Paneer Do Pyaza is a classic North Indian dish that vegetarians and paneer enthusiasts alike love. The name Do Pyaza translates to double onions, which is the star ingredient of this dish. With its rich, creamy gravy and the perfect balance of spices, Paneer Do Pyaza is a comforting and indulgent meal that pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or steamed rice. In this blog, I’ll walk you through an easy and delicious recipe to make this restaurant-style dish at home.

What Makes Paneer Do Pyaza Special?

Paneer Do Pyaza stands out because of its generous use of onions, which are added in two forms: finely chopped and as onion slices or cubes. This gives the dish a unique texture and a sweet, caramelized flavor that complements the creamy paneer. The gravy is made with a blend of tomatoes, spices, and cream, making it rich and aromatic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make Paneer Do Pyaza for 4 people:

For the Gravy:

  • 2 large onions (1 finely chopped, 1 cut into cubes/slices)
  • 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 capsicum (bell pepper), cubed (optional)
  • 200 grams paneer (cottage cheese), cubed
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch ginger, grated
  • 2 green chilies, slit
  • 1/2 cup fresh cream
  • 2 tablespoons yogurt (optional, for tanginess)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil or ghee
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Cut the paneer into cubes and soak them in warm water to keep them soft.
  2. Finely chop one onion and slice or cube the other onion.
  3. Puree the tomatoes and set aside.
  4. If using capsicum, cut it into cubes.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

  1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute.

Step 3: Add Spices and Tomato Puree

  1. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix well.
  2. Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
  3. If using yogurt, add it now and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Second Onion and Capsicum

  1. Add the cubed/sliced onion and capsicum (if using). Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still retain their crunch.

Step 5: Add Paneer and Cream

  1. Drain the paneer cubes and add them to the gravy. Gently mix to coat the paneer with the sauce.
  2. Pour in the fresh cream and stir well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes on low heat.

Step 6: Finish with Garam Masala and Kasuri Methi

  1. Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi over the dish. Mix gently.
  2. Adjust salt to taste and let the gravy simmer for another minute.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

  1. Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
  2. Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

Tips for the Perfect Paneer Do Pyaza

  1. Caramelize the Onions Well: The key to the dish’s flavor is the caramelization of onions. Cook them until they turn golden brown for a rich taste.
  2. Use Fresh Cream: Fresh cream adds a luxurious texture to the gravy. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
  3. Don’t Overcook the Paneer: Paneer can become rubbery if cooked for too long. Add it towards the end and let it simmer gently.
  4. Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the spice levels by increasing or reducing the amount of green chilies and red chili powder.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Paneer Do Pyaza is a perfect blend of sweetness from the onions, creaminess from the paneer, and a hint of spice from the masalas. It’s a versatile dish that can be made for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Paneer Do Pyaza is a dish that never fails to impress. Its rich, flavorful gravy and the delightful crunch of onions make it a favorite among paneer lovers. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, put on your apron, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy this delicious North Indian classic!

Let me know how your Paneer Do Pyaza turns out in the comments below. Happy cooking! 😊