This Amritsari paneer bhurji is the creamiest bhurji I’ve ever made, and there’s not a drop of cream in it. The secret is roasted besan and curd, and once you try it, regular bhurji just won’t feel the same.

This Amritsari paneer bhurji is the kind of bhurji you get at old dhabas in Punjab where the paneer is soft, the masala is rich, and you end up ordering another plate before you’ve finished the first. That’s exactly how it tastes when you make it at home, and it takes about 40 minutes with ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

If you’ve been making our paneer bhurji at home, you know how good a simple bhurji can be. But this Amritsari version is a richer, more flavourful bhurji that feels like proper Punjabi food. If you have the time, making it with homemade paneer is really worth it because the fresh paneer stays so soft and absorbs every bit of that masala.

Ingredients for Amritsari Paneer Bhurji

Paneer: Grated for an even, creamy texture. Homemade paneer works best as it’s softer and absorbs the masala better, but store-bought is fine too.

Curd Masala Mix: Whisked curds mixed with turmeric, red chilli, coriander, garam masala, pav bhaji masala, amchur powder, and salt. This spiced curd base is what gives the bhurji its unique flavour.

Besan Mix: Besan or chickpea flour roasted in oil with kasuri methi and kashmiri chilli powder. This, mixed with spiced curd, is the secret behind the creaminess.

Aromatics: Green chillies, ginger, and garlic cooked in mustard oil and butter.

Onions & Tomatoes: Finely chopped to form the base of the bhurji.

Milk: For extra creaminess. Don’t skip this.

Mustard Oil & Butter: I’ve used mustard oil for its authentic Amritsari flavour, but any cooking oil works.

Coriander Leaves: Freshly chopped, for garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richa’s Top Tips

• Roast the besan properly until the raw smell completely goes. This takes about 3-4 minutes on low heat. If the besan isn’t roasted enough, the bhurji will have a raw, floury taste that ruins the whole dish.
• Take the pan off the heat before adding the curd-besan mix. Adding it on heat can cause the curd to split and make the masala grainy. Off the heat, it blends in smoothly and cooks evenly when you put it back on.
• Use mustard oil if you can. It adds a sharpness and authenticity that regular cooking oil doesn’t have. If you don’t like the strong flavour of mustard oil, you can use half mustard oil and half regular oil.
• Don’t skip the milk. It’s what gives the bhurji its creamy, luscious texture. Without it, the bhurji will be drier, and the masala won’t coat the paneer as well.
• Use fresh, soft paneer and don’t overcook it. Paneer only needs 5-7 minutes in the masala to absorb the flavours. Any longer and it starts turning rubbery and chewy, especially if you’re using store-bought.
• Skip pav bhaji masala if you don’t have it. Pav bhaji masala adds depth and a lovely street-style flavor to the paneer bhurji. But feel free to skip it, or replace it with Kitchen King masala or curry masala if you want.

Storage Tips

• In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavours develop nicely overnight. Add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
• Freezing: Not recommended. Paneer changes texture when frozen and becomes rubbery, and the curd-besan masala can split once thawed.
• Reheating tip: Warm gently on the stove on low heat with a little milk. Stir frequently so the masala doesn’t stick to the bottom. It comes back to life really well on the stove. Avoid the microwave if you can as the paneer tends to harden.

Serving Ideas

This Amritsari paneer bhurji works for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. Here are a few ways we enjoy it:

• With Ladi Pav: Buttered pav with hot paneer bhurji is a match made in heaven. Toast the pav with a little butter on the tawa and you’re sorted.
• With Lachha Paratha: The flaky layers with this creamy, rich bhurji is one of the best combinations you can put on a plate.
• With No Yeast Naan: Tear, scoop, eat. Simple and satisfying.
• In a sandwich: Spread the bhurji between two buttered slices and toast on the tawa. Makes for a really filling breakfast or snack.
• With Jeera Rice and Dal Tadka: If you want to turn it into a proper thali-style meal, jeera rice with dal and this bhurji on the side is comfort food at its best.

