| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 338 | 24g | 11g | 9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 20g | 1.65g |
Cooking has been a passion of mine ever since I was a child in New York City tasting the dishes from around the world. One of that dishes that recently caught my attention was the delightful Chironji Paneer Curry. I adore this one because it beautifully fuses the vibrant flavors of the East into an irresistible, creamy stew that is as comforting as it is exciting. Plus, it’s undoubtedly a star on the health benefits arena, which makes me love it even more!
The Flavors of India in My New York Kitchen
As a native New Yorker, I’m no stranger to the diversity of culinary influences that have shaped the city’s food scene. The Chironji Paneer Curry is another testament to the wonderfully fusion-filled culinary landscape that defines my palate. It’s an Indian-inspired dish, combining the exotic flavors of coriander, turmeric, and red chili, with the creamy deliciousness of cottage cheese (Paneer) and Chironji seeds. To me, this dish represents the cultural melting pot I grew up in.
A Recipe for Health and Happiness
Don’t get me wrong, as much as I love a good burger, I’m also a true believer in the importance of healthy food. And here’s where the Chironji Paneer Curry shines. It’s packed with protein from the cottage cheese, while the Chironji seeds are a great source of vitamins and minerals. Plus, don’t get me started on the health benefits of the ginger, garlic, onion, and the other spices used in this recipe! They not only add a sensory explosion, but also a healthy dose of antioxidants that boost overall health.
Similar to the likes of Butter Chicken or paneer tikka masala, Chironji Paneer Curry is rich, aromatic, and absolutely soul stirring. So, whether you’re pairing it with naan for a comforting meal or pairing it with a simple rice dish for a lighter dinner, this curry is going to steal the show.
As an actor, I am all too familiar with the importance of versatility and adaptation, and this kitchen masterpiece, the Chironji Paneer Curry, represents all of that and more. Instantly exotic yet heartwarmingly familiar, this recipe is a testament to the fascinating fusion that is my culinary journey.
External resources: If you’re eager to explore these Indian flavors further, check out this extensive list of Indian recipes by Saveur. Those interested in the health benefits of Indian spices can delve into this Healthline article.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups Cottage Cheese (Paneer), cubed
- 1/2 cup Chironji seeds
- 3 tablespoons Cooking Oil
- 2 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 2 Green Chili, slit
- 1 tablespoon Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 cup Tomato Puree
- 1 tablespoon Coriander Powder
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup Fresh Cream
- 1/4 cup Cilantro, finely chopped
Method
Step One
Start by soaking the Chironji seeds in a cup of water for about an hour. After it is soaked well, grind it into a smooth paste.
Step Two
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onions and green chilies. Saute them until the onions turn golden brown.
Step Three
Add the ginger-garlic paste to the pan and saute for another two minutes until the raw smell of the paste is gone.
Step Four
Lower the heat and add the tomato puree to the pan. Stir it well and then add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder and salt. Mix everything well and let it cook for about five minutes until the raw smell of the spices and tomato puree is gone.
Step Five
Next, add the Chironji paste to the pan and mix it well with the other ingredients. Let it cook for about five minutes until the mixture starts leaving oil on the sides.
Step Six
Add the paneer cubes to the pan and mix it gently with the spices until all the cubes are coated well. Let it simmer for another five minutes for the paneer to absorb all the flavors.
Step Seven
Finally, add the fresh cream to the pan and stir it gently. Let the curry simmer for another couple of minutes and then turn off the heat. Garnish the Chironji Paneer Curry with finely chopped cilantro before serving.
