Tawa Paneer is a classic North Indian curry made with cottage cheese in a tomato-onion gravy. It is typically paired with roti or paratha and a salad. You could also turn it into a dry version and serve as a snack or appetizer. What I love about this recipe is that it is simple, easy and quick to make.
What is Paneer?
Paneer is Indian cottage cheese that is made from curdling milk with a lime derived acid. You can either make paneer at home or buy it frozen, and defrost it before cooking. Just soak in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes and drain the water.
Paneer
What is a Tawa/Tava?
Tawa or tava is a flat or a slightly curved pan, used to make roti (Indian Bread). In most Indian homes, this is an essential kitchen utensil. In the olden days when people couldn’t afford multiple pans, they would cook everything in the same pan, cleaning it in between dishes. That is how this dish probably got its name. You can use any pan you’re comfortable cooking in – it will not impact the dish in any manner.
Tawa
Tawa Paneer
I’m personally not a big fan of cheese or butter, but on occasion I do make exceptions. My dad loves paneer – this dish in particular, so I end up cooking for him. He doesn’t eat any bread so I serve this for him with steamed rice. This dish is typically cooked in butter, but I use a normal cooking oil (rice bran) which has far less fat. Since there is capsicum (bell pepper) and chili peppers, it is not necessary to add too much tomato. Overall, this is a well balanced, spicy dish that goes great with roti or paratha.
Paneer ior Indian cottage cheese s a good source of energy. It is rich in calcium, selenium, and potassium. Also because of its high protein content, paneer is a good alternative to meat.
Check out some of our other delicious North Indian recipes:
- Vegan Mushroom Matar (Peas) Masala
- Aloo Palak
- Kala Chana-Spinach Curry
- Aloo Beans Recipe
- Easy Mung Sprouts Masala
- Cabbage & Carrot Masala
- Bhindi (Okra) Masala
- Baingan Bharta – Roasted Eggplant Curry
- Chana Masala- Spiced Chickpeas Curry
- Sarson Ka Saag
- Vegan Palak Tofu Recipe
- Spicy Mushroom Curry
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Tawa Paneer
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Paneer - Indian cottage cheese - small cubes (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 Cup Onion - Fine cut
- 1 Cup Green Bell Peppers - Diced
- 1/2 Cup Tomato - Fine cut
- 1/4 Cup Cilantro - Fine cut
- 1 Tablespoon Ginger & Garlic Paste - Freshly crushed
- 1 Pepper Green Chili Pepper - Fine cut
- 1 Teaspoon Ajwain seeds - Carom seeds
- 1/4 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Red Chili Powder - Or cayenne pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Coriander Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Garam Masala - Make your own here
- 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt - Or to taste
- 1 Tablespoon Rice Bran Oil
- 1/4 Cup Filtered water
Instructions
- Make sure you have all ingredients ready before you start cooking: Paneer, onion, cilantro, tomato, bell pepper, green chili pepper, ginger and garlic blend, ajwain seeds, turmeric, red chili powder, salt, turmeric, coriander powder and garam masala.
- Set the pan on stove top on medium flame and add oil. *Once the oil is hot, add onion and ajwain seeds. Sauté till onion is lightly brown. *Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a couple of minutes. Add bell pepper and green chili pepper. Mix well and sauté for a couple of minutes.*Add red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and mix well. Now add garam masala, mix well, add tomato and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add water and cook till it condenses (depending on your desired consistency).*Add paneer, stir and cook for a minute. Add chopped cilantro and mix.
- Serve hot with fresh roti and cucumber salad.
