Salvadoran-style Paneer en Crema

Ingredients

In this Salvadoran adaptation of Shahi Paneer, we incorporate traditional Salvadoran spices and flavors to create a unique fusion dish. The original Indian recipe is known for its rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, while the Salvadoran version adds a touch of Salvadoran spices and techniques to enhance the flavors. The result is a delightful blend of Indian and Salvadoran cuisines, offering a new and exciting twist on the classic Shahi Paneer. We alse have the original recipe for Shahi paneer, so you can check it out.

• 400g (14 oz) paneer, cubed 400g (14 oz) paneer, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup tomato puree 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 30g, 18g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 10g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onion turns translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the cumin powder, paprika, turmeric, and dried oregano to the pan. Stir well to combine the spices with the onion and garlic.
4. 4.
   Pour in the tomato puree and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream to the pan. Stir well to combine the cream with the tomato sauce.
6. 6.
   Gently add the paneer cubes to the sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Stir in the sugar and season with salt to taste.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
9. 9.
   Serve hot with warm tortillas or rice.

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 a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of paprika and cumin powder.
• To make the dish more colorful, add diced bell peppers or peas to the sauce.
• If paneer is not available, you can substitute it with tofu or halloumi cheese.
• For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.

Serving advice

Serve Salvadoran-style Paneer en Crema as a main course accompanied by warm tortillas or rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness and color.

Presentation advice

To make the dish visually appealing, arrange the paneer cubes on top of the sauce and sprinkle some paprika or dried oregano for an extra touch of color. Serve it in a vibrant Salvadoran-style ceramic dish to enhance the cultural experience.