Paneer makhani facts for kids
Paneer makhani
|
|
| Place of origin | India |
|---|---|
| Region or state | North India |
| Associated national cuisine | Indian |
| Similar dishes | Butter chicken, dal makhani |
Paneer makhani is a super popular and tasty Indian dish. It's also known as paneer butter masala. This dish comes from Delhi, India. It features soft pieces of paneer (a type of Indian cheese) in a rich, creamy sauce.
The sauce is usually made with lots of butter (makhan), juicy tomatoes, and creamy cashews. Chefs also add special spices like red chili powder and garam masala to give it a wonderful flavor. Paneer makhani is often a little bit sweet, making it a favorite for many. In fact, a survey showed it's one of the top five most ordered foods in India!
What is Paneer Makhani?
Paneer makhani is a delicious vegetarian curry. The main ingredient is paneer, which is a fresh, non-melting cheese. It's similar to cottage cheese but has a firmer texture. Paneer is very popular in Indian cooking.
The "makhani" part refers to the rich, buttery gravy. This sauce is what makes the dish so special. It's known for its smooth texture and mild, slightly sweet taste. It's a comforting and flavorful meal.
Where Did Paneer Makhani Come From?
The name makhani comes from the Hindi word makhan, which means 'butter'. So, makhani basically means 'buttery'. This dish got its name because it uses a generous amount of butter in its sauce.
Paneer makhani was first created in the 1950s. It originated at a famous restaurant called Moti Mahal in Delhi, India. The chefs there invented the sauce by mixing fresh butter into a tomato-based curry. This made a new, delicious dish that quickly became a hit!
How Is Paneer Makhani Made?
Making paneer makhani involves creating its signature creamy sauce. While there are many ways to prepare it, here's a common method:
- First, cashew nuts and tomatoes are fried. Then, they are ground into a very smooth paste. This paste forms the base of the sauce.
- Next, aromatic spices like cardamom and bay leaf are added. These spices give the gravy a warm, inviting smell and taste.
- Sometimes, sour curd (yogurt) is added to the gravy. However, some recipes use only tomatoes for the tangy flavor.
- A lot of butter is used to make the sauce rich and smooth. This is why it's called "makhani"!
- Finally, spices like garam masala, red chili powder, kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), and fresh coriander leaves are stirred in. These add the final touches of flavor and aroma.
This combination of ingredients creates a truly unique and delicious dish. It's often served with naan bread or rice.
