Mary Berry Paneer Curry Recipe

Mary Berry Paneer Curry Recipe

This Mary Berry Paneer Curry Recipe is a mild and creamy recipe, which is made with soft cubed paneer and a blend of warming spices. It’s a great meat-free dinner option, ready in about 40 minutes.

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Mary Berry Paneer Curry Recipe Ingredients

For the Curry Sauce:

  • 250g Paneer, cubed
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 1 large Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece Ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Purée
  • 400g (14 oz) Chopped Tomatoes (canned or fresh blended)
  • 100ml Greek Yogurt or Heavy Cream

Spices & Seasonings:

  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander
  • ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala
  • ½ tsp Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
  • ½ tsp Sugar (optional)

For Garnishing & Serving:

  • 2 tbsp Fresh Coriander, chopped
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice (optional)
  • Cooked Basmati Rice or Naan Bread
Mary Berry Paneer Curry Recipe
Mary Berry Paneer Curry Recipe

How To Make Mary Berry Paneer Curry Recipe

  1. Fry the cheese: Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the cubed paneer and fry gently, turning frequently, until the cubes are golden brown on all sides. Remove the paneer from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
  2. Toast seeds and sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the cumin seeds and toast them for about 30 seconds until they sizzle and become fragrant. Immediately add the chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they are soft and golden brown.
  3. Add fresh aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly so the garlic does not burn.
  4. Build the sauce: Stir in the turmeric, ground coriander, garam masala, and chili powder. Cook the spices for 30 seconds to release their oils. Add the tomato purée and the chopped tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the raw tomato flavor is gone. Season with salt, pepper, and the sugar (if using).
  5. Simmer and finish: Return the fried paneer to the pan and mix to coat it in the sauce. Pour in the Greek yogurt (or heavy cream), stirring gently to combine. Simmer for 5 more minutes until the sauce is creamy and hot throughout.
  6. Serve: Remove from the heat. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish. Serve hot with rice or bread.
Mary Berry Paneer Curry Recipe
Mary Berry Paneer Curry Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • Preventing Chewy Paneer: If you over-fry paneer, it can become rubbery. Fry it just until golden. For extra softness, you can soak the fried paneer in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes before adding it to the curry.
  • Yogurt vs. Cream: Mary Berry recipes often use full-fat ingredients for flavor. Heavy cream makes a richer, smoother sauce. If using Greek yogurt, lower the heat before adding it to prevent it from splitting (curdling).
  • Adjusting Heat: This is a mild, family-friendly curry. If you prefer a kick, add a chopped green chili along with the garlic and ginger, or increase the chili powder.
  • Tomato Acidity: The pinch of sugar is important if you are using canned tomatoes, as it balances out the acidity and enhances the spices.

What To Serve With Mary Berry Paneer Curry

This vegetarian main course pairs perfectly with traditional Indian sides.

  • Basmati Rice: Steamed or pilau rice.
  • Naan Bread: Garlic or plain naan is perfect for scooping up the sauce.
  • Kachumber Salad: A fresh cucumber, tomato, and onion salad.
  • Mango Chutney: For a sweet contrast.
Mary Berry Paneer Curry Recipe
Mary Berry Paneer Curry Recipe

How To Store Mary Berry Paneer Curry Recipe

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve the next day.
  • Reheat: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water to loosen it.
  • Freeze: You can freeze this curry for up to 2 months. However, dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate upon thawing. Defrost slowly in the fridge and reheat gently.

Mary Berry Paneer Curry Recipe Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Protein: 16g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 4 servings.

FAQs

Can I substitute the paneer?

If you cannot find paneer, Halloumi cheese is a decent substitute, though it is saltier. Firm tofu is an excellent vegan alternative (use coconut milk instead of cream/yogurt for a fully vegan dish).

Why did my yogurt curdle?

Yogurt curdles if added to a boiling sauce. To prevent this, remove the pan from the heat or turn it down to very low before stirring in the yogurt. Using room-temperature yogurt also helps.

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Yes, you can use about 4 large ripe tomatoes. Blend them into a puree before adding to the pan for a smoother sauce, or chop finely for a textured sauce.

Try More Recipes:

Mary Berry Paneer Curry Recipe

Course: DinnerCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

380

kcal

A simple, aromatic, and creamy vegetarian curry featuring golden fried paneer cubes simmered in a rich tomato and spice sauce.

Ingredients

  • 250g Paneer, cubed

  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil

  • 1 large Onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced

  • 1-inch Ginger, grated

  • 2 tbsp Tomato Purée

  • 400g Chopped Tomatoes

  • 100ml Greek Yogurt or Cream

  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds

  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander

  • ½ tsp Turmeric

  • 1 tsp Garam Masala

  • ½ tsp Chili Powder

  • 2 tbsp Fresh Coriander

Directions

  • Fry paneer cubes in 1 tbsp oil until golden; set aside.
  • Toast cumin seeds in remaining oil; sauté onions until golden.
  • Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute.
  • Stir in spices, tomato purée, and chopped tomatoes. Simmer 10 mins.
  • Add sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Return paneer to pan; stir in yogurt/cream. Simmer 5 mins.
  • Garnish with fresh coriander and lemon juice.

Notes

  • Paneer Tip: Soaking fried paneer in warm water while the sauce cooks keeps it incredibly soft.
  • Blending: For a restaurant-style smooth sauce, blend the onion and tomato mixture before adding the paneer (though Mary usually keeps it rustic).
  • Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh; stale spices will result in a bland curry.

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