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Paneer Lababdar Recipe – Restaurant Style Creamy & Rich Curry

Paneer Lababdar is one of the most loved North Indian curries served in restaurants across India. This rich, creamy, and mildly spiced dish features soft paneer cubes cooked in a luscious tomato-based gravy infused with butter, cream, and aromatic spices. The word “Lababdar” means something extremely tasty and indulgent – and this dish truly lives up to its name.

Perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or festive meals, Paneer Lababdar pairs beautifully with naan, roti, paratha, or jeera rice. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make restaurant-style Paneer Lababdar at home with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

What is Paneer Lababdar?

Paneer Lababdar is a Mughlai-inspired curry made with grated and cubed paneer cooked in a rich onion-tomato gravy. Unlike other paneer dishes, this recipe uses both paneer cubes and grated paneer, which gives it a unique texture and thickness. The addition of butter, cream, and cashew paste enhances the richness, making it smooth and flavorful.

It is often compared with Paneer Butter Masala, but Paneer Lababdar has a slightly deeper flavor profile and thicker consistency.

Ingredients

For the Gravy Base:

3 medium tomatoes (pureed)
2 medium onions (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
10–12 cashews (soaked and blended into paste)
½ cup fresh cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon oil

Spices:

1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
½ teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
Salt to taste
½ teaspoon sugar (optional)

Main Ingredient:

250 grams paneer (cut into cubes)
¼ cup grated paneer

Garnish:

Fresh cream
Fresh coriander leaves

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Heat oil and butter in a heavy-bottom pan. Once hot, add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. This step is important as it builds the base flavor of the curry.

Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.

Step 2: Add Tomato Puree & Spices

Pour in the tomato puree and cook on medium heat until the oil starts separating from the sides. This process may take 8–10 minutes.

Now add:

Turmeric powder
Kashmiri red chili powder
Coriander powder
Salt

Cook well until the masala thickens.

Step 3: Add Cashew Paste

Add the prepared cashew paste and mix thoroughly. This gives the gravy a rich and creamy texture. Cook for 3–4 minutes on low heat.

Step 4: Add Paneer

Add paneer cubes and grated paneer to the gravy. Mix gently so the cubes don’t break. Add about ½ cup warm water to adjust consistency.

Cover and cook for 5 minutes on low flame.

Step 5: Final Touch

Crush kasuri methi between your palms and add it to the curry. Add garam masala and fresh cream. Mix gently.

Simmer for 2–3 minutes and turn off the flame.

Garnish with fresh cream and chopped coriander leaves.

Your restaurant-style Paneer Lababdar is ready to serve!

Tips for Perfect Paneer Lababdar

Use fresh and soft paneer for best results.
Do not overcook paneer, as it may turn rubbery.
Kashmiri red chili powder gives bright color without too much heat.
For extra richness, add a small piece of butter before serving.
If paneer is hard, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Paneer Lababdar tastes best with:

Butter naan
Tandoori roti
Laccha paratha
Jeera rice
Steamed basmati rice

It is an ideal dish for festivals, birthdays, family dinners, or special occasions.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat on low flame and add a little water or milk if the gravy becomes thick.
Avoid freezing, as cream-based gravies may change texture.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 320–380 kcal
Protein: 12–15 g
Fat: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g

(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and creamy restaurant-style taste
Easy to make at home
Perfect for special occasions
Balanced flavors and smooth texture
Crowd-pleasing vegetarian curry

Paneer Lababdar is truly a royal North Indian dish that brings restaurant flavors straight to your kitchen. Once you try this recipe, it will surely become a favorite in your home.

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