Pineapple Paneer Navratan Curry Recipe – Authentic Indian Vegetable Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Pineapple Paneer Navratan Curry Recipe – Authentic Indian Vegetable Delight

Hello friends! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s close to my heart – Pineapple Paneer Navratan Curry. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that always feels a little special. I first made this for a family gathering, and it was a huge hit! The combination of sweet pineapple, soft paneer, and a medley of vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce is just divine. It’s a bit of work, but trust me, the results are so worth it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Navratan Curry isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s packed with nutrients from all those lovely veggies, and the aromatic spices will fill your kitchen with the most incredible scent. Plus, it’s a beautiful dish to serve – the colorful vegetables really make it pop! If you’re looking to impress your family or friends with a truly authentic Indian curry, this is the one.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

• 1 tbsp oil/ghee
• 10 almonds
• 10 cashews
• ¼ cup raisins
• 3-4 onions
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• ½ cup yogurt
• 1 tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp saffron strands
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3-4 cloves
• 1 star anise
• 2 green cardamom pods
• ½ cup diced potatoes (about 100g)
• ½ cup diced carrots (about 75g)
• ½ cup cauliflower florets (about 85g)
• ½ cup French beans, trimmed and chopped (about 70g)
• ½ cup corn kernels (about 85g)
• ½ cup green peas (about 85g)
• ½ cup paneer cubes (about 100g)
• ½ cup pineapple chunks (about 100g)
• 1 tsp kewra water

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients that make this curry truly special:

• Kewra Water: This is a floral water distilled from screwpine flowers. It adds a unique, delicate fragrance that’s characteristic of North Indian cuisine. A little goes a long way! You can find it at Indian grocery stores or online.
• Saffron Strands: Saffron isn’t just about color; it adds a subtle, luxurious flavor. Soak the strands in warm milk to extract the maximum color and flavor.
• Poppy Seeds (Khus Khus): These little seeds add a wonderful nutty flavor and help thicken the gravy. Don’t skip them!
• The ‘Navratan’ Concept: “Navratan” literally means “nine gems” in Hindi. Traditionally, Navratan dishes include nine different fruits and vegetables. While this recipe doesn’t strictly adhere to nine, it embodies the spirit of using a variety of ingredients for a complex and balanced flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Roast the Nuts: Heat the oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the almonds, cashews, and raisins. Sauté until they turn golden brown and fragrant – about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them! Set aside.
2. Prepare the Onion-Nut Paste: Boil the onions, poppy seeds, cashews, and almonds together until they’re soft. Let them cool slightly, then blend them into a super smooth paste. A little water can help if needed.
3. Steam the Vegetables: Steam the potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, French beans, corn, and peas until they’re tender but still hold their shape. You want them cooked through, but not mushy.
4. Cook the Curry Base: In a large pot or deep pan, heat a little more oil or ghee. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and cardamom pods. Sauté for a minute or two until they become fragrant. This is where the magic begins!
5. Build the Flavor: Add the onion-nut paste to the pot and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Then, stir in the green chilies, yogurt, sugar, saffron milk, salt, and white pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined.
6. Combine and Simmer: Add the steamed vegetables, paneer cubes, pineapple chunks, and roasted nuts to the curry. Gently simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Finish and Serve: Finish with a teaspoon of kewra water and a sprinkle of garam masala. Adjust the consistency with a little water if needed. Serve hot with rice, naan, or roti.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the vegetables! They should be tender-crisp.
• For a richer flavor, use full-fat yogurt.
• Toasting the spices before adding them to the oil releases their aroma and enhances their flavor.
• Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the yogurt for plant-based yogurt (like cashew or soy yogurt) and use plant-based paneer.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Spice Level:
  • Mild: Use 1-2 green chilies.
  • Medium: Use 3-4 green chilies.
  • Hot: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the green chilies.
• Festival Adaptations: This curry is perfect for special occasions like Diwali, Holi, or weddings. It’s a showstopper! My aunt always makes this for family celebrations.

Serving Suggestions

This Navratan Curry is best served hot with:

• Steamed basmati rice
• Naan bread
• Roti
• A side of raita (yogurt dip)

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

• What is Navratan Korma/Curry? Navratan means “nine gems” and refers to a dish made with nine different fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It’s a rich and flavorful curry often served during special occasions.
• Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before steaming.
• What can I substitute for paneer? If you don’t have paneer, you can use tofu (firm or extra-firm) or even potatoes.
• How can I adjust the sweetness of the curry? Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. You can also add a touch of honey or maple syrup.
• What is Kewra water and where can I find it? Kewra water is a floral water that adds a unique fragrance to Indian dishes. You can find it at Indian grocery stores or online.
• Can this curry be made ahead of time? Yes, you can make the curry base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the vegetables and paneer just before serving.

Enjoy this delightful Pineapple Paneer Navratan Curry! I hope it brings a little bit of Indian sunshine to your kitchen. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!