Paneer Kaju Makhana Sabji Recipe – A Rich, Nutty Indian Curry

If you’re looking for a dish that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort, Paneer Kaju Makhana Sabji is the answer. This delectable curry combines the richness of cashews, the crunch of roasted foxnuts, and the velvety softness of paneer, all wrapped in a flavorful gravy that’s deeply satisfying. Whether for festive dinners or simple weekend treats, this recipe will elevate your culinary game.

Why This Recipe Stands Out?

Unlike typical paneer curries, this dish includes the unique addition of makhana (foxnuts), giving it an irresistible crunch. The cashew-based gravy adds a luxurious creaminess, making it a star dish for any occasion. Paired with hot rotis, parathas, or jeera rice, it’s sure to impress family and guests alike.

Preparation Time:

• 10 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 20-25 minutes

Serves:

• 2-4

Ingredients You'll Need:

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp Ghee

• 1 tbsp Oil

• 5-6 Garlic cloves, roughly chopped

• 3 medium Onions, sliced

• 1 cup Curd, whisked

• 1 Green chili, sliced diagonally

• 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic paste

• 1½ tsp Coriander powder

• ½ tsp Degi red chili powder

• 2 tsp Turmeric powder

• Salt, to taste

• ½ cup Foxnuts

• 10-12 Cashew nuts (soaked and halved)

• 1 cup Water

For Frying Foxnuts:

• 1-2 tbsp Ghee

• ½ cup Foxnuts

• Salt, to taste

• ¼ tsp Degi red chili powder

For Assembling the Dish:

• 2 tbsp Ghee

• Prepared gravy

• 2-3 cups Water

• 800 g Paneer, cubed

• Salt, to taste

• 1 tbsp Coriander stems, finely chopped

• 12-15 Cashew nuts (soaked and halved)

• 1 tsp Sugar (optional)

For Garnish

• Fried Foxnuts

• Fried Cashew nuts

• Crushed Dry Fenugreek Leaves

• Fresh Cream

• Chili Oil

• Coriander Sprig

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Gravy:

• Heat ghee and oil in a deep pan or handi. Add garlic and onions, sauté until golden.

• Add whisked curd, green chili, ginger-garlic paste, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Cook on medium heat for 5-6 minutes.

• Soak cashew nuts in hot water for 10-15 minutes, then add them to the gravy. This will enhance the creaminess.

• Stir in foxnuts, and water. Cover and simmer until the ingredients blend well.

• Cool the mixture, then grind into a smooth paste. Set aside.

2. Fry the Foxnuts:

• Heat ghee in a pan. Add foxnuts, salt, and red chili powder. Toss until they are golden and crisp. Keep aside.

3. Assemble the Sabji:

• In the same handi, heat ghee and add the prepared gravy. Adjust the consistency with water and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

• Add paneer cubes, coriander stems, cashew nuts, and sugar (optional). Let it simmer gently for a few minutes.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Transfer the sabji to a serving dish. Garnish with fried foxnuts, cashews, crushed fenugreek leaves, fresh cream, chili oil, and coriander sprigs. Serve hot with Indian breads or rice.

Cooking Tips for the Best Paneer Kaju Makhana Sabji:

• Use Quality Kitchenware: Cooking in a sturdy handi or kadhai enhances the flavor. You can find authentic Indian cookware, including high-quality handi pots and pans, at East West USA Store, trusted for its premium Indian kitchen products.

• Perfect Paneer: Use fresh, soft paneer to avoid crumbling.

• Balanced Flavor: Adjust spices and water for a consistency that suits your taste.

Why Cook This?

This Kaju Paneer Masala recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The creamy gravy, enriched with cashew nuts and makhana, adds a touch of royalty to your table. The paneer, simmered to perfection, melts in your mouth, creating a medley of textures and flavors.

For the best results, consider investing in durable, authentic Indian kitchenware from East West USA Store. Their collection ensures your dishes stay true to their Indian heritage.

FAQs for Paneer Kaju Makhana Sabji

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A: Absolutely! To make a vegan version, replace paneer with tofu, ghee with vegan butter or oil, and use coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt instead of curd. The result will still be creamy and delicious!

Q: What is the role of foxnuts (makhana) in this dish?

A: Foxnuts add a delightful crunch and a unique flavor profile to the dish. They absorb the gravy slightly while still retaining their texture, making every bite exciting.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes! The gravy can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the gravy, add paneer, and simmer until warm. Garnish freshly before serving.

Q: What’s the best way to fry foxnuts without burning them?

A: Use low to medium heat while frying foxnuts in ghee. Keep stirring continuously to ensure even roasting. Properly fried foxnuts will be crisp and golden.

Q: Is there a substitute for cashew nuts in the gravy?

A: If you’re out of cashews or want a nut-free version, you can use blanched almonds or sunflower seeds to achieve a similar creaminess.

Q: What can I serve with Paneer Kaju Makhana Sabji?

A: This curry pairs beautifully with Indian breads like butter naan, parathas, or plain rotis. It also goes well with basmati rice or jeera rice.

Q: How do I ensure my paneer stays soft in the curry?

A: To keep paneer soft, soak it in warm water for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the curry. This step ensures the paneer doesn’t dry out or become rubbery.

Q: Why is curd used in the gravy, and how do I prevent it from curdling?

A: Curd adds tanginess and richness to the gravy. To prevent curdling, always whisk the curd before adding it to the dish, and cook it on low to medium heat while stirring continuously.

Q: Where can I find authentic Indian kitchenware to prepare this dish?

A: Using the right kitchen tools can make a huge difference! At East West USA Store, you’ll find high-quality handi pots, non-stick pans, and other essential cookware to make your Indian cooking experience hassle-free and authentic.

Q: How do I make this recipe healthier?

A: You can reduce the ghee and use low-fat curd for a lighter version of the dish. Additionally, opt for air-fried or dry-roasted foxnuts to cut down on fat without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself to something special, this Paneer Kaju Makhana Masala will be the highlight of your menu. Try this recipe today and let the flavors transport you to the rich culinary traditions of India.