Customisation Ideas

• Make it with tofu: Crumble firm tofu and use it in place of paneer for a vegan version. Squeeze out the excess water first so it absorbs the masala properly. The besan-curd base gives it plenty of flavour.
• Add veggies: Finely chopped capsicum, peas, or corn mixed in with the paneer adds colour and crunch without changing the flavour much.
• Make it with eggs: Skip the paneer and scramble eggs directly into the besan-curd masala for an Amritsari style egg bhurji. The roasted besan trick works just as well with eggs.
• Add cheese: A handful of grated mozzarella or cheddar stirred in right at the end makes it even more indulgent. It melts into the bhurji and adds a lovely stretch.
• Make it drier for rolls or sandwiches: Cook the bhurji a few minutes longer until most of the moisture evaporates. The drier version holds together better inside a paratha roll or a toasted sandwich.

If you take one thing away from this recipe, let it be the roasted besan and curd technique. It works in this bhurji, but honestly you can use it in so many other dishes to add creaminess without cream. Try this Amritsari paneer bhurji recipe first, though, and I promise you’ll see what I mean. When you make it, find me on Instagram @my_foodstory and let me know what you think.

Watch Amritsari Paneer Bhurji Recipe Video

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Amritsari Paneer Bhurji

This Amritsari Paneer Bhurji is a creamier, softer, and more indulgent version of the regular bhurji. It uses milk, a spiced curd mix, and a roasted besan mix for the most delicious paneer bhurji recipe ever!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 4 people

Calories 678kcal

Author Richa

Ingredients

For curds masala mix

• 1 cup curds whisked
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons red chilli powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons coriander powder
• ¾ teaspoon garam masala powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon pav bhaji masala
• 1 teaspoon amchur powder

For besan mix

• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 tablespoons besan
• 1 ½ teaspoons kasuri methi
• ¾ teaspoon kashmiri red chilli powder

For bhurji

• 500 gms paneer crumbled
• 1 tablespoon mustard oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 green chillies finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 cup finely chopped onions
• 2 ¼ cup finely chopped tomatoes
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves

Instructions

Curds mix

• Take all the ingredients for curds masala mix in a bowl, mix it well and set aside.
  1 cup curds, ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 ½ teaspoons red chilli powder, 1 ½ teaspoons coriander powder, ¾ teaspoon garam masala powder, ¾ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon pav bhaji masala, 1 teaspoon amchur powder, ¾ teaspoon salt

Besan mix

• Heat oil in a pan, add besan, kasuri methi, Kashmiri red chilli powder and fry for 3-4 minutes till the raw smell of besan goes. Once it cools, add it to the curd masala, mix them well and set aside.
  3 tablespoons cooking oil, 2 tablespoons besan, 1 ½ teaspoons kasuri methi, ¾ teaspoon kashmiri red chilli powder

Making of bhurji

• Heat oil and butter in a pan, add chopped green chillies, ginger and garlic & saute on low for 1-2 minutes till they turn light golden
  1 tablespoon mustard oil, 1 tablespoon butter, 3 green chillies, 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger, 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Add onions and fry for 4-5 minutes on medium till they turn golden brown.
  1 cup finely chopped onions
• Add tomatoes & salt and fry for 5-6 minutes till the tomatoes are cooked well and turn mushy.
  2 ¼ cup finely chopped tomatoes
• Take off the heat, add the curd-besan mix, give a good mix and cook the mixture for 8-10 minutes till oil leaves the sides of the pan.
• Add grated paneer & milk, give it a good mix and cook for 5-7 minutes till the paneer absorbs all the masalas.
  500 gms paneer, 1 ½ cup milk
• Garnish with coriander leaves and serve.
  2 tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves

Video

Notes

1. Mustard oil is used in this recipe for its authentic taste, which may be replaced with any cooking oil of your choice.
2. Adding milk gives it the creamy texture and so do not skip it.

