If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine and love indulging in creamy, flavorful paneer dishes, then this Methi Paneer recipe is going to be your new favorite! Bursting with the aromatic goodness of fresh fenugreek leaves (methi) and soft, creamy paneer, this dish combines nutrition and flavor in every bite. It’s a perfect vegetarian main course that goes beautifully with roti, naan, or jeera rice.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through every detail of making the perfect restaurant-style Methi Paneer, share pro tips, serving suggestions, storage tips, and even answer the most common questions people have about this delicious dish. So, let’s get cooking!
🧾 Ingredients for Methi Paneer
Here’s what you’ll need to create this wholesome dish:
- 2 tablespoon cashews
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon ghee
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 300 grams chopped fresh methi (fenugreek leaves)
- 1/4 cup water
- 350 grams paneer (cubed)
- 1/4 cup fresh cream
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Methi Paneer
Step 1: Soak and Blend Cashews
Start by soaking the cashews in 1/4 cup of hot water for 10–15 minutes. Once softened, blend them into a smooth paste. This will add creaminess and richness to the gravy.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
Heat oil and ghee in a pan. Add the ginger garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears. This base forms the aromatic foundation of the curry.
Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes
Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook them until soft and mushy. This forms the tangy base of your gravy.
Step 4: Spice It Up
Now add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Stir well and let the spices bloom.
Step 5: Add Cashew Paste
Pour in the cashew paste and cook it for 2–3 minutes until the oil starts separating. This helps enhance the flavor and gives the curry a rich texture.
Step 6: Add Methi Leaves
Add the freshly chopped methi leaves and 1/4 cup of water. Cook until the methi is wilted and well-blended into the masala.
Step 7: Add Paneer
Gently fold in the paneer cubes. Let them simmer in the masala for 3–4 minutes so they absorb all the wonderful flavors.
Step 8: Finish with Cream and Garam Masala
Add fresh cream and garam masala. Stir gently and simmer for 2 more minutes. Your Methi Paneer is ready to serve!
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Methi Paneer Recipe
- Nutritious & Flavorful: Methi is rich in iron and fiber, while paneer adds a dose of protein and calcium.
- Restaurant-Style Taste: Creamy, mildly spicy, and aromatic, just like your favorite Indian restaurant.
- Quick & Easy: You’ll have it ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Serve with roti, paratha, or rice—it works every time!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- With Indian Breads: Serve this creamy Methi Paneer with hot phulkas, butter naan, or garlic kulcha for a hearty meal.
- With Rice: Pair it with jeera rice, ghee rice, or plain basmati rice.
- Side Accompaniments: A bowl of raita, sliced onions, or mango pickle elevates the overall dining experience.
❄️ How to Store Methi Paneer
- Refrigerator: Store the leftover Methi Paneer in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the curry (without cream) for up to a month. Add cream only while reheating for best results.
- Reheating Tip: Reheat on a stovetop on low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore consistency.
✅ Tips for the Best Methi Paneer Ever
- Use Fresh Methi: Always prefer fresh methi leaves for the best taste. If using frozen, rinse well to remove bitterness.
- Paneer Quality Matters: Use soft, fresh paneer. Homemade paneer also works wonderfully.
- Avoid Overcooking Paneer: Add paneer at the end and cook just enough to warm it. Overcooking can make it rubbery.
- Balance the Bitterness: If methi tastes too bitter, blanch it in hot water and squeeze before adding to the curry.
- For Extra Creaminess: Increase the amount of cashew paste or cream based on your preference.
🥄 Nutritional Benefits of Methi Paneer
| Component | Health Benefit |
|---|---|
| Methi (Fenugreek) | Rich in iron, controls blood sugar |
| Paneer | High protein, calcium-rich |
| Cashews | Healthy fats, magnesium |
| Tomatoes | Packed with antioxidants like lycopene |
📖 Variations of Methi Paneer
- Methi Malai Paneer: Add more cream and a dash of milk to turn this into a white gravy version.
- Methi Palak Paneer: Mix in some spinach for an added nutrition boost.
- Tofu for Paneer: Replace paneer with tofu for a vegan version.
📋 Common FAQs About Methi Paneer
Q1. Is Methi Paneer spicy?
It’s mildly spiced. You can adjust the red chilli powder to increase or reduce heat.
Q2. Can I use kasuri methi instead of fresh methi?
Yes, but use only 1–2 tablespoons of kasuri methi. It’s more concentrated in flavor.
Q3. Can I skip cashews in the recipe?
Cashews give the gravy its creamy texture. If needed, you can replace them with almonds or skip entirely, though it will alter the richness.
Q4. Is Methi Paneer good for weight loss?
It can be, if made with less cream and ghee. Methi is low in calories and helps with digestion.
Q5. Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! Methi Paneer tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just add cream before serving.
📝 Recipe Card for Methi Paneer
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp cashews
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp ghee
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 300g fresh methi leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup water
- 350g paneer, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh cream
Instructions:
- Soak cashews in hot water and blend to a smooth paste.
- Heat oil and ghee in a pan. Sauté ginger garlic paste.
- Add tomatoes and cook till soft.
- Add turmeric, chilli, coriander powder, and salt.
- Mix in cashew paste and cook till oil separates.
- Add methi and water, cook until wilted.
- Add paneer and simmer for 3–4 mins.
- Finish with cream and garam masala.
Serve hot with naan, rice, or roti.
📌 Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Methi Paneer Recipe
Methi Paneer is the perfect example of a comforting, nourishing dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re preparing a weekday lunch or a festive dinner, this dish fits the bill. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate greens into your meals while still enjoying a creamy paneer delicacy.
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to share your experience and tag me on social media @BakeWithNeetu. I’d love to see your delicious creations!
