Methi Paneer Recipe
This Methi Paneer recipe makes an aromatic curry with Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese) and fresh Methi (fenugreek leaves). The use of Air Fryer in the recipe gives a unique texture to the paneer. You can also make this recipe with dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi). Pair this recipe with Jeera Rice, Basmati Rice, Roti or Paratha to make it a perfect weekend treat!
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 2 lb Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese)
- 1/2 cup Fresh Methi (Fenugreek leaves)
- 1/2 Cup Fresh Coriander Leaves
- 2 tbsp Butter Unsalted
For the Marinade
- 2 tbsp Thick Yogurt
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Kashmiri Lal Mirch Powder You can substitute it with 1/2 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
For the Gravy Paste
- 2 Star Anise
- 8-10 Black Peppercorns
- 6-8 Cloves
- 5-7 Garlic Cloves
- 1 inch Ginger
- 3 Large Tomatoes
- 4-5 Green Chillies
- ½ Large Onion
The Final Gravy
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 2 Whole Red Chillies
- ½ tsp Turmeric
- 1½ tsp Coriander Powder
- ½ tsp Red Chilli Powder
Instructions
PREPARATION
- Veggies: Wash and chop coriander, fenugreek stems, tomatoes, and green chillies. Peel Ginger and garlic.
- Paneer: Wash and cut the paneer into 1/2 inch triangle pieces and soak them in 1/2 cup warm milk/ water. Soaking the paneer before putting it in the air fryer helps keep the paneer moist and prevents it from becoming rubbery.
- Marinade: Whisk the yogurt and ensure there are no lumps. Add in the cumin powder, salt, red chilli powder, chopped coriander, half of the fenugreek leaves and oil. Mix thoroughly.
AIR-FRYING PANEER
- Add the Marinade to the paneer and mix well to ensure the paneer pieces are coated with the marinade.
- Grease the Air Fryer tray with oil and place the coated paneer pieces. Cook on Air Fry mode for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, turn off the air fryer, flip the pieces over and keep the tray inside for 1-2 more minutes.
GRAVY MIXTURE FOR METHI PANEER
- In a pan on medium heat, add oil. When the oil is warm, add in cloves, star anise, and black peppercorns. Saute for a minute.
- Add in the green chillies, ginger, and garlic. Saute until garlic is soft.
- Add in the tomatoes, and a pinch of salt. Saute for 5-7 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft.
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the contents to a blender and make the mixture into a smooth paste.
THE FINAL ASSEMBLY
- In a pan on medium heat add the butter and Vegetable oil. Then add in the cinnamon stick, Whole red chillies and Bay leaves. Saute for 1 minute, then add in the chopped Fenugreek leaves.
- Saute for 2-3 minutes, then add in the gravy mixture paste.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, then add the dry spices, turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, salt and sugar (optional). Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add in the air fried paneer and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Optionally add in 1/4 cup of cream for a rich smooth gravy. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander. Enjoy with Jeera Rice or with Roti/ Naan/ Paratha!