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Paneer Makhana Recipe: A Delicious and Nutritious Delight
Paneer Makhana is a delicious mix of Indian cottage cheese (paneer) and puffed lotus seeds (makhana). It’s a rich and creamy dish that’s great for a family dinner or a special event. Inside this recipe, there is a delicious gravy made from tomatoes, onions, and fragrant spices. The paneer is soft, and the makhana is crunchy.
Paneer Makhana is not only tasty but also good for you because it is full of protein and important nutrients. It’s a great way to enjoy Indian flavours without giving up nutrition. Let’s look at each step of how to make this tasty meal!
Ingredients for Paneer Makhana
To make this mouth-watering Paneer Makhana, you will need the following ingredients:
- Paneer (Cottage Cheese): 200 grams, cubed
- Makhana (Fox Nuts/Lotus Seeds): 1 cup
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Tomato: 2 large, pureed
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon
- Green Chilies: 2, slit lengthwise
- Cashew Nuts: 8-10, soaked in warm water
- Cumin Seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Garam Masala Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): 1 tablespoon
- Cream: 1/4 cup (optional)
- Salt: To taste
- Oil or Ghee: 2 tablespoons
- Coriander Leaves: For garnish
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Large frying pan or kadai
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula and ladle
- Chopping board and knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions:
Roasting the Makhana
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the makhana and roast them until they become crispy and light golden in color. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir continuously to prevent them from burning.
- Remove the roasted makhana from the pan and set them aside.
Preparing the Cashew Paste
- In a blender, grind the soaked cashew nuts into a smooth paste using a little water. This will give the gravy a rich and creamy texture. Set the paste aside.
Making the Gravy
- In the same pan, add 1 more tablespoon of oil or ghee. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the prepared cashew paste and mix well. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid sticking.
Adding Paneer and Makhana
- Gently add the paneer cubes to the gravy and mix carefully to coat them well without breaking.
- Add the roasted makhana to the pan and stir gently to combine everything.
- Sprinkle garam masala powder and crushed kasuri methi over the top. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Final Touches
- If you want a richer texture, add cream and mix well. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Tips and Tricks
- Vegan Option: Replace paneer with tofu and use coconut cream instead of dairy cream for a vegan version of this recipe.
- Add More Vegetables: You can add green peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms to enhance the nutritional value and flavor.
- Healthier Option: Use low-fat cream or skip the cream altogether for a lighter version of Paneer Makhana.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder to suit your spice tolerance.
Conclusion
Paneer Makhana is a perfect dish for those who love to enjoy the richness of Indian flavors while keeping it healthy and nutritious. With its delicious combination of paneer and makhana, this recipe is both satisfying and beneficial, providing a good balance of protein, calcium, and essential nutrients. For those looking to complement their healthy eating habits, following a well-structured diet plan for weight loss for female can be incredibly helpful. This plan can provide you with a comprehensive guide to achieving your weight loss goals while still enjoying wholesome and delicious meals like Paneer Makhana.