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Soft paneer cubes simmered in a fiery, aromatic gravy made from a unique blend of freshly roasted South Indian spices. This authentic Chettinad dish from Tamil Nadu is a true explosion of complex flavors, perfect for a special meal.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Chettinad Masala Powder
Prepare the Paneer (Optional)
Sauté Aromatics and Build the Gravy Base
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Soft paneer cubes simmered in a fiery, aromatic gravy made from a unique blend of freshly roasted South Indian spices. This authentic Chettinad dish from Tamil Nadu is a true explosion of complex flavors, perfect for a special meal.
This chettinad recipe takes 55 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 435.67 calories per serving with 15.68g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Cook the Gravy
Simmer and Finish
Replace paneer with 250g of firm tofu (pressed and cubed) or 2 cups of mixed vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and green beans. Sauté the tofu or vegetables before adding to the gravy.
For a richer and milder curry, add 1/4 cup of coconut milk or a paste of 10 soaked cashews along with the water in Step 4.
This masala base works wonderfully with other proteins. Try it with boiled chickpeas, button mushrooms, or even chicken.
Paneer is an excellent source of protein, which is vital for muscle repair, cell regeneration, and overall body function.
The complex blend of spices, especially turmeric, contains powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Spices like fennel seeds, cumin, and coriander are well-known for their digestive properties, helping to prevent bloating and improve gut health.
Ingredients like black peppercorns and red chilies contain compounds like piperine and capsaicin, which can give a temporary boost to your metabolism.
Chettinad Paneer Masala can be part of a healthy diet. It's rich in protein from paneer and contains numerous beneficial spices with anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is moderately high in fat due to the oil and paneer, so portion control is recommended.
One serving of this Chettinad Paneer Masala (approximately 1 cup or 285g) contains an estimated 310-340 calories, depending on the type of oil and fat content of the paneer used.
Absolutely! It's a great time-saver. Prepare a larger batch of the masala powder, allow it to cool completely, and store it in a clean, dry, airtight container away from direct sunlight. It will stay fresh for up to a month.
To reduce the heat, you can stir in a few tablespoons of coconut milk, a teaspoon of sugar or jaggery, or a dollop of plain yogurt (curd) at the end. A squeeze of lemon juice can also help balance the flavors.
Dagad phool has a very unique, earthy, and smoky flavor that is difficult to replicate. If you cannot find it, you can simply omit it. The dish will still be delicious, though it will lack that specific authentic Chettinad aroma.