Paneer and chickpea curry

Paneer and chickpea curry

15 min
Our paneer and chickpea curry recipe brings together the rich flavours of Indian spices with paneer, chickpeas, and spinach, nestled in a warming tikka masala sauce. With its mix of vibrant spices and simple ingredients, this curry it is the perfect choice for a quick yet satisfying meal, ideal for any occasion.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/paneer-and-chickpea-curry/

Instructions

  • Mix tomato paste, curry paste, honey, and 250 ml of water until well combined. Set aside.
  • Heat butter in a pan over medium heat, and fry the paneer cubes for 4 minutes, turning halfway, until they are golden and crisp.
  • Add chickpeas and the curry sauce to the pan. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 1 minute, just until wilted.
Enjoy!
Balancing sweetness and spice

If the tikka masala paste feels too strong or tangy, you can add a little more honey for extra sweetness. Alternatively, stir in a spoonful of yoghurt at the end to add creaminess and mellow the spice. If you prefer a less tangy sauce, you can also increase the amount of tomato paste slightly to balance the acidity.

Adjust the consistency

To get your preferred sauce texture, modify the amount of water used during cooking. If you like a thicker sauce, use less water, and for a lighter sauce, add a bit more. Just be sure to check the seasoning. Adjusting the consistency of the sauce may require you to add more or less seasoning, depending on your preferences.

Prepare paneer properly

Frying paneer correctly ensures it remains soft inside with a crisp, golden outside. Fry it over medium heat to make sure you do not overcook it, which can make the paneer too firm. This preserves its tender texture, and adding it to the curry towards the end allows it to soak up the flavours without becoming chewy.

FAQ: Questions about paneer and chickpea curry

Check out our questions and answers about this paneer and chickpea curry below so you can prepare to make the best of the recipe. Keep reading below!

Can I prepare paneer and chickpea curry ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare paneer and chickpea curry ahead of time. Just note that the paneer can become a bit firmer if stored in the fridge, so it is a good idea to add it just before serving. You can make the sauce and chickpeas in advance. When reheating the curry, prepare the fresh paneer as you would normally and stir it in just before serving.
How do I store paneer and chickpea curry?
To store leftover paneer and chickpea curry, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. This is a great way to make the most of any extra portions. When you are ready to eat it again, you can reheat it gently on the stove to preserve the paneer’s texture. If the sauce has thickened during storage, you can refresh it by adding a bit of water or broth.
Can I freeze paneer and chickpea curry?
Yes, you can easily freeze paneer and chickpea curry. Make sure the curry has cooled fully before placing it in an airtight container, then freeze for up to 3 months. You can divide it into smaller portions and place it in smaller containers, so you only have to thaw the amount you need. This makes it easy to defrost and enjoy a quick meal later. Thaw the curry in the fridge overnight and ensure you reheat it slowly to avoid altering the paneer’s texture too much.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

984 Kcal

Fibre 27.4 gram fibers
Protein 86.7 %
Carbohydrates 90.1 %
Fat 30 gram

Ingredients

Paneer, cut into 2 cm cubes
225 g
Tomato paste
3 tbsp
Tikka masala curry paste
5 tbsp
Honey
1 tsp
Slightly salted butter
15 g
Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
400 g
Baby spinach
125 g
Water
250 ml

Cook a comforting paneer and chickpea curry

Our paneer curry with chickpeas takes the warm, comforting flavours of India and turns them into a simple, quick-to-make meal. Enjoy the golden crispness of paneer, the hearty bite of chickpeas, and the fresh touch of spinach, all wrapped up in a deliciously spiced sauce.

The pan-fried paneer provides a satisfying contrast to the smooth, warming sauce. Whether you are looking for a quick meal after a busy day or something special to serve on a weekend, this curry offers the perfect mix of simplicity and flavour.

Warm and spicy from tomato and tikka masala curry paste

The bold taste of the curry comes from the flavoursome combination of tomato paste and tikka masala curry paste. The tomato paste creates a rich, slightly tangy base, while the tikka masala paste introduces a wonderful mix of spices, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala. These spices add a satisfying warmth that builds as the sauce cooks.

The honey adds a gentle sweetness that softens the heat of the spices, ensuring the curry has a well-rounded taste. These tangy, sweet, and spicy flavours imbue the sauce with the beloved notes and aromas from Indian cuisine.

Filled with robust chickpeas and earthy spinach

Chickpeas add substance and texture to the curry. Their nutty flavour works beautifully with the bold spices, and as they simmer in the sauce, they absorb the rich, warming flavours.

The earthy spinach infuses the curry with fresh, green colours. As it wilts into the sauce, it retains just enough of its texture to add a tender bite. The combination of tender spinach and firm chickpeas creates a lovely mix of textures that keeps the curry exciting and satisfying.

A delicious Indian curry ready in no time

Whenever you crave something full of flavour but are short on time, this paneer curry is your new dependable choice. It is great for busy weeknights when dinner should be scrumptious yet quick to prepare, but it is also special enough to serve up for a weekend dinner.  It is a simple yet flavourful way to enjoy the tastes of Indian cuisine without much effort, making it ideal for any occasion.

For more quick and flavourful options, try classic Indian daal, a comforting lentil dish rich in spices. If you prefer grilled flavours, paneer skewers are simple yet bold. Or try a simple paneer Buddha bowl, bringing fresh, vibrant ingredients together, or paneer butter masala for another rich and creamy curry.

Get creative with the recipe

There is plenty of room to get creative with this curry. Add more vegetables like peppers or carrots; their natural sweetness pairs well with the spices, and they will soften as they cook, adding extra texture and flavour.

A squeeze of lime adds a refreshing tang to balance the warm spices. Mushrooms are another great addition with their rich, meaty flavour. Choose varieties like shiitake or portobello, which have a deep, earthy taste and fry them until golden before adding them to the curry.

A thoughtful garnish can make a big difference when serving. Fresh coriander adds a burst of brightness with its citrusy notes. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sliced fresh chillies offer a sharp, spicy kick that will activate your taste buds.