This Jamie Oliver Paneer Curry is a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dish featuring tender cubes of paneer cheese cooked in a rich, spiced tomato-based sauce. This recipe combines classic Indian spices with creamy coconut milk and tangy tomatoes to create a delicious, comforting curry perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Serve it with rice, naan, or chapati for a complete meal.
What is Jamie Oliver Paneer Curry?
Jamie Oliver’s Paneer Curry is a vegetarian Indian-inspired curry featuring paneer, a mild Indian cheese that holds its shape when cooked. The curry is made with a spiced tomato and coconut milk sauce, infused with traditional spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala, creating a balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors. It’s a quick, flavorful dish that’s both nourishing and filling.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Easy and Quick: Ready in less than 30 minutes.
- Rich and Creamy: Coconut milk and tomatoes create a smooth, balanced sauce.
- Packed with Flavor: Made with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients.
- Perfect for Vegetarians: A hearty, satisfying meat-free option.
- Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Paneer Curry
- 250g Paneer (cubed): The star ingredient, adds protein and texture.
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil: For sautéing the paneer and spices.
- 1 Large Onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and flavor.
- 2 Cloves Garlic (minced): Adds depth and aroma.
- 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (grated): Adds warmth and a slight zing.
- 1 Green Chili (finely chopped, seeds removed for less heat): Adds spice.
- 1 tsp Ground Turmeric: Adds color and earthiness.
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
- 1 tsp Garam Masala: A blend of spices for an authentic Indian flavor.
- 1 tsp Ground Coriander: Adds a mild, citrusy note.
- 400g Canned Tomatoes: Forms the base of the curry sauce.
- 200ml Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and balances the spices.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
- Fresh Coriander (chopped, for garnish): Adds freshness and color.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Paneer Curry
Step 1. Sauté the Paneer
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed paneer and sauté for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the garlic, ginger, and chopped green chili, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 3. Add the Spices
Add the ground turmeric, cumin, garam masala, and coriander to the skillet. Cook the spices for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant. This step enhances the flavor of the spices.
Step 4. Add Tomatoes and Coconut Milk
Pour in the canned tomatoes and coconut milk, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Step 5. Add the Paneer and Season
Return the paneer to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat the paneer through.
Step 6. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander before serving. Serve the paneer curry hot with rice, naan, or chapati.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Paneer Curry
- Basmati Rice – Perfect for soaking up the rich curry sauce.
- Naan Bread – A soft, chewy bread that pairs wonderfully with curry.
- Chapati – A lighter, whole-wheat bread option.
- Raita – Cucumber yogurt sauce to balance the spice.
- Mango Chutney – Adds a touch of sweetness to the meal.
- Lentil Dal – Complements the curry with added protein and flavor.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Paneer Curry
To make the best paneer curry, keep these tips in mind:
- Sear the Paneer Well – Browning the paneer adds flavor and helps it hold up in the sauce.
- Use Fresh Spices – Fresh, aromatic spices bring out the best flavors.
- Adjust Spice Level – Add more or less chili depending on your spice preference.
- Simmer for Full Flavor – Allow the sauce to cook thoroughly for a deeper taste.
- Add Spinach – Stir in fresh spinach at the end for added greens and texture.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Paneer Curry
Customize your paneer curry with these variations:
- Add Spinach or Kale – For a nutrient boost, add leafy greens.
- Use Cashew Cream – Swap coconut milk with cashew cream for a creamy, nutty flavor.
- Try Tomato Puree – Use tomato puree for a richer sauce.
- Add Vegetables – Add bell peppers, peas, or potatoes for extra texture.
- Use Tofu Instead of Paneer – A good alternative for a vegan version.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Paneer Curry
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container – Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Longer Storage – Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Thaw Before Reheating – Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Paneer Curry
- Stovetop Reheat – Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Microwave Reheat – Heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Add a Splash of Water or Coconut Milk – To maintain creaminess while reheating.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Paneer Curry Healthier?
- Use Light Coconut Milk – Reduces fat without compromising flavor.
- Add Extra Vegetables – Peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrients.
- Reduce Oil – Use a minimal amount of oil to keep it lighter.
- Serve with Brown Rice – Adds fiber and makes it more filling.
- Use Low-Sodium Tomatoes – Reduces the sodium content in the curry.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
FAQs
Can I Make Jamie Oliver Paneer Curry Vegan?
Yes, you can make Jamie Oliver Paneer Curry vegan by replacing paneer with tofu or chickpeas, which both work well in the curry sauce. Additionally, use coconut milk or another plant-based milk in the sauce to keep it creamy and flavorful.
How Do I Keep Paneer Soft in Curry?
To keep paneer soft in curry, avoid overcooking it. Sear the paneer cubes briefly, set them aside, and add them to the curry sauce only for the last few minutes of cooking. This method prevents the paneer from becoming rubbery or tough.
Can I Use Canned Coconut Milk in Jamie Oliver Paneer Curry?
Yes, canned coconut milk works well in Jamie Oliver Paneer Curry. It adds a rich, creamy texture to the sauce. For a lighter curry, you can use light coconut milk or dilute the full-fat version with a little water.
What Can I Serve with Jamie Oliver Paneer Curry?
Jamie Oliver Paneer Curry pairs beautifully with basmati rice, naan, or chapati. You can also serve it with raita, a cooling yogurt-based sauce, or mango chutney to add sweetness and balance to the meal.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Paneer Curry is a simple yet flavorful recipe that brings authentic Indian-inspired flavors to your table. With tender paneer and a creamy, spiced sauce, this dish is sure to please vegetarians and curry lovers alike. Serve with rice or naan and enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal!
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Jamie Oliver Paneer Curry
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Paneer Curry is a vegetarian Indian-inspired curry featuring paneer, a mild Indian cheese that holds its shape when cooked. The curry is made with a spiced tomato and coconut milk sauce, infused with traditional spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala, creating a balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors. It’s a quick, flavorful dish that’s both nourishing and filling.
Ingredients
- 250g Paneer (cubed): The star ingredient, adds protein and texture.
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil: For sautéing the paneer and spices.
- 1 Large Onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and flavor.
- 2 Cloves Garlic (minced): Adds depth and aroma.
- 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (grated): Adds warmth and a slight zing.
- 1 Green Chili (finely chopped, seeds removed for less heat): Adds spice.
- 1 tsp Ground Turmeric: Adds color and earthiness.
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
- 1 tsp Garam Masala: A blend of spices for an authentic Indian flavor.
- 1 tsp Ground Coriander: Adds a mild, citrusy note.
- 400g Canned Tomatoes: Forms the base of the curry sauce.
- 200ml Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and balances the spices.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
- Fresh Coriander (chopped, for garnish): Adds freshness and color.
Instructions
Step 1. Sauté the Paneer
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed paneer and sauté for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the garlic, ginger, and chopped green chili, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 3. Add the Spices
Add the ground turmeric, cumin, garam masala, and coriander to the skillet. Cook the spices for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant. This step enhances the flavor of the spices.
Step 4. Add Tomatoes and Coconut Milk
Pour in the canned tomatoes and coconut milk, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Step 5. Add the Paneer and Season
Return the paneer to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat the paneer through.
Step 6. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander before serving. Serve the paneer curry hot with rice, naan, or chapati.
