Paneer Lababdar: A Delicious Vegetarian Dish for All Occasions

Paneer Lababdar is a popular North Indian dish that is rich, creamy, and spicy. Made with chunks of paneer (cottage cheese), it is simmered in a rich tomato-based gravy and flavored with aromatic spices. This vegetarian delicacy is a favorite among many and can be served as a main course or a side dish. In this article, we will explore the history of Paneer Lababdar, its ingredients, recipe, and variations, and its health benefits.

History of Paneer Lababdar

Paneer Lababdar is a North Indian delicacy that originated in the Mughal era. It is said that this dish was prepared for the Mughal emperors, who were fond of rich and creamy dishes. Over time, it became a popular dish among the masses and is now enjoyed in many parts of India and around the world.

Ingredients for Paneer Lababdar

To prepare Paneer Lababdar, you will need the following ingredients:

• Paneer (cottage cheese)
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Green chilies
• Cashew nuts
• Cream
• Butter
• Cumin seeds
• Red chili powder
• Garam masala
• Salt
• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

Paneer Lababdar: A Delicious Vegetarian Dish for All Occasions

Recipe by SAYEDCourse: MainCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

29

minutes

Calories

487

kcal

Total time

44

minutes

Paneer Lababdar is a North Indian delicacy that originated in the Mughal era. It is said that this dish was prepared for the Mughal emperors, who were fond of rich and creamy dishes. Over time, it became a popular dish among the masses and is now enjoyed in many parts of India and around the world.

Ingredients

• 400g paneer, cut into cubes

• 2 tbsp oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 2 green chilies, finely chopped

• 2 tomatoes, chopped

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp cumin powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• 1 tsp garam masala powder

• Salt to taste

• 1/2 cup cream

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

• Coriander leaves for garnishing

Directions

• Heat oil and butter in a pan over medium flame.
• Add finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
• Add chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
• Add cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Add paneer cubes and mix gently.
• Add cream, milk, and kasuri methi. Mix well and cook for 5-6 minutes until the gravy thickens.
• Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with naan or rice.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Nutrition Facts: Calories: 487 | Total Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 593mg | Total Carbohydrates: 15g | Dietary Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Protein: 16g

Recipe for Paneer Lababdar

Here’s a step-by-step recipe for Paneer Lababdar:

1. Heat butter in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add chopped onions and sauté till they turn golden brown.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies and sauté for a minute.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and cashew nuts and cook till the tomatoes are soft.
4. Add red chili powder, garam masala, and salt and cook for a minute.
5. Let the mixture cool down and blend it to a smooth paste.
6. Heat butter in a pan and add the blended mixture.
7. Add kasuri methi and cream and cook for a minute.
8. Add paneer cubes and mix well.
9. Garnish with fresh cream and coriander leaves.

Your Paneer Lababdar is ready to serve!

Variations of Paneer Lababdar

Paneer Lababdar can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Some popular variations of this dish include:

• Matar Paneer Lababdar: This version of Paneer Lababdar includes green peas (matar) along with paneer cubes.
• Kadai Paneer Lababdar: This version of Paneer Lababdar includes bell peppers (capsicum) along with paneer cubes.
• Palak Paneer Lababdar: This version of Paneer Lababdar includes spinach (palak) along with paneer cubes.

Health Benefits of Paneer Lababdar

Paneer Lababdar is a nutritious and healthy dish that provides several health benefits. Some of the health benefits of this dish include:

• Paneer is a rich source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Paneer is also a good source of calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth.
• Tomatoes are a rich source of antioxidants, which protect the body against free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Cashew nuts are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc.

However, it is important to note that Paneer Lababdar is a rich and calorie-dense dish, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

See also: Paneer Pasanda: A Delicious Vegetarian Dish

Conclusion

Paneer Lababdar is a delicious and versatile vegetarian dish that is perfect for all occasions. Whether you’re looking for a main course for a dinner party or a side dish for a family meal, this dish is sure to impress. With its rich, creamy texture and aromatic spices, it is no wonder that Paneer Lababdar is a favorite among many. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and enjoy the flavors of North India in your own kitchen.

FAQs

1. Is Paneer Lababdar a healthy dish?

• Paneer Lababdar is a nutritious and healthy dish that provides several health benefits. However, it is a rich and calorie-dense dish, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

2. Can I make Paneer Lababdar without cream?

• Yes, you can make Paneer Lababdar without cream. You can substitute cream with yogurt or coconut milk to make a healthier version of this dish.

3. Can I use tofu instead of paneer in Paneer Lababdar?

• Yes, you can use tofu instead of paneer in Paneer Lababdar. However, the texture and taste of the dish may be different.

4. Can I freeze Paneer Lababdar?

• Yes, you can freeze Paneer Lababdar for up to a month. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it in a pan on the stove.

5. What are some other popular North Indian dishes?

• Some other popular North Indian dishes include butter chicken, dal makhani, chole bhature, and biryani.