Tomato Paneer

Tomato Paneer Recipe is a quick and flavorful Indian dish, perfect for those busy days when you need something easy yet delicious. Made with fresh tomatoes, soft paneer cubes, and aromatic spices, this recipe is ready in just 20 minutes.

It's a great option for sattvic meals, as it's prepared without onion or garlic, making it ideal for fasting days or a light vegetarian meal. Whether for a quick lunch, dinner, or a versatile dish, Tomato Paneer Curry is here to save the day.

This is one of my very favorite food memory from the childhood, and till date, I love this most basic but super tasty paneer dish. You can serve it with chapati, paratha or any type of bread as a sandwich filling.

Tamatar wala paneer is a spicy very simple easy to make paneer recipe to serve as side dish. It is a super quick Indian cottage cheese recipe which you can bring on the table in under 20 Minutes. And, also doubles up as a sandwich filling.

Jump to:

• Why Try This Recipe?
• Ingredients Needed
• How to Make Tomato Paneer
• Substitutions You Can Make
• Creative Variations You Can Try
• Tips to Make It Better
• Storing and Reheating
• How to Serve the Recipe
• FAQs
• More Such Recipes
• Watch Video
• 📖 Recipe
• 📖 Recipe

Why Try This Recipe?

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this is a lifesaver for busy weekdays.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses everyday staples like tomatoes, green chili, and paneer.
• No Onion or Garlic: Perfect for fasting days or when you want a light, sattvic meal.
• Customizable: Adjust spices and garnishes to suit your taste.
• Kid-Friendly: The mild yet flavorful taste makes it a hit among kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Needed

• Paneer: The star of the dish, paneer absorbs the tomato flavor beautifully and adds a creamy texture.
• Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes bring tanginess and create the base of the curry.
• Green Chili: Adds a mild heat; adjust based on your spice preference.
• Vegetable Oil: A neutral cooking oil that doesn’t overpower the flavors.
• Spices: Red chili powder for a touch of spice and salt to enhance the overall flavor.
• Coriander Leaves: A fresh garnish that adds a burst of color and aroma.

(Exact quantities are mentioned in the recipe card below.)

How to Make Tomato Paneer

1. Prepare the Base: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan. Add 250 grams of chopped tomatoes and 1 chopped green chili.
2. Cook Tomatoes: Sauté until the tomatoes become soft and pulpy. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
3. Season: Add salt and 1 teaspoon of red chili powder to the tomatoes. Stir well and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add Paneer: Toss in 300 grams of paneer cubes. Stir gently to coat the paneer with the tomato mixture.
5. Simmer: Let it cook on low heat for 4–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Garnish: Turn off the heat, sprinkle with chopped coriander leaves, and serve warm.

Substitutions You Can Make

1. Paneer: You can use tofu for a vegan version of this recipe.
2. Green Chili: Skip it if you prefer a milder flavor or replace it with paprika for color without heat.
3. Vegetable Oil: Swap with ghee for a richer taste or coconut oil for a unique twist.
4. Tomatoes: Use canned tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available, but adjust salt to balance the flavor.

Creative Variations You Can Try

1. Add Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews to make the curry creamier.
2. Include Vegetables: Toss in spinach, peas, or capsicum for added nutrition.
3. Spicy Version: Add garam masala or freshly ground black pepper for extra heat.
4. Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon juice or zest at the end brightens the dish.
5. Cheesy Paneer: Grate some mozzarella or cheddar on top and let it melt for a fusion twist.

Tips to Make It Better

1. Fresh Paneer: Use fresh paneer for the softest texture and best flavor. Soak store-bought paneer in warm water to soften it.
2. Cook on Low Heat: To avoid breaking the paneer cubes, stir gently and cook on low heat.
3. Adjust Spices: Start with less chili and adjust based on your spice tolerance.
4. Fresh Garnish: Always add fresh coriander leaves at the end for maximum aroma.

Storing and Reheating

Store Tomato Paneer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it on low heat in a pan, adding a splash of water or milk to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the paneer rubbery.

How to Serve the Recipe

One of my favorite combination for late Sunday brunch is Masala til Aloo and tamatar wala paneer with paratha. I often pair it with curries and dal for an elaborate meal. Below are few combinations which I managed to click.

FAQs

More Such Recipes

• Amazing Indian Winter Recipes
• Aloo Tamatar | Potato Curry Recipe
• Tomato Chutney Recipe
• Tomato Rasam - Tomato Charu
• Matar ki Tikki Chaat
• Paneer Butter Masala Recipe | How to Make Paneer Butter Masala
• Tomato Chutney Recipe

Watch Video

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📖 Recipe

Tamatar wala paneer is a spicy very simple easy to make paneer recipe to serve as side dish. It is a super quick Indian cottage cheese recipe which you can bring on the table in under 20 Minutes. And, also doubles up as a sandwich filling.

If you are looking for traditional tomato paneer gravy recipe or cheese tomato recipe, this recipe is not for that. Tamatar wala paneer is a recipe which my Mom makes and we all love to eat. Scooping the tangy and spicy tomato paneer with crispy paratha for the breakfast or as a sandwich filling in a buttery white toast.

This is one of my very favorite food memory from the childhood, and till date, I love this most basic but super tasty paneer dish. You can serve it with chapati, paratha or any type of bread as a sandwich filling.

Tomato paneer makes a perfect side for any North Indian meal. One of my favorite combination for late Sunday brunch is Masala til Aloo and tamatar wala paneer with paratha. I often pair it with curries and dal for an elaborate meal. Below are few combinations which I managed to click.

Rajma Masala and Tamatar Wala Paneer with Steamed Rice and  Paratha 

If you like Paneer curries you may like to try other mushroom dishes like Dhaba Style Paneer curry, Palak Paneer Mushroom sabzi, Paneer Kofta, Methi Malai Paneer, Paneer Achari or Paneer tawa masala along with many other paneer recipes.

If you try this recipe of Tawa Mushroom and like it, click a pic and use the hashtag #MyTastyCurry. I would love to see your delicious dishes on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter! Also, you can pin this recipe on Pinterest if you like it and plan to cook it later. 

📖 Recipe