Today, I’m going to share one of the best recipes with you. As you know, Indian cuisine is well-known for its authentic expression of spices, the generous intensity of cooking, and the miracles it performs on even the most humble vegetables. One standout example is “Paneer Curry: Zucchini Paneer Curry The food name hints that this is a combination of zucchini and paneer (Indian cottage cheese), and the warm spices are the recognized of Indian food giving it a rich, delightful tone. This curry adds nutrients to your diet and is a delicious treat.
Historical Origin
The origins of “Paneer Curry: As seen, recipes like “Zucchini Paneer Curry” have origins in Indian cuisine. Paneer is an Indian dairy product that has been used for centuries mainly in Northern India. Zucchini is not originally an Indian vegetable but is all the same and commonly used in modern Indian kitchens because of its diversity and nutritious value. This dish represents the rich thought behind Indian cuisine. This dish is a wonderful combination of the traditional Indian product Paneer and the wonderful flavors of Zucchini, a modern vegetable in India.
Ingredients
To prepare the delightful Paneer Curry: Zucchini Paneer Curry, you will need:
Cheese (Paneer): Cubed shape 200 grams
Zucchini: Chopped 2 medium size
Oil: Vegetable or mustard oil 2 tbsp.
Onion: Finely chopped 1 large size
Tomatoes: Pureed, 2
Garlic and Ginger Paste: One tbsp.
Chilies Green: Chopped 2 large size
Masala Garam: One tsp.
Turmeric Ground (Powder): 1 teaspoon
Cumin grains (seeds): One tsp.
Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon
Chili Read Ground (Powder): Take One teaspoon or adjust to taste.
Salt: As your desire
Coriander leaves (fresh): Finely chopped.
Water: Take as needed.
Instructions
Preparation:
- Take 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a deep large pan and heat it over medium flame.
- 1 teaspoon of cumin grains will be added after heating the oil.
- Let the cumin seeds sizzle and turn golden brown, releasing their aroma.
Sautéing:
- After Sautéing the cumin seeds, the finely chopped onion will be added to the pan.
- Fry the onions till they become translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the onions from sticking to the pan.
Spicing Up:
- Now garlic and ginger paste will be added to the pan
- Add chopped green chilies.
- Stir the mixture well and cook for another 2 minutes until the raw smell of the ginger-garlic paste disappears.
Tomato Base:
- Pour in the puree made from 2 tomatoes.
- Sauté the mixture stirring occasionally until the oil begins to separate from the masala. This process helps to deepen the flavors and should take about 5-7 minutes.
Adding Spices:
- Add the turmeric powder, and coriander powder 1 teaspoon of each along with red chili and salt to the tomato mixture.
- Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Let the spices cook for a couple of minutes to blend well with the tomato base.
Zucchini and Paneer:
- Add the chopped zucchinis (2 medium) and cubed paneer (200 grams) to the pan.
- Gently mix the zucchini and paneer with the masala, making sure they are well-coated.
Simmering:
- Add half a cup of water or more to your preferred consistency depending on your preference.
- Increase the heat and let to cook till to boil the mixture.
- Lower the heat and let it cook for about 10 to 15 minutes so that the zucchini softens and the cheese absorbs the curry.
Final Touch:
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of garam masala over the curry.
- Mix well so that the garam masala is well absorbed into the dish.
Garnishing:
- Turn off the heat.
- Sprinkle finely chopped fresh coriander over the curry to add more color to the dish and enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy Zucchini Paneer Curry with a wide range of Indian bread like naan, roti, and paratha, or pair it perfectly with fried basmati or jeera rice. To balance the spicy flavor and make it a healthier meal, accompany it with freshly prepared cucumber raita and a green salad.
Nutrient Factor (Calories and Carbohydrate)
A typical serving of Paneer Curry: Zucchini Paneer Curry (one cup) contains approximately:
- Calories: 220-250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12-15 grams
These values can vary based on the specific quantities of ingredients used and any variations in the recipe.
Final Thoughts
Paneer Curry: Zucchini Paneer Curry is a testament to the adaptability and innovation within Indian cuisine. By combining traditional paneer with the modern twist of zucchini, this dish offers a unique blend of textures and flavors that are sure to delight. Perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions, this curry is not only delicious but also nutritious, allowing anyone looking for modern flavors to explore the diversity of Indian cooking.
Enjoy this flavorful journey and let them share and like this blog with others for the appreciation of the Recipezious Team.