Paneer and chickpea curry
Instructions
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!
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.