Paneer Handi Authentic Traditional Clay Pot Recipe
Indian cooking has a wealth of tasty dishes, and one such gem is the Simple Paneer Handi. This yummy vegetarian recipe consists of soft paneer (cottage cheese) cubes cooked in a flavorful gravy. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or an experienced home cook, our Simple Paneer Handi recipe is designed to make your culinary adventure easy, budget-friendly, and utterly tasty. Join us on this food journey as we explore the straightforward steps to create a Paneer Handi that serves four and will make your taste buds happy.
Origin:
The origins of Paneer Handi can be traced back to North Indian cuisine, especially the vibrant state of Punjab. North Indian food is known for its bold flavors, and Paneer Handi is a great example of this cooking style. The term “Handi” refers to the traditional clay pot in which this dish was originally made. With its creamy tomato-based gravy, Paneer Handi captures the essence of North Indian flavors.
Ingredients You'll Need:
To make Simple Paneer Handi for four people, gather these ingredients:
For the paneer and marination:
- 250g paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons yogurt (curd)
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
For the Handi gravy:
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper (capsicum), thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Process:
Let’s dive into the easy method of creating a delightful Paneer Handi:
- Marinate the Paneer:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the paneer cubes with yogurt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Make sure the paneer is nicely coated with the marinade and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Cook the Paneer:
- Heat a traditional handi (clay pot) or a heavy-bottomed pan and add a tablespoon of cooking oil.
- When the oil is hot, add the marinated paneer cubes and cook them until they turn a light golden brown.
- Take the paneer out of the handi and set it aside.
- Prepare the Gravy:
- In the same handi, add another tablespoon of cooking oil.
- Add cumin seeds (jeera) and let them sizzle.
- Add finely chopped onions and cook them until they become translucent.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a couple of minutes until the raw smell is gone.
- Spice It Up:
- Add red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala to the handi.
- Stir well and cook for a minute to let the spices blend.
- Add Tomatoes and Bell Pepper:
- Add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
- Include the thinly sliced bell pepper (capsicum) and cook for a few minutes until it’s slightly tender.
- Simmer and Season:
- Cover the handi and let the bell pepper cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring it retains a slight crunch.
- Season the mixture with salt to taste and kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves). Crush the leaves between your palms before adding to enhance the flavor.
- Stir everything well and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Combine Paneer and Gravy:
- Gently add the cooked paneer back into the handi.
- Stir carefully to coat the paneer with the flavorful gravy.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Finish off your Simple Paneer Handi with a garnish of fresh coriander leaves.
- Your delightful dish is now ready to be served!
Serving:
Simple Paneer Handi is best enjoyed when served hot, along with naan, roti, or jeera rice. To complete your meal, offer a side of cucumber and onion salad or a bowl of cool, refreshing raita to balance the flavors.
Tips for Cooking:
Here are some handy tips to make your Simple Paneer Handi preparation easy, budget-friendly, and exceptionally tasty:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh paneer and vegetables will enhance the flavors of your dish.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Vary the amount of red chili powder to suit your taste. Use less for a milder flavor or more for added heat.
- Yogurt or Cream: You can use either yogurt or cream for marinating the paneer, depending on your preference and what’s available.
- Keep Costs Down: To save money, you can use homemade yogurt instead of store-bought yogurt and regular vegetable oil for cooking.
Variation:
Paneer Handi offers room for creativity and experimentation. Here are some variations to consider:
- Mushroom Paneer Handi: Enhance the dish by adding sliced mushrooms for an earthy twist.
- Mixed Vegetable Paneer Handi: Create a medley of vegetables by including carrots, peas, and beans along with the bell pepper.
- Paneer Tikka Handi: Marinate the paneer with tandoori masala and grill it before adding it to the gravy for a smoky flavor.
Utensils List:
To prepare this easy and budget-friendly Simple Paneer Handi, you’ll need the following utensils:
Conclusion:
Simple Paneer Handi is a delightful and hearty dish that’s suitable for any day of the week. This recipe offers an easy and cost-effective way to enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of North Indian cuisine. With a handful of readily available ingredients and simple steps, you can treat your family or guests to a flavorful meal that’s sure to be a hit. So, roll up your sleeves, head to the kitchen, and prepare this mouthwatering Simple Paneer Handi using the traditional handi for an authentic touch. Your taste buds and your wallet will both thank you! Enjoy the culinary journey!
