Paneer Chettinad Recipe: Spicy Protein-Packed South Indian Curry

By Akshara

September 16, 2025

Paneer Chettinad is a flavourful South Indian dish prepared with paneer cubes in a spiced Chettinad masala. It is rich, aromatic, and pairs well with roti, naan, or rice.

Ingredients

200 g paneer (cubed) 2 onions (sliced) 2 tomatoes (chopped) 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste 2 green chillies (slit) 1 sprig curry leaves 2 tbsp oil Salt to taste For Chettinad Masala: 1 tbsp coriander seeds 1 tsp fennel seeds 1 tsp cumin seeds 4–5 dry red chillies 2 cloves 1-inch cinnamon stick 3–4 black peppercorns 2 tbsp grated coconut

Step 1

Dry roast all masala ingredients, grind to a smooth paste, and keep aside.

Step 2

Heat oil in a pan, sauté onions, curry leaves, and green chillies.

Step 3

Add ginger-garlic paste and tomatoes, cook until soft.

Step 4

Stir in the Chettinad masala paste and cook until fragrant.

Step 5

Add paneer cubes, season with salt, and simmer for a few minutes.

Step 6

Serve hot with rice or Indian breads.