Nutrition

Calories: 678kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 54g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 1130mg | Potassium: 578mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 1345IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 825mg | Iron: 1mg

This article was researched and written by Harita Odedra.

The post Amritsari Paneer Bhurji appeared first on My Food Story.

Crispy paneer finger is a delicious and easy Indian snack made with paneer, which is coated in a batter, then rolled with breadcrumbs and fried until golden crispy. These paneer fingers make a perfect starter, evening snack and can be enjoyed with mint chutney, tomato ketchup, mayonnaise or any dip of your choice.  Paneer Fingers...

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The post Paneer Fingers Recipe appeared first on Yummy Tummy.

Paneer Do Pyaza is an underrated classic that you’ll find at any North Indian restaurant. It heroes onions in three different ways to make a curry that’s spicy, mildly sweet, and filled with texture. 

This Paneer Do Pyaza isn’t your average paneer curry. The star of this dish isn’t just paneer, but onions which are used in 2 different ways (hence the name, Do Pyaza). Making this restaurant-style paneer curry is easier than you’d think. Even though it has a slightly longer list of ingredients, most of them are Indian pantry staples. The result is a dish that is rich, spicy, mildly sweet and pairs perfectly with rice or roti.

If you are bored of the classic paneer recipes such as matar paneer or paneer lababdar, then this paneer do pyaza recipe is something you definitely need to try ASAP!

Paneer Do Pyaza Ingredients

Paneer: The star of the recipe. I have used homemade paneer for the best flavor, but store-bought works also.

Onions: We use onions two ways – once in the onion cashew paste to form the gravy and then as onion petals to add texture and bite to the dish

Spices: A mix of whole spices like cumin seesds, bay leaves, cardamom, and cloves along with powdered spices like turmeric, red chilli, Kashmiri red chilli, coriander, cumin, and garam masala, add lots of flavor, warmth, and color to the dish

Cashews: Helps add creaminess and richness to the gravy without the use of any cream. I have used broken cashews, but you can use whole cashews by simply reducing their quantity slightly

Tomatoes: Forms the base of the gravy along with onions and cashews. Adds a slight tanginess to the whole dish

Fat: We use three types of fats – oil, ghee, and butter at different stages of the cooking process to add richness and flavor to the dish in every bite

Ginger garlic paste: Adds aroma and flavor to the gravy

Tomato ketchup: Unexpected but adds a lovely tangy-sweet flavor the dish. I highly recommend adding it

Salt: for seasoning

Kasuri methi: Lightly roasted and crushed, and added right at the end for a subtle smokiness and that restuarant-style flavor

Coriander leaves: Used as a garnish for hint of hearty freshness and the perfect finishing touch

Frequently Asked Questions

Richa’s Top Tips

• Use homemade paneer: If you have 15 extra minutes, I highly recommend making paneer at home. It turns out incredibly soft and adds an unbeatable flavor and richness to the dish. It’s really easy to make but adds the most amazing flavor.
• Make it vegan: You can easily make this recipe vegan by only using oil instead of ghee and butter and replacing paneer with either tofu or veggies of your choice.
• Add veggies: You can add veggies like capsicum, bell peppers, babycorn, sweet corn, mushrooms, cauliflower and carrots for more texture and nutrition.

Serving Ideas

• With bread: This paneer curry pairs beautifully with almost any Indian bread. Serve it with butter naan, garlic naan, tandoori roti, laccha paratha, or simple rotis for a comforting meal.
• Rice: It also tastes great with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or peas pulao if you’re serving it as part of a larger spread.
• Some accompaniments: Round out the meal with sliced onions, lemon wedges, papad, cucumber raita, or a simple salad for some freshness alongside the rich curry.

