Indulge in the exquisite experience of Paneer Lababdar paired with Butter Naan, Chapati, or fragrant steamed Basmati Rice for a lavish and comforting Indian meal. Crafted with common kitchen essentials and Indian cottage cheese, this dish boasts absolute deliciousness, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on your entire family. Paneer Lababdar, a cherished gem among North Indian restaurant offerings, is the epitome of creaminess, flavor, opulence, and pure luxury! Whether prepared on the stovetop or in the instant pot, my straightforward recipe instructions promise an enjoyable culinary journey.
Unraveling the Charms of Paneer Lababdar
In the realm of Indian cuisine, Paneer, synonymous with non-melting Indian cheese, meets its match in ‘Lababdar,’ signifying ‘a fervent desire for something’ and an irresistible surrender to it. In this context, it seems to convey an earnest longing to immerse oneself in the dish’s indulgent flavors. A bit of research aided in uncovering this delightful insight.
While Indian households and restaurants abound with popular Paneer recipes like Paneer Butter Masala, Paneer Makhani, and Malai Kofta, Paneer Lababdar maintains a lower profile in homes, finding its spotlight primarily in the elegance of North Indian restaurants.
For those who relish culinary exploration, bookmark this gem for your next meal! It’s not just creamy, spicy, and delicious; it’s a breeze to prepare and won’t demand the extensive time commitment of Paneer Butter Masala. Plus, it’s Instant Pot-friendly.
Exploring More Paneer Delights
Expand your culinary repertoire with other enticing Paneer recipes, including Paneer Pasanda, Dhaba Style Paneer Curry, Paneer Butter Masala, Malai Kofta, Matar Paneer, and Paneer Tikka Masala.
Mastering the Art of Paneer Lababdar
Description
Paneer Lababdar promises to elevate your weekend menu, party spreads, celebratory feasts, and festive gatherings. Pair it with plain Basmati rice, roti, butter naan, paratha, or any flavored rice variant, such as Jeera rice, Ghee rice, or Turmeric rice.
Prepare in advance and reheat effortlessly on the stovetop, microwave, or in the instant pot for added convenience.
Paneer Lababdar Recipe Ingredients
Ingredients for Puree
Paneer Lababdar Gravy
How to make Paneer Lababdar?
Preparation of Puree
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Step 1
Pour ½ cup water into a pan and add the 2 cups chopped tomatoes (about 350 grams), 4 dried Kashmiri red chilies (or any low-heat chilies), 14 cashew nuts, 2-inch cinnamon stick, 4 cloves, 4 green cardamoms.
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Step 2
Boil until tomatoes soften, expediting the process by covering and cooking. This imparts volume to the gravy, and the spices release their aromatic essence.
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Step 3
Allow the mixture to cool completely, then transfer it to a blender jar along with the residual water from the pot. Create a smooth puree and set it aside.
Making of Paneer Lababdar Gravy
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Step 1
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan, add 1 bay leaf, and sizzle. Incorporate ½ cup finely chopped onions and sauté until golden. Introduce 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw aroma dissipates, taking caution as ginger-garlic tends to burn quickly.
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Step 2
Pour the tomato puree into the pan, then add, ½ teaspoon red chili powder, 1¼ teaspoon coriander powder, ½ teaspoon garam masala, ½ teaspoon salt.
Ensure thorough mixing and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Cover and cook until the gravy slightly thickens. -
Step 3
As the masala thickens, add ¾ to 1 cup water to achieve the desired gravy consistency.
Incorporate ¾ teaspoon sugar, ensuring a well-balanced taste. Cook covered until the gravy further thickens, with traces of oil appearing.
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Step 4
Introduce ¾ to 1 teaspoon crushed kasuri methi, 1 slit green chili, 200 grams cubed paneer, and 3 to 4 tablespoons grated paneer. Mix well and simmer on low heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add grated paneer and pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of cream. Mix thoroughly and turn off the stove.
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Step 5
Garnish with coriander leaves and additional grated paneer. Serve Paneer Lababdar with rice, butter naan, roti, or phulka.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 24g37%
- Saturated Fat 10.01g51%
- Cholesterol 40mg14%
- Sodium 500mg21%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 15g30%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Perfecting the Tomato Base:
Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for a vibrant and tangy puree. The quality of the tomatoes significantly impacts the overall flavor of the dish.
Balancing Spice Levels:
Adjust the quantity of red chili powder and green chilies according to your spice preference. Remember, the Kashmiri dried red chilies not only add heat but also contribute to the dish's appealing color.
Texture Play with Paneer:
Grate a portion of the paneer to add a unique texture to the gravy. The combination of cubed and grated paneer enhances the overall mouthfeel.