Paneer Reshmi Handi Recipe is a merry fusion of east and west. It is super quick and easy to make. Paneer is cottage cheese in Hindi and Urdu. Reshmi means silky, it refers to the silky smooth texture of the gravy. Handi means earthen pot.
It is dairy based curry. In this dish cheddar cheese is used instead of paneer (cottage cheese) while cheddar cheese is never used in traditional south Asian cooking. The gravy is also inspired by Italian white sauce. This Handi has very few spices unlike other South Asian curries.
Origin of Paneer Reshmi Handi
Just like Chicken 65, this curry originated in a famous restaurant. The restaurant is Kolachi located in Karachi, Pakistan. Then, it gradually made its place to the menu of all neighboring restaurants.
I personally had it at least 5 years ago and hubby also loved it. So, it’s a recent innovation.
Variation:
I’ve kept the recipe close to original. But you can skip sauteed onion and capsicum if you don’t like. This will keep the curry super smooth.
You may add sweet corns or paneer pieces instead.
How to make Paneer Reshmi Handi (Kolachi Style)
For Gravy
In a wok, take onion ginger, garlic, and green chilli paste. Mix well. Cover the pot and fry for 5 minutes on medium heat until onions are soft.
When onions are soft add yogurt, this yogurt will also cool the gravy so we can process it easily.
Transfer onion-yogurt gravy to a food processor and blend for 2-3 minutes until silky smooth. Set this gravy aside until needed.
In the same pot, saute onion and capsicum for 3-4 minutes until soft. Remove to a plate and set aside.
In a bowl mix cornflour, salt, and chicken. Mix well. In the same pot, fry chicken in little butter.
When chicken changes its color and turns slightly golden and onion yogurt gravy. Also, add cumin powder.
Mix and add cheese and sauteed capsicum and onions. Simmer for 2-3 minutes on low flame until cheese melts.
Now add creams. (Do not cook on high flame after adding cream.)
Add slices chilles and butter. Cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes until a little oil rises on center of gravy.
Serve piping hot with garlic naan.
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Paneer Reshmi Handi (Kolachi Style)
Ingredients
For gravy
- ¼ cup oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1½ to 2 tablespoon green chilli paste, less or more to taste
- ½ tablespoon ginger paste
- ½ tablespoon garlic paste
- ½ cup yogurt
Fry chicken
- 400 grams chicken cubes
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Sauté Veggies
- ½ tablespoon oil
- 1 small capsicum, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
Other
- ½ cup shredded cheese, loosely packed
- ½ cup cream
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 3 medium chillies, deseeded and cut in julienne
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
For Gravy
- In a pot, heat oil then add chopped onion, chilli, garlic and ginger paste. Mix well and cover the pot. Cook for 5 minutes on medium heat until onions are soft.
- Switch off heat then add yogurt. Transfer gravy to a food processor and blend for 2-3 minutes until you have a very smooth this gravy. Set aside.
Sauté veggies
- In same pot, heat oil and sauté sliced onion and capsicum for 2 minutes until soft.
- Remove veggies to a plate and set aside.
For Chicken and Assemble
- In a bowl, mix chicken, salt and flour.
- Again in same pot, heat butter on low flame. Add the chicken and cumin powder. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes until color changes.
- Now add in yogurt gravy, sautéed onions, capsicum and cheddar cheese to the chicken pot. Mix well and simmer for 2-3 minutes. (Add 2 tablespoons of water to thin out gravy if needed.)
- Finally, mix in cream. Add butter on sides of pot and simmer for few more minutes until oil separates. Served with crispy garlic naan.
Ruqaiya says
Which will give the best results? Breast boneless or thigh boneless?
Recipe 52 says
Both are equally good option for stir fry. I used boneless breast.
Ruqaiya says
In spices only cumin powder? No pepper or red chilli?
Recipe 52 says
Yes, you do not need to add red or black pepper. The green chillies will provide the heat in the curry.
Sarrah says
The recipe is named paneer reshmi handi, but there is no where paneer used n there is chicken used... I think there is some error with the site, plz chk
Recipe 52 says
The recipe is inspired by a famous dish from a renowned restaurant. This is a fusion food recipe and the chef intentionally called it paneer reshmi handi. This dish uses cheese in the recipe which mimics paneer in the recipe.
Madiha says
This recipe was amazing. Loved it
Recipe 52 says
Thanks for leaving a lovely comment. You've made my day.:)
benazer noor says
Amazing recipe. Really healthy and tasty. A must try for everyone.
Recipe 52 says
Thanks a lot Benazer.