Dhaba Style Aloo Paneer Recipe
Dhabas, the rustic roadside eateries in India, are known for their delicious and hearty food. One such classic dhaba dish is Aloo Paneer, a delightful combination of potatoes and paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy. In this recipe, we’ll recreate the authentic dhaba style Aloo Paneer at home to satisfy your cravings for a taste of India’s highways.
Ingredients:
For the Aloo Paneer Mixture:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 200g paneer, cut into cubes
– 1 cup green peas (optional)
– 2 onions, finely chopped
– 2 tomatoes, pureed
– 1/2 cup yogurt
– 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– Salt to taste
– Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
For the Dhaba-Style Gravy:
– 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 onions, finely chopped
– 1 green chili, slit (adjust to your spice preference)
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 bay leaf
– 2-3 cloves
– 2-3 green cardamom pods
– 1-inch cinnamon stick
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 cup tomato puree
– Salt to taste
– 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
Aloo Paneer Mixture:
1. In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a few more minutes until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add tomato puree, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Cook this mixture until the oil starts to separate from the tomatoes.
5. Stir in the yogurt and cook for a few more minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken.
6. Add the diced potatoes and green peas (if using). Cook them until the potatoes are partially cooked.
7. Gently fold in the paneer cubes and cook for another 5 minutes.
8. Sprinkle garam masala and mix well. Cook for a few more minutes until the potatoes and paneer are cooked through. Set this mixture aside.
Dhaba-Style Gravy:
1. In a separate pan, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves, green cardamom, and cinnamon. Sauté for a minute or until the spices release their aroma.
2. Add finely chopped onions and green chili. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
3. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for a few minutes.
4. Add the coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric, and red chili powder. Cook for a couple of minutes.
5. Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the tomato mixture.
6. Add salt and water, then let it simmer for a few minutes.
Bringing It Together:
1. Combine the Aloo Paneer mixture with the Dhaba-Style Gravy and mix well.
2. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the flavors meld together and the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
3. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
4. Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Dhaba Style Aloo Paneer is a flavorful and satisfying dish that captures the essence of Indian roadside cuisine. Enjoy this hearty meal with your loved ones, and savor the delicious blend of spices and textures that make it a dhaba classic.