Our site contains some affiliate links. That means when you purchase anything by clicking those links, I get a commission with no extra cost to you. This helps up the blog running. Thank You! Achari means Pickle. So, you can guess from the name that the Pickled Paneer is made by using some of the Pickle Spices (Achari Masala). Like any other Paneer recipe, this recipe is also rich in flavor. But it is not as well-known as Shahi Paneer or Butter Paneer. In India, Kadai (or wok) is popular for such dishes. But you can also make this Paneer in any regular pan. The prominent flavor of the Paneer comes from the freshly ground spices that are added to the recipe. The post contains Helpful Tips & Tricks to make Achari Paneer. But if you’re in a hurry, you can also click “Jump to Recipe’ under the Heading to go directly to the Recipe Card, or you can also click Recipe Card from the Table of Contents below.
⭐WHAT IS ACHARI PANEER?
Achari Paneer is made with two words: Achari & Paneer. Achari means Pickle (or anything made using pickling spices), and Paneer is Indian Cottage Cheese. So, in a nutshell, Achari Paneer is a curry made by adding Paneer in pickling spices and tomatoes, ginger, and cream/yogurt. This is a spicy and tangy curry. So to balance all the flavors, cream/Yogurt is added, and it also helps make the curry creamy & delicious.
🔪PREPARATION FOR ACHARI MASALA
Spices that I use to make Homemade Achari Masala are:
Fenugreek SeedsMustard SeedsCumin SeedsFennel SeedsCoriander SeedsWhole Red Chili
Achari Masala is a blend of spices combined to make the dish extra flavorful. Freshly roasted spices enhance the flavor &, in turn, makes the paneer recipe more delicious. You can:
🔪HOW TO MAKE ACHARI PANEER RECIPE
Check the recipe card below for the full recipe, but you refer here for step-by-step photo instructions. STEP 1- ROAST THE SPICES: The first step is to roast the spices in the pan at low heat until fragrant. This will enhance the flavor of the curry. STEP 2- MAKE THE SPICE-MIX: The next step is to make the spice-mix (Achari masala). Once the spices cool down, then grind them in a spice grinder. STEP 3- MAKE PUREE: Make the gravy by adding tomato, ginger, and green chilies to a blender. Blend them finely until smooth. STEP 4 - ADD PUREE: Add oil to the pan and mix the blended puree. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until oil starts to separate. STEP 5- ADD SPICES: Add spice-mix (achari masala), Kashmiri Red Chili Powder, and garam masala to the gravy and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. Then add cream and honey & cook for a few more minutes. STEP 6- ADD PANEER: Add Paneer to the curry along with Kasuri Methi and cook for 1-2 minutes. You can use store-bought Paneer or Homemade Paneer for the recipe. STEP 7- ADJUST & SERVE: Lastly, adjust the seasoning, and serve with Indian Flatbread or Rice of your choice.
💭TOP TIPS
Dry roast the spices first, before grinding them. This will make the spice-mix more aromatic. You can make the spice-mix in big quantity and store it in an air-tight container.For more tangy flavor, add either diced (canned) tomatoes or cherry tomatoes. No need to add onions & garlic. This Achari Paneer is made without onion and garlic.Adjust the spice level as per your taste. Achari Paneer’s masala already has a bold taste, so when you add green chilies just keep that in mind.To lighten the flavor, add cream or milk; this will make the recipe creamier and also balances the flavor. Cook the masala in mustard oil. This will bring the smoky flavor to the curry.Always use Homemade Achari Masala for the recipe.
🍽STORAGE
You can store Achari Paneer Recipe in the refrigerator or freezer; the taste will remain the same. You can store leftover Paneer in the fridge for 3-5 days. And in the freezer in a container for 1-2 months. Before using the freezer-stored Paneer, just thaw and heat it in the microwave or in a pan on the stove-top until boiled.
👪SERVING SUGGESTIONS
You can serve Achari Paneer Recipe with Garlic Naan, Missi Roti, Amritsari Kulche, or Lachha Parantha. They also go great with Jeera Rice or Pulao.
📖VARIATION
🧾FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
🥗OTHER PANEER RECIPES
SHAHI PANEERBUTTER PANEERKADAI PANEERPANEER TIKKAMATAR PANEERHOMEMADE PANEERPALAK PANEERPANEER TIKKA MASALAPANEER STUFFED LASAGNA
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📖 RECIPE CARD
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