This Dhaba Style Chicken Curry stands for every road trip we’ve had with our families. Same bold flavours, hot, fragrant, and ready in under 45 minutes. Learn how to make it in a traditional pressure cooker, instant pot, and on the stovetop.

I think I’ve finally nailed it. This Dhaba Style Chicken Curry is SO good. Its legit, as close as it gets to eating it in a dhaba. Spicy, fragrant with spices, big, bold flavours and really juicy pieces of chicken.

Dhabas, for the uninitiated, are roadside restaurants that you’ll find along the highway. They’re road trip essentials and are scattered all over the country and really well-known for their bold, rustic flavors and ambience. Growing up, the highlight of any road trip was a stopover at a dhaba for steaming hot, spicy dhaba style chicken curry, dal fry or dal makhani and tandoori rotis fresh from the oven to mop it all up. These soul satisfying meals will always be etched on to my heart!

Unlike my other recipes, this one’s slightly time consuming because masala is ground and cooked till it’s color changes. This is characteristic of most Indian curries, and the slow cooking process or bhuno is what lends dishes a unique flavor.

Dhaba Chicken Curry Ingredients

Here are the main ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

• Chicken: Bone in chicken cut into 2 inch pieces. Most Indian curries use the entire bird (thighs, breast, drumsticks)
• Ginger Garlic Paste: Fresh ginger and garlic in equal parts ground to a paste with a little water. Use store bought in a pinch but fresh adds more flavour
• Lime Juice: Acid helps tenderise the meat

• Mustard Oil: Key to getting that unique dhaba flavour. It’s more pungent and adds a smokiness
• Whole Spices: Cumin, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and bayleaf. Skip if you don’t have but I recommend using them for that burst of flavour
• Ginger & Garlic: Ground with onions. You can substitute it with 1.5 tbsp store bought or homemade ginger garlic paste
• Onions: Form the main base of the gravy and add flavour, density and thickness
• Green Chillies: Add heat and flavour. Use serrano peppers if you don’t have Indian green chillies available
• Ground Spices: Red Chilli Powder, Turmeric Powder, Coriander Powder and Garam Masala. I highly recommend using homemade garam masala. Add it towards the middle or end of the cooking process to retain its aroma and flavour

• Tempering: We use ghee, ginger, and green chillies to add an additional layer of flavor to finish off the curry. Don’t skip this step!

Why is this Chicken Curry recipe so unique

We were asking this question ourselves while trying to replicate that dhaba like flavour – How is it that common dishes taste extra unique when they come from a dhaba?

Here’s what we found: Dhabas use more oil, ghee and butter to add richness and to cook the food faster, there’s a natural smoky flavour because all the cooking is done on a really high flame or using firewood. They liberally use freshly ground spices wherever possible and finally, they end the dish with a sizzling tadka/tempering!

We’ve taken all this information and compiled it into one beautiful chicken curry.

How to make Chicken Curry

Check out the simple steps that go into making this beautiful curry

Marinate

1. Marinate the chicken in ginger garlic paste, lime juice and salt. This adds flavour from within and the acid helps tenderise the meat

2. Add onions, ginger, garlic and green chillies to a chopper and pulse to get a coarse mix. 

Curry

1. Pound spices roughly with a mortar pestle to break them down and release their flavour

2. Saute them in hot oil to temper them

3. Brown the onion paste in oil that’s tempered with whole spices. This is a slow cooking process where the onion paste is sauteed on a low flame till it changes colour and becomes a deep golden brown. You’ll see a thin layer of oil floating on the top and the sides – thats when you know its cooked through and isn’t raw anymore

4. Cook tomatoes and spices for a few minutes till the tomatoes become pulpy soft

5. Roast the chicken along with garam masala in the onion tomato mixture, tossing it for a minute or two till the gravy coats all the pieces

6. Pressure Cook for 15 minutes. If using a traditional pressure cooker, start on high heat and after the first whistle, reduce the heat to low. Wait till you hear two more whistles and then turn off the flame. Let the pressure release naturally. To make instant pot chicken curry, pressure cook on high for 8 minutes

