Paneer Makhani with a Southern African Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation of Paneer Makhani, we incorporate Southern African spices and flavors to give the dish a unique twist. The addition of spices like peri-peri, paprika, and coriander adds a fiery kick and a distinct flavor profile that is characteristic of Southern African cuisine. These spices complement the creamy tomato sauce and enhance the overall taste experience of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Paneer makhani, so you can check it out.

• 250g (9 oz) paneer, cubed 250g (9 oz) paneer, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, pureed 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon peri-peri spice blend 1 teaspoon peri-peri spice blend
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 8g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Pour in the tomato puree and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Add the peri-peri spice blend, paprika, ground coriander, turmeric, cumin powder, and garam masala to the pan. Mix well to combine the spices with the tomato sauce.
5. 5.
   Gently add the cubed paneer to the sauce and stir to coat the paneer evenly. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt to taste. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with fragrant rice or naan bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Paneer — To enhance the texture and flavor of paneer, lightly pan-fry the cubes before adding them to the sauce. This will give them a slightly crispy exterior while keeping them soft and creamy on the inside.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce just before serving.
• Adjust the spice level according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of peri-peri spice blend and paprika.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomato puree before adding it to the pan.

Serving advice

Serve the Paneer Makhani with a Southern African Twist hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with fragrant basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of this dish, sprinkle some additional peri-peri spice blend and paprika on top of the paneer before serving. This will add a pop of color and hint at the spicy flavors within.