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Shallow-fried paneer sandwiches filled with a rich nut and spice mixture, simmered in a creamy, aromatic Hyderabadi-style gravy. A truly royal vegetarian centerpiece for any special occasion.
For 4 servings
Preparation and Soaking
Prepare and Stuff the Paneer
Fry the Stuffed Paneer
Aromatic basmati rice and tender vegetables are layered and slow-cooked to perfection in this classic Hyderabadi dish. Infused with saffron, mint, and fried onions, it's a vegetarian feast for the senses.
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Shallow-fried paneer sandwiches filled with a rich nut and spice mixture, simmered in a creamy, aromatic Hyderabadi-style gravy. A truly royal vegetarian centerpiece for any special occasion.
This hyderabadi recipe takes 65 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 671.35 calories per serving with 23.89g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Make the Gravy Paste
Cook the Gravy
Finish the Gravy and Serve
You can vary the stuffing by adding grated khoya (milk solids), pistachios, or a pinch of saffron for a more decadent flavor.
Replace paneer with firm tofu, use a plant-based yogurt and cream (like cashew cream), and use oil instead of ghee.
For a different flavor profile, you can use a blend of melon seeds (magaz) and almonds instead of cashews and poppy seeds in the gravy paste.
Instead of shallow frying, you can air-fry or bake the stuffed paneer triangles until golden brown to reduce the oil content.
Paneer is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
As a dairy product, paneer is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, two minerals that are crucial for maintaining strong and healthy bones and teeth.
The inclusion of nuts like cashews and almonds provides monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.
One serving of Hyderabadi Paneer Pasanda contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the amount of oil, cream, and nuts used. This is an estimate and can vary.
This dish is a rich, indulgent preparation, so it's best enjoyed on special occasions. It is high in protein and calcium from paneer and contains healthy fats from nuts. However, it is also high in calories and saturated fat due to the cream, ghee, and frying process. For a healthier version, you can bake the paneer instead of frying and reduce the amount of cream.
Yes, you can make a vegan version. Substitute paneer with firm tofu, use a neutral-flavored oil instead of ghee, and replace dairy curd and cream with plant-based alternatives like cashew yogurt and cashew cream.
Yogurt can curdle if added to a very hot gravy or if it's not whisked properly. To prevent this, always lower the heat to a minimum, whisk the yogurt until it's completely smooth, and add it to the gravy slowly while stirring continuously.
Yes, you can make the gravy a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also stuff and fry the paneer ahead of time. When ready to serve, gently reheat the gravy, add the fried paneer, and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
This rich curry pairs beautifully with Indian breads like Butter Naan, Garlic Naan, or Lachha Paratha. It also goes well with aromatic rice dishes like Jeera Rice or a simple Pulao.