7. Temper julienned ginger and slit green chillies in butter and ghee.This adds an extra layer of flavour and gives it a nice hint of ginger

8. Serve chicken curry with tempering poured on top. Sprinkle some chopped coriander for freshness and flavour

Richa’s Top Tips

• Always marinate the chicken. The longer the better. This literally changes the game by adding flavour, seasoning, and tenderising.
• Brown the onion paste. Don’t rush this process. Browning onions slowly gets rid of any raw smell and flavour. You’ll know its done when you see a little oil separating on the sides and the colour changes to a deep golden. This, in addition with the herbs, spices and tomatoes create the perfect balance. 
• Don’t skimp on oil. There is a fair amount of fat in this recipe in the form of oil, butter and ghee. I would not recommend skimping on oil as it will compromise the flavor.
• Always use quality garam masala. I always recommend homemade garam masala. But even if using store bought, make sure its not more than a year old. Add it just before cooking the chicken so that it retains its freshness and aroma
• Do not forget the tempering. It gives it that extra kick along with the richness from the ghee. 

Storage Tips

• If you have leftovers, let the chicken curry cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
• If you’d like to store it for longer, you can freeze Dhaba Chicken Curry for up to 2–3 months. For convenience, portion it into freezer-safe containers so you can thaw only as much as you need.
• When you’re ready to reheat, thaw the frozen curry in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it gently on the stovetop. The gravy tends to thicken as it sits, so add a splash of water while reheating if needed. Make sure the chicken is heated through before serving.
• And the best part? The flavours have more time to come together as the curry sits, so leftovers can taste even better the next day. This also makes it a great make-ahead chicken curry for busy weeknights.

Serving Ideas

Wondering what to serve with Dhaba Chicken Curry? You really can’t go wrong with something that helps soak up all that delicious, spicy gravy!

• For an easy weeknight meal, serve this Indian chicken curry with jeera rice, steamed basmati rice or soft rotis.
• If you’re craving a proper dhaba-style spread, go for tandoori roti or naan with a bowl of cool raita, sliced onions and lemon wedges on the side.
• For a bigger Indian meal, add dal fry or dal makhani and a simple vegetable sabzi. And don’t forget extra rotis or rice because you’ll want every last bit of that gravy!

I hope you guys enjoy this recipe as much as I do, it’s truly one of my favorites! And like all curries, this tastes even better the next day, so no need to worry about leftovers! If you love dhaba style food, check out my other favourite like Dhaba Dal Fry, Dhaba Dal Tadka, Matar Paneer, Karahi Chicken, Dal Makhani.

When you make this recipe, don’t forget to send me pictures over on my IG @my_foodstory. I love seeing your recreations!

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Dhaba Style Chicken Curry

The best dhaba style chicken curry recipe! Spicy, hot, fragrant curry made with ground spices, onions and tomatoes, and perfect for a family lunch or dinner.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Diet Gluten Free, Halal

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 8 Portions

Calories 283kcal

Author Richa

Ingredients

• 1 kg Chicken skinless, bone-in whole chicken cut into medium sized pieces (referred to as curry cut in India)

For the marinade:

• 2 tablespoons Ginger Garlic Paste
• 1 Juice of lime
• 1 tablespoon Salt

For the curry:

• 1/4 cup Mustard Oil see note 2
• 4 medium Red Onions
• 10 cloves Garlic
• 1½ inches Ginger
• 3 – 4 Green Chilies use Serrano Peppers as replacement, adjust the spice as required
• 1 tablespoon Cumin Seeds
• 2 Bay leaves
• ½ Cinnamon stick Stick
• 4 – 5 Cardamoms
• 8 – 10 Peppercorns
• 4 – 5 Cloves
• 4 medium Tomatoes finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
• 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder optional; adjust the spice as required
• 2 tablespoons Coriander Powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala Powder
• 1 teaspoon meat masala
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 1/4 cups water

For tempering:

