Smoky Black Pepper Paneer – A Quick Restaurant-Style Curry
If you’re craving something rich, aromatic, and irresistibly flavorful — this Smoky Kali Mirch Paneer (Black Pepper Paneer) is just the recipe for you!
Unlike the usual tomato-based paneer curries, this dish features a yogurt and cashew-melon seed gravy that’s velvety, mildly spiced, and bursting with the warmth of black pepper. What makes it truly special is the smoky “dhungar” finish — a classic Indian restaurant technique that infuses every bite with a subtle chargrilled aroma.
This recipe is quick, elegant, and perfect for weeknight dinners or festive occasions when you want to serve something that looks and tastes gourmet — but comes together in under 30 minutes!
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Ingredients
For the Curry:
- Paneer (Cottage Cheese) – 150 g, cut into cubes
- Curd (Yogurt) – ½ cup
- Ginger – a small piece
- Kasoori Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) – 1 tsp
- Soaked Melon Seeds & Cashews – 1.5 tbsp (only 3 cashews used)
- Ghee (Clarified Butter) – 1 tsp
- Butter – 1 tsp
- Cumin Seeds – ½ tsp
- Black Cardamom – 1
- Green Cardamom – 2
- Whole Black Peppercorns – 7
- Bay Leaf – 1
- Cloves – 2
- Cinnamon Stick – a small piece
- Green Chilies – 2, slit
- Black Pepper Powder – 1 tsp (freshly crushed for best flavor)
- Garam Masala Powder – ⅛ tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Fresh Cream – 2 tbsp
For the Smoky Flavor:
- 1 piece of hot charcoal
- A pinch of black pepper powder
- A few drops of ghee
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Gravy Base
Firstly, take a blender, combine – ½ cup curd, Small piece of ginger, 1 tsp kasoori methi, 5 tbsp soaked melon seeds (magaj) and 3 cashews. Grind into a smooth, creamy paste. This forms the nutty, luscious foundation of your gravy.
Step 2: Temper the Whole Spices
Now heat 1 tsp ghee and 1 tsp butter in a heavy-bottomed pan. Once hot, add ½ tsp cumin seeds, 1 black cardamom, 2 green cardamoms, 5–7 whole black peppercorns, 1 bay leaf, 2 cloves, A small cinnamon stick. Then, saute on low heat for 1–2 minutes until the spices release their aroma. Be careful not to burn them — this step builds depth and fragrance.
Step 3: Cook the Yogurt Gravy
Then, pour in the blended curd mixture. Cook over low flame for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the ghee begins to separate. Stir continuously to prevent the yogurt from curdling. Slow cooking helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add Paneer and Spices
Now, add Paneer cubes, 2 slit green chilies, 1 tsp black pepper powder, ⅛ tsp garam masala and Salt to taste..Gently mix, ensuring each paneer cube is coated with the creamy gravy. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes on low flame so the paneer absorbs all the spices.
Step 5: Finish with Cream
Turn off the heat. Add 2 tbsp fresh cream and stir gently. Do not cook further — this keeps the sauce rich and silky. Garnish with finely chopped fresh coriander leaves.
Step 6: Infuse the Smoky Flavor
Heat a small piece of charcoal over direct flame until red hot. Place a small steel bowl or foil cup in the center of your curry.
Carefully set the charcoal inside, sprinkle a pinch of black pepper powder, and drizzle a few drops of ghee on top. Immediately cover with a tight lid and let it rest for 5 minutes.
This process — known as dhungar — gives your paneer a beautiful, restaurant-style smoky aroma.
Finally, serve our Smoky Kali Mirch Paneer hot with butter Naan or Tandoori Roti, jeera Rice or plain basmati rice for a comforting meal and along with fresh salad or pickled onions on the side..
In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, aromatic, and luxuriously spiced paneer dish that feels straight out of a restaurant kitchen — right from your home!
Tips & Tricks
- Use fresh curd for a smooth, non-grainy gravy. Sour yogurt may make it tangy.
- Don’t skip the melon seeds and cashews — they add richness without heaviness.
- Freshly ground black pepper is key! It brings out that bold, peppery kick.
- If you don’t have charcoal, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke or skip the step — the dish will still taste amazing.
- Avoid overcooking the paneer; it should remain soft and juicy.
