Paneer Angara Recipe


Paneer Angara Recipe



40 Mins
6-7 people
15 Mins




Introduction

 

Hey there, I'm Chef Ajay Chopra, and I'm thrilled to welcome you to my culinary adventure! Today, I'm bringing you a recipe that holds a special place in my heart: Paneer Angara. But before we dive into the tantalizing flavors and aromas of this dish, let me take you on a journey through its origins and my personal connection to it.

 

Growing up, I was always fascinated by the rich tapestry of flavors that Indian cuisine has to offer. Paneer Angara, with its bold spices and fiery essence, was a dish that never failed to captivate me. I remember the first time I tasted it – the smoky aroma wafting through the air, the burst of flavors dancing on my palate. It was an experience that left a lasting impression on me, igniting my passion for cooking and exploration.

 

Now, let's delve into the secrets of creating this culinary masterpiece.

 

 

 

Recipe of Paneer Angara

 

Ingredients:

 

For Paneer Tikka Preparation:

  • Paneer: 400 gms
  • Salt: ½ tsp
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
  • Turmeric powder: ½ tbsp
  • Red chilli powder: ½ tbsp
  • Oil: 2 tbsp
  • Besan (Gram flour): ¼ cup
  • Mustard oil: 2 tbsp
  • Ginger & garlic paste: ½ tbsp
  • Roasted jeera powder: ½ tsp
  • Garam masala: ½ tsp
  • Curd: 5 tbsp

For Paneer Angara:

  • Oil: 4 tbsp
  • Bay leaf: 1 pc
  • Cinnamon: 1 inch
  • Black pepper: 10-12 pcs
  • Star anise: 1 pc
  • Black cardamom: 1 pc
  • Cloves: 5-6 pcs
  • Onion, chopped: 1 cup
  • Green chilli: 2 pcs
  • Garlic: 5-6 cloves
  • Ginger: 1 inch
  • Tomato, chopped: 2 cups
  • Turmeric powder: 1½ tsp
  • Coriander powder: ½ tbsp
  • Red chilli powder: 1 tbsp
  • Salt: ½ tbsp
  • Cashew nuts: 2 tbsp
  • Coriander stems: 10-12 pcs
  • Capsicum, diced: ½ cup
  • Ginger & garlic paste: 2 tbsp
  • Butter: 1 tbsp
  • Cream: 2 tbsp
  • Coal: 1 pc
  • Kasoori methi: 1 tbsp
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
  • Salt: ½ tsp
  • Red chilli powder: ½ tbsp
  • Turmeric powder: ½ tbsp
  • Oil: for frying

 

 

Method:

 

Paneer Tikka Preparation:

  1. Cut paneer into dices and marinate with salt, lemon juice, turmeric powder, and red chilli powder for 10-15 mins.
  2. In a bowl, mix warm mustard oil, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, roasted besan, ginger & garlic paste, roasted jeera powder, garam masala, and curd.
  3. Coat marinated paneer with this mixture.
  4. Heat oil in a pan and cook the marinated paneer on all sides. Set aside.

Paneer Angara:

  1. Heat oil in a pan, add bay leaf, cinnamon, star anise, black pepper, black cardamom, and cloves. Let them crackle.
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Then add green chilli, ginger, garlic, and sauté.
  4. Add chopped tomato, sauté, and cook for 4-5 mins covered.
  5. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, salt, and sauté.
  6. Add water, coriander stems, cashew nuts, cover and cook for 7-8 mins.
  7. Cool the mixture, remove whole spices, and grind to a paste.
  8. Heat oil in a pan, add capsicum and sauté for 30 secs. Remove and keep aside.
  9. In the same pan, add oil, ginger & garlic paste, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and sauté.
  10. Add curd and cook for 2-3 mins.
  11. Add the ground paste and cook for 5-6 mins.
  12. Then add butter, cream, and mix.
  13. Add the cooked paneer and stir gently.
  14. Place a steel bowl with lit coal over the gravy, pour oil on it, and cover for 1 min to infuse smoky flavor.
  15. Remove the bowl with coal and mix the gravy.
  16. Add butter, cream, kasoori methi, chopped coriander, and stir.
  17. Paneer Angara is ready to serve.