• 1 tablespoon Ghee or Oil
• 1 tablespoon Butter
• 2 Green Chilies slit lengthwise
• ½ inch Ginger julienned
• 2 tablespoon Coriander for garnishing

Instructions

• Marinate the chicken pieces with ginger garlic paste, lime juice and salt. Cover and set aside while you prep everything else
• Add onions, ginger, garlic and green chillies to a chopper and pulse to get a coarse mix.
• Heat oil in a pressure cooker or a large heavy bottom pan. Add cumin seeds. Roughly pound all the whole spices (bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, peppercorns and cloves) and add to the oil.
• once they start to splutter, add the onion mix. Cook the onion mix on a low flame, stirring occasionally till it is reduced to a golden brown mix and you see a thin layer of oil along the sides
• Add tomatoes, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder (if using) and coriander powder. Cook till the tomatoes start melting, and almost form a paste.
• Add chicken and garam masala powder and roast for a minute or two till the chicken pieces turn pink and get coated with the masala. Add meat masala powder, 1 ¼ cups of water, mix well.

Pressure Cooker:

• At this stage, if you are using a pressure cooker, place the lid and pressure cook on high till the first whistle goes off. Then reduce the flame to low and pressure cook for two more whistles and turn off the flame. If using a different kind of pressure cooker (without a whistle system), pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.
• Simmer for 5-10 mins on high flame, if required, to thicken the curry (chicken leaves a lot of water). I didn't need to do this.

Stovetop Method:

• If you are using a heavy bottomed pan, bring the curry to a boil, reduce the heat, cover with a lid and let it cook on medium heat for 20-25 minutes. Uncover the pan, and cook for another 10-15 minutes till the curry starts to thicken. Once the curry is ready, switch off the flame.
• Instant Pot Method:
• If using an instant pot, place the lid and change the vent to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Release pressure manually. Simmer the curry for a few minutes to achieve the desired thickness if there is too much water.
• Tempering:
• In another small pan, heat ghee and butter and add green chilies and ginger. Once they start to splutter, switch off the flame and mix the tadka (or tempering) into the curry. Top with coriander.
• Let the curry sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. Tastes best with rotis or rice.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 283kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 1330mg | Potassium: 425mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 811IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 2mg

This article was researched and written by Urvi Dalal.

The post Dhaba Style Chicken Curry appeared first on My Food Story.

If paneer tikka is the first thing your family orders at a restaurant, this air fryer version means you can have it whenever you want. It’s quick, it’s easy, and the paneer comes out beautifully charred every time.

This air fryer paneer tikka recipe gives you that smoky, charred flavour that you usually only get from a tandoor, and it only takes about 25 minutes. The marinade is a classic yogurt-spice base with mustard oil and roasted besan, which gives the paneer a beautiful colour and coating that crisps up perfectly in the air fryer. 

We make this when we have people over, and it always gets finished before anything else on the table. It also works really well as a weeknight dinner with some naan and sliced onions on the side. If our air fryer chicken tikka is already a favourite at home, this paneer version uses a similar method and is just as easy to put together.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Paneer Tikka

Paneer: Cut into 1-inch cubes. Fresh or homemade paneer works best as it holds its shape and chars better in the air fryer.

Vegetables: Onion, capsicum, and tomato, all cut into 1-inch cubes for skewering with the paneer.

Marinade: Hung curd, mustard oil, ginger-garlic paste, Kashmiri chilli powder, coriander powder, chaat masala, garam masala, kasuri methi, and salt.

Roasted Besan: Added to the marinade after dry roasting for 2-3 minutes. It gives the paneer a nutty flavour and helps the marinade coat and crisp up in the air fryer.

