This Navratri if you are fasting and want something tasty, healthy, creamy, flavorful, and filling then try this Navratri Special Recipe that is Paneer Makhana Curry.
In this blog post we will discuss how to prepare paneer makhana curry which is made with fox nuts (makhana) and soft paneer cubes in a rich vrat-friendly tomato-cashew gravy, this dish is perfect to pair with kuttu ki roti or samak rice. Let’s start….
Ingredients For Paneer Makhana Curry
For the Curry Base:
- Medium Tomatoes – 3 (finely chopped)
- Green Chilli – 1
- Ginger – 1
- Cashews – 10–12 (soaked in warm water for 15 mins)
For the Curry:
- Makhana – 1 Cup
- Paneer – 200 gms (cut into cubes)
- Cumin seeds (jeera) – 1 tsp
- Sendha Namak (rock salt) – as per taste
- Ghee – 2 tbsp
- Coriander powder (vrat-friendly) – ½ tsp
- Red chili powder (optional, vrat-friendly) – ½ tsp
- Fresh cream or malai – 2 tbsp
- Water – 1–1½ cup (adjust as per desired consistency)
- Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish
Instructions For Paneer Makhana Curry
Step-1 Roast the Makhana
In a pan heat ghee. Add makhana and roast on low flame for 3–4 minutes until crispy. Remove and set aside.
Step-2 Prepare the Tomato-Cashew Puree
- Take a same pan, add chopped tomatoes, soaked cashews, green chili, and ginger.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes until tomatoes turn soft.
- Cool slightly, then blend to a smooth paste.
Step-3 Make the Curry
- In a pan heat ghee add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the tomato-cashew paste and cook for 6–7 minutes on medium flame until ghee starts separating after that add red chili powder, coriander powder, and sendha namak and mix well.
Step-4 Add Paneer & Makhana
Add paneer cubes and roasted makhana to the curry. Pour water and simmer for 4–5 minutes so the flavors blend well.
Step-5 Finish with Cream
Add malai or fresh cream and mix gently. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves..
Best Pairings With:
- Samak ke chawal (Barnyard millet rice)
- Vrat ki Poori (Singhare/Samak atta poori)
- Kuttu ki roti (Buckwheat flatbread)
Tips For Paneer Makhana Curry
- Always roast makhana on low flame to avoid burning.
- Lightly toast paneer cubes in ghee for extra flavor before adding them to curry.
- Adjust gravy thickness by adding more or less water.
- You can replace cashews with melon seeds for a nut-free version.
Why Paneer Makhana Curry Recipe is Perfect for Navratri
- Wholesome & filling which keeps you energized during fasts.
- Restaurant-style taste without onion & garlic.
- Something tasty and different which you can eat in fast also.
- Protein-rich from paneer.
- Quick & easy it is ready in just 20–25 minutes.
Conclusion For Paneer Makhana Curry
Turn your vrat into a feast with these quick and tasty recipe because fasting doesn’t mean boring food. This Paneer Makhana Curry is a perfect vrat main course dish which is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor.
Try this Paneer Makhana Curry Recipe at home this Navratri and make your fasting more interesting instead of boring do share this with your friends and loved ones..
Also read shahi paneer recipe..
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Q.1 What foods are allowed during Navratri fasting?
- A.1 During Navratri, people usually eat sattvic food – no onion, garlic, wheat, or regular salt. You can have:
- Kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour)
- Singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour)
- Rajgira atta (amaranth flour)
- Sabudana (sago)
- Samak ke chawal (barnyard millet)
- Makhana, paneer, potatoes, sweet potato
- Rock salt (sendha namak)
- Fruits, nuts, milk, curd.
- Q.2 How to make vrat recipes more filling?
- A.2 To stay full longer, combine carbs + protein + healthy fats in your meals.Example: Pair kuttu ke cheela with paneer stuffing, or eat samak rice with dahi and roasted peanuts.
- Q.3 Can I use regular spices during Navratri?
- A.3 No, regular spices like turmeric, mustard seeds, and garam masala are avoided.You can use:Cumin seeds & cumin powder Black pepper,Green chili & Ginger, Dry coriander powder (vrat-friendly).
- Q.4 Can I eat paneer during Navratri fast?
- A.4 Yes, Paneer (cottage cheese) is allowed and is a great source of protein. Just make sure you cook it in ghee or vrat-friendly oil and use rock salt instead of regular salt.
- Q.5 How to avoid feeling tired while fasting?
- A.5 Drink plenty of water and buttermilk
- Add energy-rich ingredients like makhana, dry fruits, and milk
- Avoid too much fried food
- Eat small, frequent meals instead of one heavy meal.
- Q.6 What are some easy 10-minute vrat recipes?
- A.6 Fruit Chaat with rock salt
- Kuttu or Singhare ka Cheela
- Makhana Namkeen (roasted with ghee & pepper)
- Peanut Ladoo
- Sweet Potato Tikki.
