Paneer Lababdar Recipe | How to Make Recipe of Paneer Lababdar Recipe

Paneer Lababdar is a rich, creamy, and flavorful North Indian dish made with soft paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a spiced, creamy tomato-based gravy. The term “Lababdar” refers to a rich and indulgent dish, and this recipe is a classic example of Indian comfort food that’s perfect for special occasions or a treat for loved ones. It’s often served with naan, roti, or rice.

Here’s how you can make Paneer Lababdar:

Print

Paneer Lababdar Recipe | What is the Recipe of Paneer Lababdar

Cuisine Indian

Author Rashmi Sharma

Ingredients

• 200 grams paneer cut into cubes
• 2 large tomatoes chopped roughly
• 10 cashews
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger garlic
• 1 big onion finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt
• 2 tbsp fresh cream
• 1 teaspoon kasuri methi
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tbsp coriander leaves finely chopped
• Oil/butter
• Water
• Whole spices
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cloves
• 1 black cardamom
• 2 green cardamom

Instructions

1. Soak 10 cashews in ¼ cup hot water for 10 minutes.
2. Wash and roughly chop the tomatoes. Puree the tomato in a blender. grind the soaked cashews into smooth paste in the same jar.
3. Heat 2 tbsp butter or oil in a kadai. Once the oil is hot, add the whole spices. Saute for 2 minutes.
4. Add minced ginger garlic and saute well till the raw smell goes off.
5. Add finely chopped onion and saute till the onion changes color slightly.
6. Add the pureed tomato and cook well. Cook till the tomato puree thickens and leaves out oil.
7. Add coriander power and chili powder. Mix well.
8. Add ½ cup water and bring to a boil.

9. Add cashew paste and mix well. Season with salt. Add ½ cup more water and mix well. Simmer till gravy thickens and reaches required consistency.

10. Add fresh cream and simmer for 4-5 minutes. Do not let boil.

11.  Add the paneer cubes and simmer for 2 more minutes. Add crushed kasuri methi and mix well.

12. Remove from flame. Add chopped coriander leaves, lemon juice and mix well gently without breaking the paneer cubes. Serve paneer lababdar hot with rice/roti.

Tips:

• Paneer: Using fresh, soft paneer works best for this dish as it absorbs the creamy gravy better. If using store-bought paneer, soak the cubes in warm water for 15 minutes to soften them before using.
• Creaminess: The cashew paste and cream are key to the rich and smooth texture of the gravy. You can adjust the quantity of cream based on how creamy you want the dish to be.
• Variations: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms to the dish to make it more hearty. Additionally, adding a pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk can give the gravy a royal touch and color.
• Spices: If you prefer a spicier gravy, you can add extra red chili powder or green chilies. Conversely, if you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chili powder.

Health Benefits:

• Paneer: A great source of protein and calcium, paneer is a perfect addition to a vegetarian diet. It helps in maintaining bone health and is great for muscle repair.
• Cashews: Cashews provide healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, and contribute to the richness of the gravy.
• Cream and Yogurt: While the cream adds richness, yogurt provides probiotics that are beneficial for gut health.

Paneer Lababdar is a delicious, creamy, and indulgent dish that pairs perfectly with naan or rice. It’s a popular choice at restaurants, but making it at home allows you to adjust the flavors and ingredients to your preference. Whether for a festive occasion or a special dinner, Paneer Lababdar will surely impress your guests!