Finishing: Fresh coriander, a squeeze of lime juice, and a brush of melted butter right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richa’s Top Tips

• Roast the besan before adding it to the marinade. Raw besan will leave a floury taste on the paneer. Two to three minutes on low heat until it smells nutty and turns slightly golden is all it needs. This step makes a noticeable difference to the final flavour.
• Use mustard oil in the marinade. It adds a sharpness and pungency that regular oil can’t replicate. If you don’t have mustard oil, any neutral oil will work, but the tikka won’t taste as authentic.
• Cut everything into uniform 1-inch pieces. This ensures the paneer and vegetables cook evenly in the air fryer. Larger pieces won’t char properly in the time given, and smaller ones will dry out.
• Flip the skewers halfway and brush with butter. The flip ensures even charring on all sides, and the butter adds richness and helps the surface brown into those gorgeous charred spots that make paneer tikka look and taste as if it came from a tandoor.
• Finish at 200°C for the last 3-4 minutes. The higher temperature at the end is what gives the paneer those slightly charred, smoky edges. Skipping this step means you’ll get cooked paneer but not tikka-style paneer.

Storage Tips

• In the fridge: Store the paneer tikka in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavours hold up well overnight, though the charred edges won’t be as crispy.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated, uncooked paneer and vegetables for up to two weeks. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, skewer, and air fry fresh. Cooked tikka doesn’t freeze as well since the paneer can turn rubbery.
• Reheating tip: Pop the tikka back in the air fryer at 180°C for 3-4 minutes to warm through and bring back some of the char. Avoid the microwave as it makes the paneer chewy and the vegetables soggy.

Serving Ideas

This paneer tikka works as a starter, a snack, or as part of a bigger meal. Here are a few ways we enjoy it:

• With Mint Chutney and sliced onions: The most classic way to serve paneer tikka. The cool, herby chutney with the smoky, charred paneer is a combination that never gets old.
• With No Yeast Naan or Lachha Paratha: Wrap a piece of tikka in warm naan with some chutney and onions for a quick tikka roll.
• With Green Coriander Chutney: If you prefer something brighter and tangier than mint chutney, this one works just as well with the smoky paneer.
• As part of a spread: Serve this alongside our hara bhara kebab and veg seekh kebab for a proper vegetarian starter platter when you have people over.

Customisation Ideas

• Make it achari: Add a tablespoon of pickle masala to the marinade for a tangy, spicy version. If you’ve tried our achari chicken tikka, this is the vegetarian take on that same flavour.
• Try it with tofu: Firm tofu cubes marinated and air-fried the same way work really well. Press the tofu beforehand to remove excess water so the marinade sticks better.
• Add pineapple to the skewers: Chunks of pineapple between the paneer and vegetables caramelise beautifully in the air fryer and add a sweet, tangy contrast to the smoky tikka.
• Make a tikka wrap: Slice the charred paneer, stuff it into a warm roti or naan with some mint chutney, sliced onions, and a squeeze of lemon. One of the best ways to eat leftover tikka.
• Swap the capsicum for mushrooms: Whole button mushrooms or thick slices of portobello hold up really well on the skewers and soak up the marinade beautifully.

Did You Know?

Roasting besan before adding it to a marinade is a technique borrowed from Lucknowi kebab kitchens. Kebab makers in Lucknow discovered that raw besan leaves a floury, chalky taste on the surface of kebabs, but roasting it first transforms it into a nutty, flavourful binder that also helps the marinade crisp up during cooking. This same trick works in paneer tikka. The roasted besan creates a thin coating that chars and crisps in the air fryer, which is why this paneer tikka in air fryer gets those beautiful smoky edges that most home versions miss. 

If you’ve been wanting to make paneer tikka at home but thought you needed a tandoor to get it right, this recipe is proof that you don’t. The air fryer handles it beautifully, and the whole thing is done in under 25 minutes. When you make it, come show me on Instagram @my_foodstory.

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Air Fryer Paneer Tikka

This air fryer paneer tikka recipe is quick, easy, and tastes just like it was made in a tandoor. Charred smokey paneer, crunchy veggies, and a marinade that sings of flavor, this recipe is must-try!

