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अफगानी पनीर - सफ़ेद करी बाज़ार जैसी | Afgani Paneer Tikka | Paneer Afghani Curry बिना टमाटर के | Kunal

Chef Kunal Kapur Paneer & Dairy 40 Mins 4 Servings 4.3M views Jun 21, 2022
Ramadan Special recipe curated just for you! Check out my detailed step-by-step recipe for #AfghaniPaneerCurry here! This recipe is simple, easy to prepare and will definitely give you an option to try your favourite #paneer in a new avatar. I have also shared my tips and tricks throughout the recipe that will help you get the perfect paneer afghani recipe from scratch. Happy Cooking!

Ingredients & Measurements

Carefully curated and proportioned for authentic flavor balance. Adjust chillies and salt to your personal taste.

For 1st Marination

  • Paneer (पनीर), Cubed – 300
  • Salt (नमक) – 1 tsp
  • Ginger and Garlic Paste (अदरक पेस्ट) – 1 tbsp
  • Lemon Juice ( नींबू का रस) – 1 tbsp
  • 2nd Marination -
  • Coriander Leaves ( धनिये के पत्ते), Roughly Chopped – 1 cup / 1 handful
  • Mint Leaves (पुदीना) – ½ cup handful
  • Onion (प्याज़), Quarter – 1
  • Green Chillies (हरी मिर्च), Roughly Chopped – 2-3
  • Cashews (काजू), Soaked – 8-10 pc
  • Cheese Slice (चीज़ ) – 2 slices
  • Ginger and Garlic Paste (अदरक पेस्ट) – 1 tbsp
  • Curd (दही) – 1 cup
  • Fresh Cream (ताजा क्रीम) – 3/4th cup -
  • Salt (नमक) – 1 tsp or to taste
  • Pepper Powder ( काली मिर्च) – 1 tsp
  • Kasuri Methi (कसूरी मेथी) – ½ tsp
  • Chaat Masala (चाट मसाला ) – 1 tsp
  • Garam Masala (गरम मसाला) – ½ tsp
  • Cumin Powder (जीरा पाउडर) – 1 tsp
  • Water (पानी) – ¼ cup

For Finishing

  • Oil (तेल) – 1 tbsp
  • Butter (मक्खन) – 1 tbsp
  • Bayleaf (तेज पत्ता) – 1 pc
  • Cardamom Black (मोटी इलायची) – 1pc
  • Cloves (लौंग) – 5 pc
  • Cinnamon (दालचीनी) – 1 pc
  • Green chilli (हरी मिर्च), Slit – 1 pc
  • Ginger (अदरक), Chopped – 1 tsp
  • Garnish -
  • Masala Onions
  • Coriander sprigs
  • Check out the complete written recipe for #PaneerTikkaMasala here:

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. 1
    Ingredient Preparation: Wash, prep, and accurately measure all fresh ingredients, aromatics, and spice blends as listed in the ingredients section.
  2. 2
    Sautéing & Blooming Spices: Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium flame. Add whole spices and aromatics (ginger, garlic, green chillies) to bloom their essential oils until fragrant.
  3. 3
    Building the Flavor Base: Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent or golden brown. Stir in tomatoes and ground spices (turmeric, coriander, chilli powder), cooking on medium-low heat until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
  4. 4
    Simmering to Perfection: Incorporate the primary ingredients (vegetables, paneer, lentils, or proteins) and simmer gently with warm water or broth until tender and deeply infused with flavor.
  5. 5
    Finishing & Garnish: Adjust seasoning with salt, sprinkle freshly crushed roasted kasoori methi and garam masala, and garnish generously with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve piping hot with roti, paratha, or fragrant basmati rice.

Chef Kunal's Pro Secret Tip

Always soak fresh paneer cubes in warm, lightly salted water for 10 minutes before cooking. If pan-frying paneer, do so for no more than 60–90 seconds per side on medium-high heat to preserve its velvety, melt-in-the-mouth texture and prevent rubberiness.

Recipe FAQs & Expert Advice

How long can I store leftover अफगानी पनीर - सफ़ेद करी बाज़ार जैसी?

You can store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When reheating, warm on medium-low heat on the stovetop and add 2–3 tablespoons of warm water if the gravy has thickened in the fridge.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute paneer with extra-firm pressed tofu or roasted plant-based paneer alternatives. Replace dairy butter/ghee with mustard oil, coconut oil, or refined groundnut oil.

What is the key technique to get restaurant-style flavor in this dish?

Focus on blooming whole spices in hot oil first, patiently sautéing the onion-tomato masala until oil separates, and finishing with a pinch of crushed roasted kasoori methi and freshly ground garam masala right before serving.