs clear. Turn the instapot on sauté mode and heat up the ghee and add in the spices and sauté until fragrant. Add in the drained rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the water and salt and put on the lid and move the vent to sealing. Pressure cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Then let it sit for 10 minutes before doing a quick release.
- I used milk instead of cream to keep it healthier and it still turned out super creamy!
- Use a little bit of water to thin the gravy to your desired consistency if you find it has become dry or if you’re reheating.
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Delectable tandoori paneer with lovely combo of aromatic basmati rice ..
Beautifully presented n captured too…
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