Course Snacks & Appetisers

Cuisine Indian

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 13 minutes minutes

Total Time 23 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 302kcal

Author Richa

Equipment

• 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients

For paneer tikka

• 400 grams Paneer cut into 1 inch cubes (Cottage Cheese)
• 1 Onion cut into 1 inch cubes (medium sized)
• 1 Capsicum deseeded and cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 Tomato deseeded and cut into cubes (optional)
• Chopped Coriander or Cilantro Lime juice for topping

For the marinade

• 3 tablespoon Besan chickpea flour
• 3 tablespoons Mustard Oil
• 1/2 tablespoon Ginger Garlic Paste
• 1/2 cup Hung Curd or Greek Yogurt
• 2 teaspoons Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder or Paprika
• 1 tablespoon Coriander Powder
• 1 teaspoon Chaat Masala Powder available at Asian/Indian stores
• 1/2 teaspoon Garam Masala Powder
• 1 teaspoon kasuri methi crushed
• 3/4 th teaspoon salt adjust to taste if needed

Instructions

• Roast the besan on a low flame for 2-3 minutes till it starts smelling nutty and turns a very light golden brown.
• Mix all the ingredients under marinade into a bowl and add paneer to it. Toss the paneer in the marinade till the cubes are coated well.
• Preheat the air fryer at 180℃ for 3 minutes.
• Skewer paneer cubes alternating with onions, capsicum and tomato (if using). This should make about 3-4 skewers.
• Place the skewers in the air fryer basket or tray and cook for 10 minutes. Flip half way through and brush with melted butter at the 5 minute mark. After 10 minutes, increase the temperature to 200℃ for 3 to 4 minutes till the paneer has a slight char on the surface. Serve hot with some naan, sliced onions, cream, and coriander. Enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 302kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 39mg | Potassium: 202mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 996IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 359mg | Iron: 1mg

This article was researched and written by Harita Odedra.

The post Air Fryer Paneer Tikka appeared first on My Food Story.

A sizzler at home might sound like a big project, but this paneer sizzler is honestly a lot easier than it looks. Once you see how simple each step actually is, you’ll wonder why you ever paid restaurant prices for one.

This paneer sizzler is the vegetarian version of our Chicken sizzler, and if you’ve made that one before, you already know most of the steps. If you haven’t, don’t worry. The recipe has a few components, but each one is really simple on its own, things like sautéing veggies, making a quick sauce, and cooking some herb rice. 

Once everything is prepped, the final assembly is just a couple of minutes of putting it all together on the hot plate. I’d suggest prepping the different components earlier in the day so you’re not doing everything at once. That way when it’s time to eat, you can actually enjoy the assembly and the sizzle instead of rushing through it.

Ingredients for Paneer Sizzler

Paneer: Cut into 4 squares or rectangles and marinate for 10-15 minutes before frying.

Paneer Marinade: Ginger garlic paste, salt, pepper, green chilli sauce, and soy sauce.

Shashlik Sauce: Ginger, garlic, celery, tomato ketchup, vinegar, sriracha, soy sauce, vegetable stock, pepper, sugar, salt, and cornflour slurry. 

Herb Rice: Cooked rice sautéed with butter, garlic, and spring onion greens.

Vegetables: Broccoli, beans, carrots, and cabbage. 

Mushrooms: Shiitake or shimeji, halved, sautéed with onion rings.

Potato Wedges: Fried, served on the plate alongside everything else.

Butter & Oil: Used across different components for cooking and flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richa’s Top Tips

• Heat the sizzler plate until it smokes. This is the most important step. If the plate isn’t hot enough, there will be no sizzle or smoke and the whole experience will fall flat. Give it a good 5-7 minutes on high heat before you start assembling.
• The shashlik sauce must be boiling when you pour it. If the sauce has cooled down even slightly, it won’t sizzle when it hits the plate. Keep it on the stove at a rolling boil right until the moment you’re ready to pour.
• Don’t overcook the paneer while frying. 2-3 minutes on medium heat is enough to get a light golden colour. If you fry it too long, the paneer will turn hard and rubbery on the sizzler plate.
• Blanch the vegetables before sautéing. The vegetables don’t get enough cooking time during the final assembly, so if they go on the plate raw, they’ll stay raw. A quick one-minute blanch followed by an ice bath keeps them cooked but still crunchy.
• Don’t forget the cabbage under the rice. The sizzler plate is extremely hot, and rice placed directly on it will burn and stick almost immediately. The cabbage strips act as a barrier and keep everything in place.

