Awadhi Paneer Lababdar
A luxurious Awadhi-style paneer curry where soft paneer cubes are simmered in a silky, aromatic gravy made from cashews, tomatoes, and fragrant spices. Finished with cream and a hint of kewra water for a truly royal dish.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Gravy Base
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of ghee in a kadai or pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- c.Add the chopped tomatoes, soaked cashews, ginger garlic paste, and green chili. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are completely soft and mushy.
- d.Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down completely. This is important for safe blending.
- e.Transfer the cooled mixture to a high-speed blender. Blend until you achieve a very smooth, fine paste. Add a few tablespoons of water if needed to help it blend.
- f.For the signature silky Awadhi texture, place a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl and pour the blended paste through it. Use a spoon to press the paste, extracting all the smooth liquid. Discard the fibrous residue left in the sieve.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Curry
- b.Heat the remaining 2 tbsp of ghee in the same kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the bay leaf, green cardamoms, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the spices become fragrant.
- d.Carefully pour the strained tomato-onion paste into the kadai. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the paste thickens and you see ghee starting to separate from the sides.
- e.Add the Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder. Mix well and cook the spices for 1-2 minutes until their raw smell disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer and Finish the Dish
- b.Stir in 1.5 cups of water, salt, and sugar. Mix everything well and bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.
- c.Gently add the paneer cubes and the grated paneer to the gravy. Stir carefully to coat the paneer and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors of the gravy.
- d.Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Stir in the fresh cream and the crushed kasuri methi. Cook for just 1-2 minutes more. Do not let the gravy boil after adding cream to prevent it from splitting.
- e.Turn off the heat. Add the garam masala and the kewra water for the final royal touch. Give it a final, gentle stir to combine.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- c.Serve the Awadhi Paneer Lababdar hot with naan, sheermal, roti, or jeera rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra soft paneer, soak the cubes in warm salted water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the gravy.
- 2Straining the blended paste is the most crucial step for achieving the signature silky, smooth gravy of Awadhi cuisine. Do not skip it.
- 3Always add cream on low heat and avoid boiling it to prevent it from splitting or curdling.
- 4Lightly toast the kasuri methi in a dry pan for 15-20 seconds before crushing and adding. This simple step dramatically enhances its aroma and flavor.
- 5Use ripe, red tomatoes for the best color and a naturally sweet and tangy flavor, which is characteristic of this dish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace paneer with firm tofu, ghee with a neutral oil or vegan butter, and fresh cream with cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk.
Richer GravyRicher Gravy
Add 1 tablespoon of melon seeds (magaz) along with the cashews when making the paste for an even richer and thicker gravy.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add an extra green chili or a pinch of regular red chili powder along with the Kashmiri chili powder for more heat.
Nut FreeNut-Free
For a nut-free version, substitute the cashews with 2 tablespoons of melon seeds (magaz) or poppy seeds (khus khus), soaked and blended into a paste.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Paneer is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, building new tissues, and overall body function.
Supports Bone Health
The significant amount of paneer and cream in this dish provides a good dose of calcium and phosphorus, minerals that are vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Source of Healthy Fats
Cashews contribute monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Awadhi Paneer Lababdar contains approximately 430-480 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the cream and paneer.