Paneer Lababdar | पनीर लबाबदार

Paneer Lababdar is an Indian dish consisting of Paneer as the main ingredient. It is made from tomato and cashew-based gravy sauteed with onions, spices, and herbs.

This dish is quite popular and is on the menu of many restaurants. It is originally a Mughlai dish and is presented in Punjabi style most of the time in restaurants. It is another dish that the members of the royal court enjoyed. However, since it is rich in flavours, ingredients, and texture, it is mainly reserved for occasions and festivals.

Notes:

• Sometimes sugar is added as well to get a slightly sweet taste in the dish.
• If you want, you can add sesame or melon seeds to make the paste.
• Almonds are not recommended to be used in this recipe, unlike we sometimes use in shahi paneer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will it be okay if I use canned tomatoes?

Canned tomatoes will be a good substitute. And the best is you can directly grind them with cashews. No need to cook them. You can also directly add tomato puree for the same.

Can I make it without garlic and onions?

Of course, you can make this without the ingredients. Asafoetida will be good to mimic the flavours for the same. Not too much, just a pinch will do.

Can I use malai instead of cream?

The malai can be a substitute for heavy cream. The consistency may differ depending on the fat content of the malai. However, whip the malai properly before using it in the cooking.

Is it possible to make this vegan?

Yes, this can be in a vegan version. Use tofu instead of paneer. Also, either skip using the cream or replace it with coconut or a plant-based version of the ingredient.

More paneer recipes:

• Matar Paneer
• Surti Paneer Gotala
• Paneer Malai Kofta
• Paneer Tikka
• Tandoori Paneer Pakodas

Watch Paneer Lababdar Recipe Video

Ingredients of Paneer Lababdar

• Oil - 3-4 tbsp
• Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp
• Cinnamon - 1 pcs (medium size)
• Cardamom - 3 pcs (whole, green)
• Clove - 3 pcs
• Black Pepper - 3-4 pcs
• Garlic - 7-8 pcs (whole, peeled)
• Red Chili - 2 pcs (whole, dry)
• Green Chili - 1 pcs (halved)
• Bay Leaf - 1 pcs
• Cashews - 15-20 pcs
• Onion - 2 pcs (medium size, chopped)
• Tomato - 1 pcs (large, chopped)
• Water - 1 glass
• Oil - 3-4 tbsp
• Ginger - 1 pcs (2-inch long, slit)
• Coriander Powder - 1 tsp
• Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
• Red Chili Powder - 1 tsp
• Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp
• Salt - 1 tsp
• Coriander - 2-3 tbsp (chopped)
• Water - 1 glass
• Cheese - As per taste
• Paneer - 300 gms (cube shape)
• Heavy Cream - 2-3 tbsp

Steps for Paneer Lababdar

• Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, garlic, red chili, green chili, bay leaf cashews, and onions. Saute till it turns aromatic.
• Then add tomato and saute again for 1-2 minutes. Add water to the pan. Cover it and cook for 5-7 minutes.
• Transfer them to a mixer jar and grind to paste.
• Again heat oil in a pan. Add ginger, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and coriander. Saute them until the oil separates.
• Now add the paste and mix it. Also, pour water into the jar, shake well and add that to the mixture.
• Grate cheese to the mixture. Then place paneer pieces to it.  Cover the pan and cook until the paneer is soft.
• Lastly, add heavy cream to it.
• Paneer Lababdar is ready.  

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