Storage Tips

• In the fridge: Store each component separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. The shashlik sauce, herb rice, sautéed veggies, mushrooms, and fried paneer all keep well individually. Keeping them separate means you can reheat and assemble a fresh sizzler whenever you want.
• Freezing: The shashlik sauce freezes well for up to two weeks. The rest of the components are best made fresh. Because overtime the veggies lose their crunch and the paneer can turn rubbery after freezing.
• Reheating tip: Reheat the sauce on the stove until it’s at a rolling boil, warm the rice and veggies separately, and heat the sizzler plate from scratch. The sizzle only works when the plate and sauce are both piping hot, so don’t rush this step even when reheating.

Serving Ideas

A sizzler Paneer is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to make it feel like a full restaurant experience:

• Start with Sweet Corn Soup or Eight Treasure Soup: A warm bowl of soup before the sizzler arrives at the table sets the whole mood.
• With Dominos Style Garlic Breadsticks: Something to munch on while the sizzler is being assembled. 
• End with Mocha Lava Cake: A warm, gooey lava cake after the sizzler makes it a proper three-course meal at home.

Customisation Ideas

• Make it vegan: Swap the paneer for firm tofu and use oil instead of butter across the components. The shashlik sauce is already vegan, so the rest of the sizzler stays the same.
• Try a different sauce: Use the garlic pepper sauce from our Chicken sizzler instead for a spicier, more peppery version.
• Add more protein: Grilled mushroom steaks, marinated tofu slices, or even a fried egg on the side can make the sizzler feel more substantial.
• Switch up the veggies: Baby corn, asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini all work well on a sizzler plate. Use whatever is in season and looks good at the market.
• Make a Mexican style sizzler: Swap the shashlik sauce for a spicy salsa, replace the herb rice with chilli garlic fried rice, and add some guacamole and sour cream on the side for a completely different experience.

Did You Know?

Shashlik sauce originated in Central Asia and has nothing to do with Indian or continental cooking. The word “shashlik” comes from the Turkic word for skewered meat, and the sauce was originally used to baste kebabs cooked over open flames. Somewhere along the way, Indian restaurants adopted the name for a tangy, tomato-vinegar-based sauce that bears little resemblance to the original. The Indian version has its own identity now, sweeter, tangier, and thickened with cornflour, and it’s become one of the most popular sizzler sauces in the country. 

Making a sizzler at home is a lot more doable than most people think. And this paneer sizzler recipe is proof. Take it one step at a time, don’t rush the prep, and make sure the sauce is boiling when you pour it. That’s really all there is to it. When you make it, come show me on Instagram @my_foodstory, I’d love to see your sizzler moment.

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Paneer Sizzler with Shashlik Sauce

Making this paneer sizzler with shashlik sauce is a great way to recreate your favorite restaurant veg sizzler order at home.

Course Main Course

Cuisine international

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 2 servings

Author Richa

Ingredients

Shashlik sauce

• 2 teaspoons sunflower or any neutral cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced celery
• 2 ½ tablespoons tomato ketchup
• 2 teaspoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha or red chilli sauce
• 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon pepper crushed
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon corn flour mixed in ¼ cup water

Paneer marinade

• 100 grams paneer cut into 4 squares or rectangles
• 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon crushed pepper
• ½ teaspoon green chilli sauce
• ½ teaspoon light soy sauce

Herb rice

• ½ teaspoon butter
• 1 teaspoon grated garlic
• ¾ cup cooked rice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ tablespoons chopped spring onion greens

Other

• 6-8 florets of broccoli
• 8 beans cut into 2
• 2 carrots cut into 2 inch strips
• 2 cups water
• ½ teaspoon salt divided
• 1 tablespoon sunflower or any neutral cooking oil
• 1 ½ tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion cut into rings
• ½ cup halved mushrooms shiitake, shimeji
• 4-5 cabbage leaves cut into ½ inch wide strips
• 7-8 fried potato wedges

Instructions

Marinating paneer

• Add all the ingredients for marinade to a bowl, mix well and set aside for the paneer to marinate for 10-15 minutes.