Storage Tips

Paneer Do Pyaza stores well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

• Refrigerate: Allow the curry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently: Warm it over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If the gravy has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of water to loosen it.
• Freeze the gravy: If you’d like to freeze it, it’s best to freeze only the gravy for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked paneer and onion petals after thawing for the best texture and flavor.
• Avoid repeated reheating: Reheat only the portion you plan to eat, as repeatedly heating paneer can make it firm and rubbery.

You’ll absolutely love this Paneer Do Pyaza! I love making this to elevate our weeknight dinners and I’m already adding it into this week’s meal plan. If you liked this recipe, I’ve got heaps of other paneer recipes up on the blog under Paneer Archives for you!

As always, be sure to send me your recreations over on my IG @my_foodstory. It’s always so good to hear from you guys!

Watch Paneer Do Pyaza Recipe Video

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Paneer Do Pyaza

Rich, spicy, tangy, and loaded with texture, this paneer do pyaza is a classic restaurant style dish that tastes incredible with some naan!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian, North Indian

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 persons

Calories 586kcal

Author Richa

Ingredients

For the onion-cashew-tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 cup sliced onions
• 4 tablespoons broken or whole cashew nuts
• 6 medium tomatoes roughly chopped approx. 2 ½ cups 210 grams
• ¾ teaspoon salt

For do pyaza gravy

• 400 grams paneer cut into 1 inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons ghee see note 3
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 black cardamoms
• 8 cloves
• ½ cup finely chopped onions
• 2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 2 teaspoons kashmiri red chilli powder
• 2 teaspoons coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups onions cut into petals see note 4
• 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons water divided
• 1 teaspoon kasuri methi roasted & crushed
• ½ teaspoon garam masala powder
• 3 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves

Instructions

Making onion-cashew-tomato paste

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the same pan or kadai & fry sliced onions till they turn translucent. Add soaked cashews & saute for a minute. Add tomatoes, salt and cook covered for 4-5 minutes on low till they turn mushy.
  2 tablespoons cooking oil, 1 cup sliced onions, 4 tablespoons broken or whole cashew nuts, 6 medium tomatoes roughly chopped approx. 2 ½ cups, ¾ teaspoon salt
• Set aside to cool down, grind it to a smooth paste (you may add 2 tablespoons of water for ease of grinding, if needed)

Making do pyaza gravy

• Heat ghee in a pan or kadai, add cumin seeds, bay leaf, black cardamom & cloves & saute. Add finely chopped onions & fry till they turn golden brown.
  2 tablespoons ghee, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 2 bay leaves, 2 black cardamoms, 8 cloves, ½ cup finely chopped onions
• Add ginger garlic paste and fry for a minute.
  2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste
• Add all spice powders and fry for about 30 secs.
  1 teaspoon red chilli powder, 2 teaspoons kashmiri red chilli powder, 2 teaspoons coriander powder, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, ½ teaspoon salt
• Add the onion petals and fry on high for 30 secs. Add 2 tablespoons of water to mix everything & cook for only a minute. Do not over cook.
  2 cups onions cut into petals, 2 cups + 2 tablespoons water
• Add the onion-cashew-tomato paste and boil on low for 3-4 minutes.
• Add tomato ketchup and mix well.
  2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
• Add the remaining 2 cups of water & bring to a boil.
• Add paneer cubes along with kasuri methi, garam masala powder, boil for a minute or two, garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve.
  1 teaspoon kasuri methi, ½ teaspoon garam masala powder, 3 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves

Video

Notes

 

1. Any cooking oil may be used in the recipe.
2. Ghee is used for the authentic taste of the gravy which may be replaced with oil, if you prefer.
3. To make onion petals: cut onions into 1 inch cubes, separate each layer of onion to form the petals.
4. Leftovers will stay good for 3 days when refrigerated in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 586kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 871mg | Potassium: 807mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 2060IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 570mg | Iron: 3mg

This article was researched and written by Urvi Dalal.

The post Restaurant-Style Paneer Do Pyaza made easily at home appeared first on My Food Story.