Badami Paneer
A luxurious and creamy Mughlai curry made with soft paneer cubes simmered in a rich gravy of almonds, cashews, and aromatic spices. This mildly spiced dish is perfect for special occasions and pairs beautifully with naan or jeera rice.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Nut Paste and Paneer
- b.Soak almonds, cashews, and poppy seeds in 1/2 cup of hot water for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, peel the skin from the almonds.
- c.Drain the nuts and transfer to a blender. Grind into a very smooth paste, adding a few tablespoons of fresh water if needed to help it blend. Set aside.
- d.Heat 2 tbsp of ghee in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the paneer cubes and shallow-fry until they turn a light golden brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside. For extra soft paneer, you can place the fried cubes in a bowl of warm water until ready to use.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Onions
- b.In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tbsp of ghee. Once hot, add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and green cardamom pods. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until they become fragrant.
- c.Add the finely chopped onions. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until they are deeply golden brown. This step is crucial for the flavor of the gravy.
- d.Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Gravy Base
- b.Add the prepared almond-cashew paste to the pan. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously for 5-7 minutes. The paste will thicken and you will see ghee starting to separate from the sides.
- c.Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Add the whisked curd and stir vigorously and continuously for 2-3 minutes to prevent it from splitting.
- d.Once the curd is incorporated, add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook the spices for one minute.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer and Finish the Curry
- b.Slowly pour in 1 cup of water (or milk), stirring constantly to create a smooth, lump-free gravy. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- c.Drain the paneer cubes (if soaked) and add them to the gravy. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors.
- d.Uncover and stir in the fresh cream, garam masala, crushed kasuri methi, and sugar. Mix gently and cook for 2 more minutes on low heat. Do not bring to a boil after adding the cream.
- e.Turn off the heat. Garnish with sliced almonds and fresh coriander leaves. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving hot with naan, roti, or jeera rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soaking the nuts in hot water is crucial for a silky smooth gravy.
- 2Take your time to brown the onions properly; this step builds the deep, savory base of the curry.
- 3Always add whisked curd on the lowest heat while stirring continuously to prevent it from splitting.
- 4For an even richer, more decadent gravy, use milk instead of water to adjust the consistency.
- 5Don't over-fry the paneer, as it can become hard and rubbery. Soaking it in warm water after frying keeps it soft.
- 6Crush the kasuri methi between your palms before adding it to the curry to release its maximum aroma.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace paneer with firm tofu (pan-fried), ghee with a neutral oil, and use cashew yogurt and full-fat coconut cream instead of dairy curd and cream.
Richer FlavorRicher Flavor
For a more royal touch, soak a few strands of saffron in 2 tablespoons of warm milk and add it along with the fresh cream at the end.
Nut Free AlternativeNut-Free Alternative
For a nut-free version, replace almonds and cashews with an equal amount of melon seeds (magaz) and increase poppy seeds to 2 tablespoons.
With VegetablesWith Vegetables
Add 1/2 cup of blanched green peas or lightly sautéed bell pepper strips along with the paneer for added texture and nutrition.
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, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Healthy Fats
Almonds and cashews provide monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help in managing cholesterol levels when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Supports Bone Health
Paneer and curd are rich in calcium and phosphorus, crucial minerals for maintaining strong and healthy bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Badami Paneer contains approximately 450-500 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the cream and curd.