Quick & Spicy: How to Make Achari Paneer in Just 15 Minutes
If you're craving a bold, tangy, and spicy dish that’s packed with flavor, Achari Paneer is the perfect choice! This North Indian delicacy is infused with the rich taste of pickling spices (achar masala) and can be prepared in just 15 minutes.
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| Achari Paneer |
Whether you're looking for a quick dinner, a side dish, or a flavorful stuffing for wraps and sandwiches, this Achari Paneer recipe will satisfy your taste buds instantly.
Let’s dive into this super easy, restaurant-style recipe that requires minimal ingredients and maximum taste!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Achari Spice Mix:
✔ 1 tsp mustard seeds (rai)
✔ ½ tsp fennel seeds (saunf)
✔ ½ tsp nigella seeds (kalonji)
✔ ½ tsp fenugreek seeds (methi dana)
✔ ½ tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
✔ 1-2 dried red chilies
For the Gravy:
✔ 250g paneer (cubed or sliced)
✔ 1 tbsp mustard oil (for authentic taste)
✔ 1 small onion (finely chopped)
✔ 1 small tomato (pureed or finely chopped)
✔ 2 tbsp curd (yogurt)
✔ 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
✔ ½ tsp turmeric powder
✔ 1 tsp red chili powder
✔ 1 tsp coriander powder
✔ ½ tsp garam masala
✔ Salt to taste
✔ 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
✔ 1 tbsp fresh coriander (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Recipe to Make Achari Paneer in 15 Minutes
Step 1: Dry Roast the Achari Spice Mix (2 minutes)
1️⃣ Heat a dry pan on low flame and add mustard seeds, fennel seeds, nigella seeds, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, and dried red chilies.
2️⃣ Roast for 30-40 seconds, stirring continuously until aromatic.
3️⃣ Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Crush coarsely using a mortar-pestle or spice grinder.
💡 Pro Tip: You can make extra Achari spice mix and store it for future use!
Step 2: Sauté the Base Masala (4 minutes)
1️⃣ Heat 1 tbsp mustard oil in a pan until it starts to smoke lightly. (This removes bitterness.)
2️⃣ Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3️⃣ Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 30 seconds until the raw smell disappears.
4️⃣ Add pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts separating.
Step 3: Add Spices & Paneer (4 minutes)
1️⃣ Mix in turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for 30 seconds.
2️⃣ Add 2 tbsp curd, stirring continuously to avoid curdling.
3️⃣ Toss in the Achari spice mix prepared earlier and mix well.
4️⃣ Gently add paneer cubes and coat them well with the masala. Let it cook for 2 minutes on low heat.
Step 4: Finishing Touches (2 minutes)
1️⃣ Sprinkle garam masala and lemon juice for extra zing.
2️⃣ Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and turn off the heat.
3️⃣ Serve hot with roti, naan, paratha, or jeera rice!
Why You’ll Love This Achari Paneer Recipe!
✔ Super Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes!
✔ Packed with Flavor – The Achari masala gives it a unique, tangy-spicy taste.
✔ Versatile – Enjoy it as a main dish, stuffing for wraps, or a sandwich filling.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it's a quick lunch, dinner, or even a party dish, this recipe never disappoints!
Pro Tips for the Best Achari Paneer
🔸 Use fresh paneer – Soft, fresh paneer absorbs the flavors better. If using store-bought paneer, soak it in warm water for 5 minutes before cooking.
🔸 Adjust spice levels – If you love extra heat, add a pinch of Kashmiri red chili powder for a vibrant color.
🔸 No mustard oil? Use ghee or regular cooking oil, but mustard oil gives the best authentic taste.
🔸 Make it vegan – Substitute paneer with tofu and curd with coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
Achari Paneer is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the bold flavors of Indian pickles into a creamy, protein-packed meal. The best part? You can make it in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients!
🍽 Try this recipe today and let me know how it turned out 😊🔥 Read Another
