Paneer Malai Kali Mirch Creamy Cottage Cheese
Creamy paneer curry made with a ground spice paste of onions, ginger, and garlic, finished with heavy cream and black pepper. The cottage cheese pieces are simmered in a fragrant sauce flavored with cumin, cardamom, and dried mango powder. Served hot with fresh coriander garnish.
Ingredients
- 200 gms paneer, cut into pieces
- 3 onions, sliced
- 1 inch ginger, piece
- 10 garlic cloves
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 bay leafomitnulldietary restriction
minimal impact
- 1 pinch green cardamom powdercardamom seeds ground fresh1:1
improves flavor
- 2 green chillies, broken
- 1 ½ cup cream
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- black peppercorns, crushed
- dried mango powderlemon juice1 tsp to 1 tbspvegan
4
- fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnishing
- 2 tbsp oil
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a non-stick pan, add bay leaf and cumin seeds, then add onions and saute until lightly colored
- 2
Chop garlic and ginger and add to the pan
- 3
Break green chillies and add, then saute
- 4
Add turmeric powder and saute, then transfer mixture to a jar and let cool
- 5
Cut paneer into squares
- 6
Grind the cooled onion mixture with water
- 7
Heat oil in another non-stick pan, add cumin seeds and bay leaf, saute until lightly colored
- 8
Add the ground mixture and continue to saute
- 9
Add dried mango powder and salt, mix well
- 10
Add water and cream, mix
- 11
Add paneer pieces, half the crushed peppercorns, and green cardamom powder, mix well
- 12
Transfer to serving bowl, garnish with remaining crushed peppercorns and coriander leaves, serve hot
Tips
Cool the onion mixture before grinding to avoid releasing excess moisture and ensure a smooth paste
Use fresh paneer for best results, as older paneer may become too soft in the cream sauce
Good to Know
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop with additional cream if needed.
Prepare the onion paste and cut paneer up to 1 day ahead. Assemble and cook within 2 hours before serving.
Serve hot with naan, roti, or basmati rice. Pair with a cooling yogurt raita or cucumber salad.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip cooling the onion mixture to avoid lumpy paste when grinding
Do not overcook paneer once added to prevent it from becoming rubbery
Do not use low-quality cream as it may curdle if overheated
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
improves flavor
minimal impact