Paneer Vindaloo is the vegetarian version of the restaurant favorite Goan Vindaloo Curry. Paneer cubes are cooked in a fiery-red sauce packed with bold flavors. Enjoy this gluten-free curry with rice or naan for a satisfying dinner!
Heat a heavy bottom pan on medium heat and add the dry whole spices – dry red kashmiri chilies, coriander seeds, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, peppercorns, cumin and mustard seeds.
Sauté for about a minute until they are fragrant and slightly browned. Make sure the spices do not burn. Turn off the flame.
Transfer the whole spices to a grinder. Add ginger, garlic, tamarind paste and vinegar.
Add 1/2 cup water and grind to a smooth paste.
Marinating the paneer with vindaloo paste
In a large bowl, add the paneer pieces. Add the vindaloo paste to the paneer. Mix well and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
Making the curry
Heat a heavy bottom pan on medium-high heat and add oil in it.
Add onions and saute for about 7-8 minutes until they turn golden brown.
Add turmeric and salt. Add the marinated paneer and mix well.
Mix in any remaining vindaloo paste from the marinade in 1/2 cup water, and add to the pan. Add brown sugar and stir in the curry.
Cover and cook for about 5 minutes until the paneer softens.
Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan or roti.
Notes
Tamarind paste: If you are using a tamarind concentrate, use about 1/3 tablespoon with 2/3 tablespoon of water. If using homemade tamarind paste, add as specified in the recipe. Pro-tip: This vindaloo paste freezes well, so you can double or triple the amount, and save it for later.Spice level: Adjust the amount of red chili's added to adjust the heat in this recipe. I used mild Kashmiri red chili's. Vegetable Vindaloo: You can add veggies such as sweet potato, cauliflower, green beans, potatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, eggplants, or carrots to make this a veg vindaloo curry.Vegan Variation: You can add baked or sautéed tofu or cooked chickpeas in this curry for a vegan high-protein vindaloo curry