Mughlai-style Nawabi Paneer Curry: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-10-14T18:31:26.824Z


Mughlai-style Nawabi Paneer Curry is a dish that speaks to the richness of Indian culinary heritage. This amazing curry is a true representation of royal Mughlai cuisine, which is characterized by its aromatic spices and creamy textures. The combination of paneer, a vegetarian delight, with the complex flavors of the sauce makes this dish not just a meal, but an experience that tantalizes your taste buds. 
If you’ve ever dined at a Mughlai restaurant, you know the joy of savoring delicious dishes prepared with love and tradition. With every bite of this Nawabi Paneer Curry, you will feel transported to the grand kitchens of the Mughal Empire, where chefs spent countless hours perfecting their craft. This recipe helps you recreate that magic in your kitchen, and it’s perfect for celebrations, dinner parties, or just simply enjoying a luxurious meal at home.
In this guide, you will discover why this recipe stands out, the essential preparation and cooking times, a detailed ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, and tips on how to serve this divine curry. Get ready to impress your family and friends with the incredible flavors of Mughlai-style Nawabi Paneer Curry!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe


Mughlai-style Nawabi Paneer Curry is not just another recipe; it is a dish that brings together a rich tapestry of flavors, textures, and aromas. Here are some reasons why you will absolutely love this recipe:
1. Rich Flavor Profile – The blend of spices and cream creates an exquisite taste that is both rich and comforting.
2. Vegetarian Delight – Perfect for vegetarians, this dish ensures everyone at your table is catered for without sacrificing flavor.
3. Sophisticated Presentation – The vibrant colors and creamy sauce make for a stunning presentation to impress your guests.
4. Family-Friendly – With a mild heat level, it is suitable for all ages, making it a great addition to family dinners.
5. Customizable – You can easily modify the spice levels or add different vegetables to suit your preferences.
6. Easy to Prepare – Each step is straightforward, ensuring that even novice cooks can follow along with success.
When preparing Mughlai-style Nawabi Paneer Curry, you’ll understand why it holds a revered place in Indian cuisine. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors!

Preparation and Cooking Time


Preparing Mughlai-style Nawabi Paneer Curry is a delightful experience that requires time and care. Here’s a breakdown of the time you’ll need:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
These times may vary depending on your kitchen equipment and cooking experience, but this framework provides a good estimate.

Ingredients


– 400g paneer, cubed
– 3 tablespoons ghee or oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 green chilies, slit
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 2 tomatoes, pureed
– ½ cup yogurt
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
– ½ cup heavy cream
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions


Creating the Mughlai-style Nawabi Paneer Curry involves some essential steps. Follow these instructions for a delicious outcome:
1. Heat Ghee or Oil: In a large pan, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat. Allow it to melt and become hot.
2. Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. This will deepen the flavor.
3. Add Spices: Stir in the cumin seeds and slit green chilies. Cook for a minute until fragrant.
4. Incorporate Ginger-Garlic Paste: Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until raw smell disappears.
5. Mix Tomato Puree: Add the pureed tomatoes, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until oil separates from the mixture.
6. Combine Yogurt and Paneer: Lower the heat, add the yogurt slowly while stirring, and incorporate the paneer cubes. Allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes.
7. Finish with Cream and Garam Masala: Add heavy cream and garam masala, stirring well. Let it cook for another minute, then turn off the heat.
These easy-to-follow steps guide you to prepare a curry that is flavorful and rich.

How to Serve


Serving Mughlai-style Nawabi Paneer Curry is just as important as preparing it. Here are some tips to elevate your dining experience:
1. Presentation: Use a beautiful serving bowl to highlight the vibrant colors of the dish. A garnish of fresh coriander leaves adds an appealing touch.
2. AcCompaniment: Serve alongside hot naan, parathas, or steamed basmati rice to perfectly complement the curry.
3. Portion Sizes: Offer generous portions but encourage guests to take smaller servings initially. This allows everyone to taste and appreciate the dish.
4. Beverage Pairing: Consider serving with a cooling drink like yogurt lassi or sparkling water to balance the richness of the curry.
By considering these serving suggestions, you’ll create an unforgettable dining experience around the Mughlai-style Nawabi Paneer Curry!

Additional Tips


– Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh paneer enhances the taste of the Mughlai-style Nawabi Paneer Curry. If possible, make your own paneer for a richer flavor.
– Spice Balance: Adjust the spice levels according to your preference. If you enjoy heat, consider adding more green chilies or a pinch of red chili powder.
– Adjust Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, feel free to add a little water or vegetable broth to achieve your desired consistency.
– Garnish Creatively: Besides fresh coriander leaves, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of crushed kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for an additional layer of flavor.
– Serve with Condiments: Consider serving the curry with side condiments like pickles or onion salad to add a refreshing crunch.

Recipe Variation


Experiment with these variations for a unique twist on the classic recipe:
1. Addition of Peas: Incorporate fresh or frozen peas for added sweetness and texture. This makes the curry more colorful and nutritious.
2. Mushroom Delight: Add sautéed mushrooms along with the paneer for an earthy flavor that complements the sauce beautifully.
3. Nutty Flavor: Blend some cashews or almonds into a paste and mix into the curry for a delightful nutty taste and extra creaminess.
4. Marination: Marinate the paneer cubes in yogurt and spices for an hour before cooking. This will infuse the paneer with even more flavor.
5. Keto-Friendly: Substitute paneer with tofu for a lower-carb option while still enjoying the rich flavors.

Freezing and Storage


Storage: Mughlai-style Nawabi Paneer Curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it is cooled before storing.
Freezing: You can freeze the curry for up to 2 months. Freeze in portions to make reheating easier. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to regain the original consistency.

Special Equipment


To prepare Mughlai-style Nawabi Paneer Curry, you might need:
Large Pan: A heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai for even cooking.

Blender: For pureeing tomatoes (if you prefer a smoother sauce).
Spatula: A sturdy spatula for mixing ingredients thoroughly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure you have the right measurements of ingredients.
Serving Bowl: Select a visually appealing bowl for serving that enhances the dish’s presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions


Can I use store-bought paneer?
Yes, store-bought paneer works perfectly. Just ensure it is fresh.
How can I make this curry richer?
To enhance richness, use full-fat yogurt and heavy cream.
Is this curry suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This curry is great for meal prep, and the flavors often improve after sitting for a day.
What can I substitute for ghee?
You can use any neutral oil or butter as a substitute if you don’t have ghee.
Can I make this curry vegan?
Yes, replace paneer with tofu and use coconut yogurt and cream for a vegan version.

Conclusion


Mughlai-style Nawabi Paneer Curry is a luxurious and aromatic dish that embodies the richness of Indian cuisine. Its delicate balance of flavors and creamy texture makes it a standout choice for both special occasions and everyday meals. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate this royal dish in your own kitchen. Enjoy the delightful flavors that this curry brings and share it with your loved ones to create unforgettable memories around the dinner table.