Paneer Chaman: How To Make This Vegetarian Delight From Kashmir At Home

Regarded as paradise on the earth, Kashmir also offers a plethora of rich food delicacies. Kashmiri cuisine has mostly been associated with its rich meaty delicacies like Rogan Josh, Yakhni (yogurt lamb curry), matschgand (a dish of minced meatballs which is cooked in spicy red gravy), or the Goshtaba(minced mutton cooked in flavorful yogurt gravy) but the cuisine also offers numerous finger-licking vegetarian delights. Paneer Chaman or Ruangan Chaman is one such vegetarian delicacy that is as delicious and exquisite as the meaty curries. This traditional Kashmiri dish is every paneer lover's dream come true. Rich cottage cheese sprinkled with brown and green cardamom is slowly cooked in milk till it turns tender and golden.

Chaman in Kashmiri means tomato. What makes this dish unique is the rich tomato and milk-based gravy flavoured with aromatic fennel powder. Chef Sadaf Hussain, a participant of Masterchef India 2016, tells us, "Paneer is a very versatile ingredient and every state has their own regional way of preparing it. In Kashmir, paneer is first fried and then cooked only in a tomato-based gravy. These two simple and underrated ingredients come together with spices like fennel powder, garam masala, saunf, ginger powder, bay leaf, and few more, that give a unique and magical flavour to the dish and an unprecedented aroma."
 

In Paneer Chaman, paneer is first fried and then cooked only in a tomato-based gravy

Kashmiri food has several Mughlai influences and traits. The use of fragrant spices like fennel, saffron, cardamom and dried fruits can be seen as a part of their rich and royal legacy. Other spices used include hing, fennel seeds, dry ginger and saffron. Another very popular practice in Kashmiri cooking is the use of milk and yogurt in the gravy for the silky and creamy texture. Paneer Chaman is the perfect example of exactly how the Kashmiris have tried to make the best of what they have in the valley and use it in their dishes to whip up some delicious and wholesome delicacies.

Paneer chaman is best enjoyed with Pulav or steamed rice. "Ruangan Chaman goes well when served with tandoori roti or butter naan and pickled onions," says chef Sadaf. Here's a delicious recipe of Paneer Chaman by Chef Aditya Bal which you can try making at home. Garnish it with coriander leaves and serve hot.