Vegetarian
Indian Curry
Paneer Darbari
Intermediate
For 4 people

Creamy Paneer Darbari: An Aromatic, Warmly Spiced Delight


Paneer Darbari is a rich, creamy curry featuring soft paneer cubes in an aromatic, warmly spiced gravy. The delicate balance of whole and ground spices lends depth, while the fresh cream and grated khoya add a velvety finish. Though it takes a bit of prep, the hands-on cooking time is short, making it perfect for a special meal any day of the week. Pair it with your favourite Indian bread or pulao for a complete feast.

Ingredients

  • Paneer (diced into 2 cm cubes)

    300 g
  • Onion paste

    2 tbsp
  • Garlic paste

    1 tsp
  • Ginger paste

    1 tsp
  • Green chilli paste

    1 tsp
  • Cinnamon (whole)

    1 stick
  • Green cardamom (whole)

    2 pods
  • Cloves (whole)

    3
  • Sunrise Dhania Powder

    1 tsp
  • Salt

    to taste
  • Milk

    250 mL
  • Sunrise Kasuri Methi

    1 tsp
  • Khoya (grated)

    2 tbsp
  • Ghee

    1 tbsp
  • Sunrise Shahi Garam Masala

    1 tsp
  • Fresh cream

    2 tbsp
  • Coriander leaves (chopped)

    for garnish
  • Green peas (boiled)

    for garnish
  • Refined oil

    1 tbsp
  • Ghee

    1 tsp

Sunrise tip: For a restaurant-style finish, soak the fried paneer cubes in hot water for 5 minutes before adding to the gravy. This keeps them soft and spongy.

 

Steps

Step 1: Fry paneer

Time: 5 minutes

Heat 1 tbsp refined oil and 1 tsp ghee in a pan. Add the diced paneer cubes and fry lightly, without letting them brown. This keeps the paneer soft. Remove onto a plate and set aside.

 

Step 2: Saute whole spices

Time: 3 minutes

In the same pan, add 1 cinnamon stick, 2 green cardamom pods and 3 cloves. Saute on low heat till they release their aroma.

 

Step 3: Fry the paste

Time: 7 minutes

Add 2 tbsp onion paste, 1 tsp each of ginger, garlic and green chilli pastes. Fry on medium heat, stirring often, till the paste turns light brown.

 

Step 4: Add spices

Time: 2 minutes

Sprinkle in 1 tsp Sunrise Dhania Powder and salt to taste. Mix well and fry for 1-2 minutes more.

 

Step 5: Make the gravy

Time: 10 minutes

Pour in 250 mL milk and stir well. Bring to a gentle boil, then add the fried paneer cubes. Simmer till the gravy thickens slightly, about 8-10 minutes.

 

Step 6: Final touches

Time: 3 minutes

Crush 1 tsp Sunrise Kasuri Methi between your palms and add to the gravy, along with 2 tbsp grated khoya, 1 tbsp ghee and 1 tsp Sunrise Shahi Garam Masala. Give everything a gentle stir and simmer for a minute.

 

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Time: 2 minutes

Turn off the heat and swirl 2 tbsp fresh cream over the curry. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and boiled green peas.

Serve Paneer Darbari hot with rotis, parathas, luchi or pulao. The velvety gravy and melt-in-the-mouth paneer are sure to win you compliments!

 

Goes Best With

  • Side Dish: Pudina Laccha Paratha, Ajwain Puri

  • Accompaniment: Boondi Raita, Kachumber Salad