Herb rice

• Heat ½ teaspoon of butter in a pan or kadai, add garlic and saute for a few secons till it turns light golden. Add rice, salt, mix well, top with spring onion greens. Set aside.

Sauteeing veggies

• Blanching veggies: Keep a large bowl of ice cold water ready. Boil 1½ cups of water in a pot, add ¼ teaspoon of salt, broccoli, beans, carrots and cook for maximum of 1 minute and take off the heat. Drain the water & dip them in ice cold water & drain again. Set aside.
• Sauteeing veggies: Heat a pan or kadai with a teaspoon of butter, add the blanched veggies, ⅛ teaspoon of salt and saute for 1-2 minutes till they turn glossy from the outside.

Sauteeing mushrooms

• Heat a pan or kadai with 1 teaspoon of oil, add onion rings and saute for a minute till they turn translucent, add mushrooms, ⅛ teaspoon of salt and saute for 1-2 minutes till they are lightly roasted.

Shashlik sauce

• Heat oil in a pan or kadai, add ginger, garlic, celery and saute on high for a few seconds till fragrant. Add vegetable stock, stir well, bring to a boil. Add ketchup, vinegar, sriracha, soy sauce, salt, sugar, pepper, stir and simmer for 4-5 minutes. Add cornflour slurry while stirring continuously, once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes till the sauce thickens and turns glossy. Set aside.

Frying paneer

• Heat a flat-bottomed pan with 2 teaspoons of oil, add marinated paneer and fry on medium for 2-3 minutes till they are roasted well.

Making of Sizzler

• Heat the sizzler pan on high heat till it smokes and using tongs or kitchen gloves, place it on the wooden base. Add 1 teaspoon of butter to the sizzler pan, spread the cabbage leaf strips to cover the pan and saute for a few seconds. Spread herb rice on top of cabbage leaves, add the sauteed veggies & potato wedges. Place the roasted paneer on top of veggies, add mushrooms on top of paneer, pour the boiling hot garlic pepper sauce (refer note 4) on top of the paneer & mushrooms and also around the sizzler plate. The sauce will sizzle & smoke and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

1. You may add any veggies, mushrooms of your choice in the sizzler. 
2. Blanching veggies is very important to ensure that the veggies are not raw when served in the sizzler.
3. Cabbage leaves are added so that the rice does not stick to the sizzler pan and does not get burnt while serving.
4. Shashlik sauce has to be boiling hot when poured on the sizzler as it ensures the sizzling & smoking effect.

This article was researched and written by Harita Odedra.

The post Paneer Sizzler with Shashlik Sauce appeared first on My Food Story.

Craving something rich and comforting? This Hyderabadi Mutton Marag is a flavorful, brothy soup with tender mutton, nutty flavors, and aromatic spices—perfect for chilly evenings.

A cold evening calls for a warm bowl of Mutton Marag, especially when there’s some crusty bread on the side. After all, what more could you possibly need? This Hyderabadi delicacy is a rich, brothy soup packed with nutty, garlicky flavours, while the mutton is cooked until wonderfully tender and falls right off the bone.

What makes this dish truly stand out is the way it’s made; pressure-cooked for tenderness, then slow-simmered for deep, layered flavors. A blend of almond and cashews gives the broth a silky texture, while whole spices bring in the classic warmth. Traditionally served as a starter at weddings and feasts, Mutton Marag is comfort food at its finest.

Pair it with naan, tandoori roti, or even just a hunk of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that yummy flavorful broth. 

