Go Back
–+ servings
easy flavorful achari paneer curry in a white ceramic
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Achari Paneer Gravy

Achari paneer recipe- here is a hot, spicy and flavorful paneer curry with pickling spices or achari masala that tastes best with paratha, roti, butter naan, plain basmati rice. Achar means pickle in Hindi and any recipe with the term achari means they are made with the spices used for making Indian pickles. Vegetarian and gluten free recipe.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time40 mins
Course: curry, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: achari paneer
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 278kcal
Author: Harini

Ingredients

For achari masala or pickle spices

  • 4 dried red chilies or 1 tablespoon red chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon methi seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon nigella seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds

For making achari paneer curry

  • 2 tablespoons oil or butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon nigella seeds
  • 3/4 cup chopped onions
  • 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste or minced ginger and garlic
  • 2 cups tomato puree from 4 large tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1/2 cup fresh yogurt/ curd well whisked
  • 200 grams cubed paneer
  • salt to taste
  • 2 teaspoons crushed kasuri methi

Instructions

Making Achari spice blend

  • Heat a pan and add the picked dry spices. Roast in low flame for 4-5 minutes.
    achari masala spices dry roasting
  • Pound using a mortar and pestle. You can also let cool and grind in a coffee or dry grinder.
    pounded whole spices for achari masala

Making the Paneer Curry

  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil or butter in a pan. Temper with cumin seeds, nigella seeds and chili flakes.
    sautéing cumin seeds in oil
  • Add chopped onions and saute till they turn soft.
    achari paneer curry
  • Add the tomato puree and mix well.
    achari paneer curry
  • Now add spice powder namely turmeric powder, red chili powder and the prepared achari or pickle spices.
    achari paneer curry
  • Mix well and cook in medium flame for 12- 15 minutes keeping the pan closed or until oil leaves the sides of the pan. Lower the flame and add well whisked curd. Mix very well. Season with salt to taste.
    achari paneer curry
  • Add cubed paneer and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
    achari paneer curry
  • Finally add crushed kasuri methi and remove from flame.
    achari paneer curry
  • Serve achari paneer warm with butter naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice and salad.
    achari paneer curry

Notes

  1. Make sure roast the spices only in low flame. Saute continuously as these spices are very delicate and will burn easily.
  2. You can double or halve the recipe.
  3. Vegans can use tofu instead of paneer.

Nutrition

Serving: 3servings | Calories: 278kcal