Paneer Afgani recipe | Afgani paneer recipe (2024)

21 Aug Paneer Afgani recipe | Afgani paneer recipe

Last Updated on August 21, 2023 by blessmyfoodbypayal

Paneer Afgani recipe | Afgani Paneer recipe with step wise pictorial and video method.

WHAT IS PANEER AFGANI ?

Chunks of paneer (indian cottage cheese) dunked in the marination made with yogurt, cream, various spices and herbs. The paneer is then grilled and cooked resulting in a delicious and creamy dish named Afgani paneer or also called Paneer Afgani.

ORIGIN OF PANEER AFGANI

If you go by the name, you will think that this dish hails from Afganistan but this is not true.

Originally there’s a dish named Chicken Afgani from Afganistan and paneer Afgani is the vegetarian version of chicken afgani originated in India.

In simple terms, it can be said that the idea of paneer Afgani is inspired by the flavors and cooking styles found in an Afghan recipe Chicken Afgani.

The whole of the ingredients, marination and cooking process are similar to chicken Afgani, except the use of Paneer, a versatile and beloved ingredient in Indian cuisine, takes the center stage.

AFGHANI PANEER: A FUSION OF FLAVORS AND CULTURES

Paneer Afgani, also known as Afghani Paneer, is a delectable dish which has an incredible ability to transcend borders, bringing together diverse ingredients and techniques to create something entirely new and exciting.

This dish displays the unlined blend of Indian and Afghan cuisines, resulting in a tempting treat that captures the gist of two rich culinary heritages.

At the heart of Paneer Afgani is the creamy and soft paneer, a beloved cheese in Indian cuisine, espoused by the bold and aromatic flavors of Afghan spices.

So, the next time you savor a bite of Afghan Paneer, remember that you’re not just tasting a dish – you’re relishing the essence of cultures intertwined.

AFGANI PANEER TIKKA

The present recipe is a kind of curry which can be eaten with rice or roti or naan.

But the same very recipe can simply be transformed into a delectable starter.

Here in this recipe, you will find that paneer is first marinated and then grilled and thereafter cooked.

Just follow the process upto the stage when paneer gets a delightful charred exterior results in a succulent and aromatic appetizer named Afgani Paneer Tikka.

OTHER VARIATIONS

This recipe is not confined to Panner only but you can try many of the other variations as well.

If Love Chickpeas, go for the boiled and canned chickpeas in place of paneer, calling the dish Chana Afgani.

The paneer can also be replaced with sauted Mushrooms naming the dish Mushroom Afgani.

Go for blanched spinach and make Palak Afgani.

You can make these variations exclusively or in addition to paneer along with.

In case you want to try the vegan version, substitute paneer with tofu and dairy curd with plant based curd.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Afgani paneer goes best with naan, Paratha or even simple chapati/Indian flat bread. However you can have it with plain steamed rice or fried rice as well.

STEP WISE PICTORIAL RECIPE OF PANEER AFGANI

STEP 1 PROCESS

1. Take a bowl and mix 1 tsp black pepper powder, pinch of hing/Asafoetida, 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste, 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt to taste and 1 tbsp oil.

2. Add 300 gram paneer (cut into big chunks).

3. Give them a good mix, but gently so that all spices get coated to paneer.

4. Keep aside for 10 minutes.

STEP 2 PROCESS

5. Take a grinder jar and add 1 Cup fresh coriander leaves (with stems), 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, 1 onion, 10 cashews (soaked for 10-15 minutes), 2 green chilies, 1 inch piece of ginger, 3-4 garlic cloves and 2-3 tbsp water.

6. Blitz to make a fine paste.

STEP 3 PROCESS

7. Take a bowl and add the paste made at step no. 2 process.

8. Then add 1 cup curd/yoghurt and 3/4 cup fresh cream or malai.

9. Give them a good mix.

10. Now add 1 tsp chaat masala,1/2 tsp kasuri methi, salt to taste, 1/2 tsp garam masala and 1 tsp roasted cumin powder.

11. Mix well.

12. Now take the paneer which was marinated in step 1 and coat each piece in the paste made in step no. 3.

13. Keep on arranging each piece of coated paneer in a plate. Don’t think what will happen to the remaining paste. It’s going to be used later.

STEP 4 PROCESS

14. Heat a grill pan and apply oil on it. If you don’t have a grill pan, you can use normal tawa as well.

15. Grill each slice of paneer from both the sides till the golden grilled marks are achieved.

16. Take them out in a plate. This is our Afgani Paneer tikka. You can eat the paneer at this stage after sprinkling some chaat masala. But as we are making a sabzi, we will proceed ahead.

STEP 5 PROCESS

17. Add 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter in a pan.

18. When butter melts, add 1 bay leaf, 3 cloves, 1 black cardamom, small piece of cinnamon, 1 green chilli and few juliennes of ginger.

19. Saute till ginger begins to turn brown.

20. Add the paste in which paneer was marinated at step no 3.

21. Cook for 10 minutes on low to medium heat. You may add little water if you feel that the paste is too thick.

22. Then add grilled paneer and mix.

23. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

24. Lastly sprinkle some fresh coriander leaves.

Afgani paneer is ready. Enjoy.

ALSO SEE

For more of the paneer recipes from this blog, click here.

PANEER AFGANI ECIPE | AFGANI PANEER RECIPE – RECIPE CARD