Mutton Marag Ingredients Overview

• Bone-in Mutton: The marrow infuses the broth with richness. You may use boneless mutton, but I highly recommend bone-in pieces for the best flavor
• Whole Spices: Cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves create complex flavors
• Nut Paste: Almond and cashew paste for a silky, creamy texture
• Herbs: Coriander and mint for freshness
• Lemon: A final squeeze adds brightness and tang

Frequently Asked Questions

Richa’s Top Tips

• Use Bone-in Mutton. This is the secret to achieving a ricer and more flavorful broth
• Pressure Cooking is the fastest way to get this soup on the table. It cuts down the cooking considerably and delivers mutton that is sooo tender and perfectly cooked
• Don’t skip on the final slow Simmer. It helps develops the full depth of flavor
• Don’t rush the onions. Sauté the onions until they turn light brown. This gives the marag a lovely depth of flavour without making the broth too dark.
• Adjust the consistency to your liking. Marag is meant to have a light, brothy consistency. If it gets too thick, simply add a little hot water and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Let the mutton marag cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Marag freezes well. Store it in freezer-safe containers in individual portions and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop until piping hot. If the marag has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of water while reheating and adjust the seasoning if needed.
• Make-ahead tip: The flavours develop beautifully as the marag sits, so you can make it a day ahead and reheat it before serving.

Serving Ideas

• Serve mutton marag hot as a soup or light main course, with plenty of the fragrant broth and tender pieces of mutton in every bowl.
• Pair it with naan, roomali roti, or paratha to soak up the rich, nutty broth.
• For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside steamed basmati rice or jeera rice.
• A side of sliced onions, lemon wedges and green chillies works beautifully if you enjoy a little extra freshness and heat.

Once a royal banquet dish, Mutton Marag has become a popular choice for celebrations and cozy nights. With its rich broth, tender meat, and aromatic spices, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Tried this recipe? Tag me on IG @my_foodstory and show me your delicious bowls of Mutton Marag! 🍲✨

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Hyderabadi Mutton Marag | Mutton Soup

Brothy, nutty, and flavorful, you'll want to slurp on a bowl of this mutton marag cold winter evenings with a side of bread or naan.

Course Snacks & Appetisers

Cuisine Indian

Diet Halal

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes minutes

Total Time 55 minutes minutes

Servings 4 persons

Calories 528kcal

Author Richa

Equipment

• 1 Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves
• 1 bayleaf
• 2 green cardamoms
• 1 ½ cups sliced onions 3 medium, approx. 250 gms
• 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
• ½ kg bone-in mutton 500 gms
• 2 ¼ teaspoons salt divided
• 5 cups + 2 tablespoons water divided
• 2 green chillies whole
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper powder
• 4 tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves divided
• 2 tablespoons chopped mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons almond paste
• 2 tablespoons cashew paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

• Heat ghee in pressure cooker, add whole spices, saute for a minute on low heat, add onions, saute for 3-4 minutes on medium heat till they turn light brown. Add green chillies, ginger garlic paste along with 2 tablespoons of water & saute for 2 minutes.
• Add mutton & 1 teaspoon of salt & saute for 5-6 minutes till the mutton gets coated with the aromatics and turns light golden.
• Add 2 tablespoons of coriander leaves, 1 ½ cup of water and close the lid of the pressure cooker. After 1 whistle, lower the heat and cook for 20 minutes. Let the pressure release on its own. At this stage, mutton should be cooked to tender but the meat should not fall off the bones as it may get too mushy.
• Open the pressure cooker and heat it on high. Add the spice powders, remaining 1 ¼ teaspoon of salt, almond and cashew paste, lemon juice, remaining 2 tablespoons of coriander leaves, mint leaves, remaining 2 ½ cup of water and mix everything well. Simmer for 20 minutes and serve.

Video

Notes

1. Bone-in mutton is best suited for this recipe as the bone & marrow renders a rich flavour to the soup. 
2. Water is added with ginger garlic paste to avoid it from getting burnt.
3. Pressure cooking mutton helps it get cooked faster vs cooking in a pot which may take double the time depending on the mutton.

Nutrition

Calories: 528kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 1479mg | Potassium: 482mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 145IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 3mg

This article was researched and written by Harita Odedra.

The post Hyderabadi Mutton Marag | Mutton Soup appeared first on My Food Story.

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.