Caramelized Onion & Paneer in Spiced Tomato Gravy
Silky paneer cubes simmered in a deeply spiced tomato gravy with onions caramelized to golden sweetness, served over steamed rice. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 70 minutes pairs paneer, large onion, medium tomato for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz paneer
- 4 large onion
- 3 medium tomato
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/4 tsp red chili powder
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup tomato puree
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 8 oz paneer into 1-inch cubes. Thinly slice 4 large onions and fry in 3 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat until deep golden brown (20-25 minutes), stirring occasionally. Remove 1/2 cup for garnish, set aside.
- Step 2: Blend 3 medium tomatoes, 4 garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp ginger into a smooth puree. In the same pot, add 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp cumin powder, and 1/4 tsp red chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in tomato puree and 1/2 cup tomato puree. Simmer for 10 minutes until oil separates.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup water, 8 oz paneer cubes, and 1 tsp salt. Simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until paneer is heated through and gravy thickens. Stir in reserved caramelized onions and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caramelized Onion & Paneer in Spiced Tomato Gravy take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (25 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Caramelized Onion & Paneer in Spiced Tomato Gravy?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep paneer from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Onion & Paneer in Spiced Tomato Gravy?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caramelized Onion & Paneer in Spiced Tomato Gravy for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Caramelized Onion & Paneer in Spiced Tomato Gravy?
Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