 

 

 

 

About the Recipe

 

Paneer Angara is a classic North Indian dish known for its fiery flavor and smoky undertones. Originating from the heart of Indian culinary traditions, this dish features succulent cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, grilled to perfection, and simmered in a rich, smoky gravy. The name "Angara" translates to "embers," symbolizing the intense heat and smoky essence that define this dish.

 

The secret to Paneer Angara lies in its unique combination of spices and cooking techniques. Each ingredient is carefully selected to enhance the overall flavor profile, creating a harmony of tastes that is both bold and delightful. Whether enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with fluffy naan bread or fragrant basmati rice, Paneer Angara is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

  • Marinate the paneer: To ensure maximum flavor absorption, marinate the paneer cubes for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
  • Grill over charcoal: For that authentic smoky flavor, grill the marinated paneer cubes over charcoal or an open flame.
  • Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh spices and herbs to enhance the aroma and taste of the dish.
  • Adjust spice levels: Customize the spice levels according to your preference by adjusting the amount of red chili powder and green chilies.
  • Simmer gently: Once the paneer is added to the gravy, simmer it gently to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

Paneer Angara pairs perfectly with a variety of accompaniments, enhancing the overall dining experience. Here are some suggestions to elevate your meal:

 

  • Naan Bread: The soft and fluffy texture of naan bread complements the bold flavors of Paneer Angara, making it the perfect accompaniment.
  • Basmati Rice: Fragrant basmati rice serves as an ideal base for Paneer Angara, soaking up the flavorful gravy and adding a subtle sweetness to each bite.
  • Cucumber Raita: The cool and refreshing cucumber raita provides a delightful contrast to the spicy flavors of Paneer Angara, balancing the palate and soothing the taste buds.

 

 

 

10 Frequently Asked Questions about Paneer Angara

 

  1. What is Paneer Angara?

    • Paneer Angara is a North Indian dish made with grilled paneer cubes simmered in a spicy and smoky gravy.

  2. What are the key ingredients of Paneer Angara?

    • The key ingredients include paneer (Indian cottage cheese), tomatoes, onions, yogurt, cashew paste, and a blend of aromatic spices.

  3. How spicy is Paneer Angara?

    • Paneer Angara is moderately spicy, but you can adjust the spice level according to your preference by controlling the amount of red chili powder and green chilies.

  4. Can I make Paneer Angara without grilling the paneer?

    • While grilling the paneer adds a distinctive smoky flavor, you can also pan-fry or bake the paneer cubes if grilling is not an option.

  5. Is Paneer Angara vegetarian?

    • Yes, Paneer Angara is a vegetarian dish, making it suitable for vegetarians and those looking for meatless options.

  6. What is the best way to serve Paneer Angara?

    • Paneer Angara can be served hot with naan bread, roti, or steamed rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.

  7. Can I prepare Paneer Angara in advance?

    • Yes, you can prepare the marinade and gravy for Paneer Angara in advance and refrigerate them. Simply grill the paneer cubes and simmer them in the gravy when ready to serve.

  8. What makes Paneer Angara unique?

    • Paneer Angara stands out for its bold flavors, smoky aroma, and rich, creamy texture, making it a popular choice among Indian food enthusiasts.

  9. Can I freeze Paneer Angara?

    • While you can freeze leftover Paneer Angara, the texture of the paneer may change slightly upon reheating. It's best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste and texture.

  10. How can I make Paneer Angara milder in flavor?

    • To make Paneer Angara milder, reduce the amount of red chili powder and green chilies in the recipe, or increase the quantity of yogurt or cream to balance the heat.

 

By following these tips and answering common questions, you'll be well-equipped to create a delicious and authentic Paneer Angara dish that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the culinary journey!