A Healthier Twist on Your Favourite Paneer Curry
Paneer dishes are a staple in Indian households, but they often come loaded with heavy creams and fats. What if you could enjoy that same rich, creamy texture in a healthier, lighter way? This Dahi Wala Paneer recipe does exactly that by using tangy yogurt for the gravy and a heart-healthy oil like Ajanta’s Nutri Zero Cholesterol Refined Soyabean Oil for cooking.
This is a recipe that celebrates flavour without compromising on health, making it the perfect choice for a delicious and guilt-free meal any day of the week.
Why Choose Ajanta Nutri Zero Refined Soyabean Oil?
- Cholesterol-Free: An excellent choice for maintaining heart health.
- Rich in Omega-3: A good source of essential fatty acids for overall wellness.
- Light & Healthy: Low in saturated fat, making it ideal for everyday cooking.
- Neutral Flavour: Lets the natural taste of your ingredients shine through.
Dahi Wala Paneer Recipe
For Marination:
- 200 gms Paneer, cubed
- ¼ cup Curd (Dahi), whisked
- 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- ¼ tsp Turmeric Powder
- ½ tsp Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder
- Salt to taste
For Gravy:
- 2 tbsp Ajanta Nutri Zero Refined Soyabean Oil
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 2 Green Cardamoms
- 2 Cloves
- 1-inch Cinnamon Stick
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 Green Chilli, slit
- 1 medium Tomato, chopped
- ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- ½ tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder
- ½ cup Curd (Dahi), whisked
- ½ cup Water, or as required
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- 1 tbsp Fresh Coriander Leaves, chopped
How to Make
- Marinate the Paneer: In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed paneer with all the ingredients listed under “For Marination.” Mix gently to coat the paneer and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Sauté the Paneer: Heat 1 tablespoon of Ajanta Nutri Zero Refined Soyabean Oil in a non-stick pan. Add the marinated paneer cubes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn a light golden color. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Gravy Base: In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Once hot, add the whole spices: cumin seeds, green cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Sauté until they become fragrant.
- Cook the Masala: Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent and golden. Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilli, and sauté for another minute.
- Add Spices: Add the chopped tomato along with all the powdered spices (turmeric, coriander, cumin, and red chilli powder). Cook this masala mixture until the tomatoes soften and the oil begins to separate from the edges.
- Incorporate the Yogurt: Turn the heat to low and slowly add the whisked curd. Stir continuously to ensure the curd doesn’t split. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the gravy is smooth and thick.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the sautéed paneer cubes and water to the gravy. Season with salt, mix gently, and bring it to a simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavours.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling garam masala and freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with roti, naan, or jeera rice.
Health Benefits of This Recipe
- Heart-Healthy: The use of cholesterol-free Soyabean oil and yogurt instead of cream makes this dish beneficial for your heart.
- Protein Powerhouse: Both paneer and yogurt are excellent sources of high-quality protein, crucial for muscle health.
- Good for Digestion: The probiotics in yogurt aid in maintaining a healthy gut.
- Rich in Calcium: This dish is packed with calcium from paneer and dahi, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
Final Note
Creating healthy and delicious meals is easy when you choose the right ingredients. This Dahi Wala Paneer, cooked in the light and nutritious Ajanta Nutri Zero Refined Soyabean Oil, is a testament to that. It’s a dish that nourishes your body while delighting your taste buds.
Enjoy this flavourful curry, knowing it’s a choice that’s good for you and your family.