Makhmali Paneer is a creamy side dish that pairs very well with Rotis, Naans, made with cream of Melon Seeds and Coconut Milk. A very simple side dish that only requires a handful of ingredients resulting in a rich gravy.
Makhmali Paneer was part of my Awadhi Thali or the Mixed North Indian Thali I made during March for the Thali Theme. I adapted this from Vaishali who helped with creating the Menu. All the recipes are from her blog and this one naturally called me. She got this from her Mom and she made it during Mom's day, remembering those days when her Mom made it for them. It was lovely reading through the recipe and knowing it uses thick coconut milk along with Melon Seeds or Magaz Tari to give a creamy gravy that was so good with both rice and Janta Roti that I made.
The North Indian thali featured dishes like
I made the thali during a Sunda, and since it's mostly nonveg for Kids, Chinnu came on to check the dishes. He thought this paneer was for them as well and he wanted to try it. After popping in a piece he said the gravy was good but would want roti with it. I then had to tell him that these were for the Vegetarians.
This creamy dish made a wonderful add-on for the whole thali and the main factor being it hardly takes time to get done.
Do check my April A to Z International Flatbread Recap, if you haven't yet!
We are starting the new Edition this week. I picked 'Pick one Protein-Rich Ingredient' for BM#88 week 1 and I will be sharing 3 different dishes with Paneer.
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Step by Step Pictures for making Makhmali Paneer
Makhmali Paneer | How to make Makhmali Paneer
How to make Makhmali Paneer
Wash and soak the Melon Seeds in enough water. Grind to a smooth paste by adding enough water. Keep it aside.
Heat oil in a nonstick pan. Saute onions, garlic, and ginger. Saute till pink.
Add melon seed paste and combine well.
Add tomato puree and all spice powders.
Saute till oil separates. Add paneer pieces.
Add coconut milk, mixing gently.
Simmer and cook for a few mins.
Serve hot with chapattis
Recipe
Makhmali Paneer | How to make Makhmali Paneer
Ingredients
- 250 gms Paneer / Cottage Cheese cut into big rectangles
- 3 tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1 cup Onions finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Garlic finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Ginger finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Melon Seeds /Magaz Tari
- 1/2 cup Tomato puree
- 1 tsp Red Chilli powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
- A Pinch Turmeric powder
- 300 ml Coconut Milk
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash and soak the Melon Seeds in enough water. Grind to a smooth paste by adding enough water. Keep it aside.
- Heat oil in a nonstick pan. Saute onions, garlic and ginger. Saute till pink.
- Add melon seed paste and combine well.
- Add tomato puree and all spice powders .
- Saute till oil seperates. Add paneer pieces.
- Add coconut milk, mixing gently.
- Simmer and cook for a few mins.
- Serve hot with chapattis
Other dishes on the thali along with this were Raja Kebab, Jodhpuri Aaloo, Dal Tadka Restaurant Style, Gulab Ki Kheer
Nalini says
Such a creamy and flavorful paneer recipe,must be delicious with roti.The addition of coconut milk makes the curry so rich.
vaishalisabnani says
I get nostalgic when ever I make this Paneer , it takes me back to my maiden days when mom used to cook . It was pure pleasure to eat Mom’s special dishes , this one is the best . Thank you for choosing the signature dish , it is such a delicious paneer .
Varada says
I loved the creamy look of the gravy. Can imagine the awesome flavor of the melon seeds. Bookmarked
Gayathri Kumar says
Making a creamy curry with melon seeds is something I haven't tried yet. The paneer looks awesome and being Vaishali's recipe, I know it is absolutely yum too..
Priya Suresh says
I always looks for different dishes with paneer and this Makhmali paneer looks absolutely lipsmacking Valli. Just want some rotis to enjoy this ultimate dish.
Rafeeda - The Big Sweet Tooth says
Such an interesting gravy... always you hear creaminess coming from cashews, but sure these seeds are a much more healthier version to bring creaminess to this delicious looking platter of paneer...
Sandhiya says
Making curries with melon seed is interesting, never tried or tasted it before. It looks so creamy and must be delicious with roti. Yummy!!
sushma says
Paneer curry looks creamy and yummy. This is one dish which I make alteast once a week.
Harini says
Very interesting use of melon seeds and coconut milk for the gravy. Love the texture of the gravy. I have come across a few recipes with melon seeds and to think I have never used it in my kitchen, makes me roll my eyes:)
Renu Agrawal Dongre says
A different way of cooking this with melon seeds. It must have definitely added the creaminess to it, and not to mention the nutrition value. My mother till date cleans , deseed and store the melon seeds.
Pavani says
That is such a delicious paneer recipe Valli. Ground melon seeds must have added nice creaminess to the dish. I haven't used melon seeds before, will have to look for them in the grocery store.
Padmajha PJ says
Somehow I was under the impression that this dish was really elaborate.Seeing the method , I definitely need it make it.And Vaishali's blog is really a treasure trove, right!!!