Tomato Onion Sautéed Paneer

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-12 · Updated 2026-04-12

Paneer cubes simmered in a fragrant tomato and onion gravy with warm spices for a comforting vegetarian meal. This indian (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs paneer, vegetable oil, medium onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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

• 200g paneer
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 medium onion
• 3 medium tomato
• 2 green chili
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1-inch piece ginger
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 2 tbsp fresh coriander
• to taste salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 200g paneer cubes and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the same skillet and heat over medium. Add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds and cook for 30 seconds until they sizzle and release their aroma.
3. Step 3: Add 2 medium chopped onions and sauté for 5 minutes until golden brown, then add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1-inch minced ginger, and 2 finely chopped green chilies, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add 3 medium chopped tomatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil separates from the mixture and the tomatoes are soft and cooked down.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, and salt to taste, cooking for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant and well combined.
6. Step 6: Return the fried paneer cubes to the skillet, add 1/2 tsp garam masala, and stir gently to coat the paneer. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander and serve hot with rice or naan.