Dhaba Style Paneer Masala

Dhaba's are roadside restaurants/eateries found on state or national highways in Indian subcontinent. They generally serve local cuisine and mostly open 24 hrs a day. Indian food served in dhabas is wholesome and full of flavors. So today I will be sharing with you Paneer Masala recipe cooked in Dhaba style. I like to cook dishes which are quick to make and delicious in taste. Dhaba style cooking is one of them which is full of rustic flavors. So let's start the recipe.

Preparation time : 20 mins

Cooking time : 30 mins

Servings : 4

Ingredients required :

1.) Paneer pieces - 250gm 

2.) Besan/ Gramflour - 2 tbsp

3.) Red chilli powder - 1 tsp

4.) Turmeric powder/ haldi powder - 1/4 tsp

5.) Cloves/ laung - 3-4

6.) Cumin seeds/ Jeera - 1 tsp

7.) Oil - 2 tbsp

8.) Dry red chillies - 2

9.) Asafoetida/ hing - 1/2tsp

10.) Cinnamon stick/ Dalchini - 1 inch piece

11.) Onions - 3 medium finely chopped

12.) Tomatoes - 2 medium in puree form

13.) Salt - as per taste

14.) Garlic - 3 cloves finely chopped

15.) Kasuri methi/fenugreek leaves - 1 tsp crushed

16.) Coriander powder - 1 tsp

17.) Coriander leaves - few chopped (For garnishing)

18.) Ghee/clarified butter - 2 tbsp

Method of Preparation :

1.) Marinate Paneer pieces with 1tsp of salt, 1 tsp red chilli powder, 1/4tsp haldi powder coat paneer cubes evenly and set it aside for 10 mins. This step gives the paneer cubes nice colour and will not taste bland. It is totally optional, you can also use raw paneer cubes in this dish.

2.) In a pan add 2 tbsp of besan and roast it for 2 mins. This is a secret ingredient used in Dhaba/restaurant to make the consistency of gravy thick and rich texture.

3.) Heat 2 tbsp of ghee/clarified butter in a pan and shallow fry paneer cubes on all the sides till golden brown on medium flame. Do not overcook the paneer else it will turn dark and chewy.

4.) In another pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil and add cumin seeds and let it crackles. Now add dalchini, dried red chilli, hing, cloves. Saute till all spices release their flavor in oil.

5.) Further add chopped garlic, onion and cook till raw smell of garlic goes away and onion becomes transluscent.

6.) Now add all the powdered spices coriander powder, red chilli powder, salt,turmeric powder and besan. Stir it continuously so that all the spices get mixed with onion masala.

7.) Further add tomato puree, 1/2cup of water. Cover the lid of the pan and cook masala for 10 mins untill oil gets separated from the masala. 

8.) Sprinkle kasuri methi on the top, adjust water and salt as per consistency and taste. Finally add Paneer pieces in the curry, garnish it with coriander leaves and serve hot with chapati or rice. Enjoy 😋

Thank you for reading. Enjoy more recipes on my blog and comment below each recipes for feedback/suggestions. Till then happy cooking😊.