How To Make Dhaba Style Paneer Masala

 Dhaba Style Paneer Masala

Dhaba Style Paneer Masala is a very popular dish which is mostly served with butter naan, garlic naan or simple roti in roadside eatery joints or highways. Road trips are something which is extremely enjoyable and if there is some good food around you then the trip becomes so much more fun. You will always find this dish in almost every dhabas. So today I’m going to share the secret to this amazing Dhaba Style Paneer Masala that you can make easily by following some simple tips and tricks.

INGREDIENTS:

FOR MARINATION:

• Paneer (cubes) – 300 grams
• Kashmiri red chilli powder – 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
• Garam masala powder – ½ tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp or as required
• Water – 1 tbsp
• Oil (for frying and marination) – 2 tsp
• Butter – 1 tsp

FOR GRAVY:

• Onion (finely chopped) – 2 medium
• Tomato (puree) – 3 large
• Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp
• Coriander powder – 1 tbsp
• Cumin powder – 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
• Black pepper powder – ½ tsp
• Kashmiri red chilli powder – 2 tsp
• Gram flour (besan) – 1 tbsp
• Garam masala powder – ½ tsp
• Salt – 1.5 tsp or as required
• Sugar – ½ tsp
• Dry fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) – 2 tsp
• Coriander leaves (finely chopped) – ¼ cup
• Water – 1 cup
• Bay leaf – 3 small
• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
• Dry red chillies – 3 small
• Green chillies (slit) – 3 small
• Butter or ghee – 2 tsp
• Oil – 4 tbsp

PREPARATION:

1. Cut paneer into big cubes.
2. Add salt, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, oil and water.
3. Mix everything nicely to coat on all sides and set aside for 25-30 minutes.

PROCESS:

1. Heat a frying pan and add some butter and oil to it.
2. Add all the marinated paneer cubes one by one and fry them for a couple of minutes until a nice golden texture appears. NOTE: Do not fry for long otherwise the paneer will rubbery and chewy.
3. Now take a kadhai or a deep frying pan and heat some butter and oil together.
4. Add cumin seeds, green chilli, dry red chillies and bay leaf. Let it sizzle for about 5-10 seconds on low to medium flame.
5. Now add finely chopped onions with a pinch of salt and fry until it turns golden in colour. NOTE: Remember to fry on medium flame to get that smooth gravy consistency. Fry for 5 minutes to get an evenly brown texture.
6. Now add ginger-garlic paste and fry for a few minutes until the raw smell disappears.
7. Add cumin powder, coriander powder, kashmiri red chilli powder, turmeric powder, black pepper powder, salt, gram flour and half of the dry fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi).
8. Fry everything on low flame until the raw smell disappears and the masala turns slightly thick.
9. Now add tomato puree along with salt, sugar and garam masala powder. Add the remaining dry fenugreek leaves with some slit green chillies. Cover and cook on low flame for 5-10 minutes.
10. When the masala cooks completely and the texture starts to thicken then add some water to adjust the consistency as per your liking.
11. Now add the fried paneer cubes along with the oil in which it was fried.
12. Now again cover and cook until the oil separates from the gravy.
13. Garnish with some finely chopped coriander leaves. You can also add some fresh malai or cream but this is totally optional.
14. Dhaba Style Paneer Masala is ready to serve with naan or paratha.

CONCLUSION:

Dhaba Style Paneer Masala is very easy to make and has all those rustic taste of the delicacies which is served in dhabas. It is made in the most unique way and without adding expensive ingredients like cream, cashews etc. You can adjust the spice level as per your taste and liking. This recipe of Dhaba Style Paneer Masala can be made on any occasion because it has a delicious taste and will surely make everyone happy. So make this amazingly delicious recipe for your near and dear ones and enjoy!