Perfect Afghani Paneer Recipe

Hello There! Welcome! to the Afghani Paneer Recipe. Afghani Paneer is a dish originating from Afghanistan, consisting of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in a flavorful mixture of spices, yogurt, and herbs, then grilled or cooked until tender and aromatic.

In this post, I will cover the Afghani Paneer Recipe including its origin, ingredients, equipment, storage techniques, variations, and much more! So please continue reading.

Why Make Afghani Paneer Recipe at Home?

Making Afghani Paneer at home allows you to control the quality and freshness of ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more flavorful dish. Additionally, the homemade Afghani Paneer Recipe gives you the flexibility to customize the recipe.

According to your taste preferences, adjust the spice levels and ingredients to suit your liking. It’s a rewarding culinary experience that brings the authentic flavors of Afghan cuisine to your table.

Ingredients Required for Afghani Paneer

To prepare Afghani Paneer Recipe, you will need:

Equipment

I have listed here some common kitchen equipment and utensils you might need to prepare the Afghani Paneer Recipe:

1. Cutting board: For chopping vegetables and paneer.
2. Knife: To cut ingredients like paneer, onions, tomatoes, etc.
3. Blender or food processor: For making the smooth paste for the gravy.
4. Mixing bowls: To mix marinades and sauces.
5. Pan or skillet: For cooking the gravy and paneer.
6. Spatula: For stirring and flipping ingredients while cooking.
7. Spoons and measuring cups: For precise ingredient measurements.
8. Grater: If you’re using fresh ginger or garlic, you might need a grater to mince them finely.
9. Tongs: For handling paneer cubes while cooking.
10. Serve ware: Plates or bowls for serving the finished dish.

These are some basic kitchen tools you’ll need to prepare the Afghani Paneer Recipe. Adjustments can be made based on personal preferences and availability of equipment.

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Paneer

Start by cutting the paneer into bite-sized cubes. You can either use store-bought paneer or prepare it at home for a fresher taste.

Step 2: Marinating the Paneer

In a bowl, mix yogurt, cream, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Add the paneer cubes to this marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Preparing the Gravy

In a blender, combine chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, cashew nuts, and a dash of water. Mix until a smooth paste forms.

Step 4: Cooking the Paneer

The combined mixture is added to hot oil in a pan. Cook until the raw smell disappears and the oil starts to separate. Then, add the marinated paneer cubes and cook until they are tender and coated with the gravy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Afghani Paneer hot, garnished with freshly chopped coriander leaves. It pairs well with naan, roti, or steamed rice. For a delightful dining experience, serve the Afghani Paneer Recipe alongside fragrant basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Accompany it with a side of tangy mint chutney and crisp, refreshing salad greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The creamy texture and rich flavors of the paneer complement the aromatic spices beautifully, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Recipe Card

Perfect Afghani Paneer Recipe

Welcome to the Afghani Paneer Recipe. Afghani Paneer is a dish originating from Afghanistan, consisting of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in a flavorful mixture of spices, yogurt, and herbs.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Afghani

Servings 4 People

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Cutting board For chopping vegetables and paneer
• Knife To cut ingredients like paneer, onions, tomatoes, etc
• Blender or Food Processor For making the smooth paste for the gravy.
• Mixing Bowls To mix marinades and sauces.
• Pan or skillet For cooking the gravy and paneer
• Spatula For stirring and flipping ingredients while cooking
• Spoons and measuring cups For precise ingredient measurements
• Grater If you’re using fresh ginger or garlic, you might need a grater to mince them finely
• Tongs For handling paneer cubes while cooking
• Serve ware Plates or bowls for serving the finished dish

Ingredients

  

• 250 grams Paneer Cut into cubes for cooking
• 1/4 cup Yogurt Used for marinating the paneer cubes
• 2 Tomatoes Chopped and added to the dish for flavor
• 1 Onion Finely chopped and sautéed with other ingredients
• 3 cloves Garlic Minced and added for flavor
• 1 inch piece Ginger Grated and added for aroma and flavor
• 2 Green chilies Finely chopped and added for spice (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Coriander powder Ground and added for flavor
• 1 teaspoon Cumin powder Ground and added for flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder Added for color and subtle flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon Red chili powder Added for spice (adjust to preferred level)
• 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala: Added for warmth and depth of flavor
• Salt Added to enhance overall taste
• Fresh cilantro Chopped and sprinkled on top for freshness
• 2 tablespoons Cooking oil Used for sautéing onions, garlic, and other spices

Instructions

 

Step 1: Preparing the Paneer

• Start by cutting the paneer into bite-sized cubes. You can either use store-bought paneer or prepare it at home for a fresher taste.

Step 2: Marinating the Paneer

• In a bowl, mix yogurt, cream, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Add the paneer cubes to this marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Preparing the Gravy

• In a blender, combine chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, cashew nuts, and a dash of water. Mix until a smooth paste forms.

Step 4: Cooking the Paneer

• The combined mixture is added to hot oil in a pan. Cook until the raw smell disappears and the oil starts to separate. Then, add the marinated paneer cubes and cook until they are tender and coated with the gravy.
  

Notes

• Total Fat: Around 15-20 grams per serving
• Protein: Approximately 10-15 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: Varies depending on marinade ingredients, typically 5-10 grams per serving
• Fiber: Typically minimal, around 1-2 grams per serving
• Sodium: Around 300-500 milligrams per serving

Keyword Afghani Paneer Recipe, afghani paneer recipe ranveer brar

History and Origin of Afghani Paneer

Afghani Paneer, originating from Afghanistan, reflects the rich culinary heritage of the region. Its history dates back centuries, influenced by the diverse cultural interactions along the ancient Silk Road. Traditionally prepared with locally sourced ingredients and aromatic spices, Afghani Paneer embodies the essence of Afghan cuisine.

Over time, it has gained popularity worldwide, celebrated for its bold flavors and versatility in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian culinary traditions.

Variations and Tips

Experiment with different marinades to customize the flavor profile of the Afghani Paneer Recipe. Try adding spices like cumin, coriander, or garam masala for a more intense taste experience. For a creamy twist, substitute yogurt with coconut milk or cream.

Additionally, if you prefer a smoky flavor, grill the paneer over charcoal for a deliciously charred finish. Remember to marinate the paneer for at least an hour to ensure maximum flavor absorption before cooking.

Health Benefits

Paneer is known for its high protein content, which aids in muscle building and repair. Additionally, the spices used in this recipe offer various health benefits, including improved digestion and metabolism.

Cultural Significance

Afghani Paneer reflects the cultural diversity of Indian cuisine, showcasing the influence of Afghan flavors on traditional dishes. It serves as a testament to the culinary exchange between different regions and communities.

Wrapping Up

To begin preparing Afghani Paneer, gather your ingredients and prepare the marinade. Then, coat the paneer pieces thoroughly in the marinade and allow them to marinate for at least an hour to absorb the flavors. After marinating, you can either grill or cook the paneer according to your preference.

If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 Stars at the end of the Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) Section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones! I am sure that you will also like Easy Vanilla Pudding Recipe No Eggs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)