Makhana Paneer Tamatar Sabzi (Vrat-Friendly, No Onion No Garlic)
A simple and delicious vrat-friendly Makhana Paneer Tamatar Sabzi made without onion and garlic. This quick Navratri recipe combines roasted makhana and soft paneer in a flavorful tomato-based gravy, perfect to enjoy with kuttu puri or samak rice.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup makhana (fox nuts)
- 150–200 grams paneer ,cubed
- 2 medium tomatoes ,pureed
- 2 teaspoon ghee
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds ,(jeera)
- 1–2 green chilies ,finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder ,optional
- Sendha namak (rock salt) to taste
- ½ teaspoon sugar ,optional
- ½ cup water ,adjust as needed
- 1 tablespoon fresh cream ,optional
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat ½ teaspoon ghee in a pan. Add makhana and roast on low heat for 4-5 minutes until crisp. Set aside.
- (Optional) In the same pan, add some more ghee and lightly sauté paneer cubes until slightly golden. Note: This step is optional but adds great texture.
- Heat remaining ghee. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add green chilies, ginger, and sauté briefly.
- Pour in tomato puree and cook until it thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan.
- Mix in black pepper, red chili powder (optional), sendha namak, and sugar (if using).
- Add water and bring to a simmer. Add roasted makhana and paneer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until flavors blend well.
- (Optional )Stir in fresh cream for richness.
- Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve hot.
- Serve with Kuttu ki puri, Samak (barnyard millet) rice, Vrat-friendly paratha, Plain yogurt or Cucumber Salad on the side.
Notes
Nutritional Values Facts:
- Values are estimates and can vary based on paneer fat content and amount of ghee/cream used
- Using low-fat paneer or skipping cream will reduce calories and fat
- Makhana adds light carbs and fiber, while paneer boosts protein
- Add makhana just before serving if you like them slightly crunchy.
- Don't overcook after adding makhana, they will become too soft
- Use fresh, soft paneer for best texture
- To make the sauce creamy without the cream, grind few makhana (or a paneer cube) with some milk, and add it to the sauce.
- Adjust spice levels as per fasting preferences
- Skip cream for a lighter version.
- Add boiled potatoes for a more filling curry
- Instead of cream, grind few makhana (or a paneer cube) with some milk, and add it to the sauce for a richer gravy.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Makhana Paneer Tamatar Sabzi (Vrat-Friendly, No Onion No Garlic)
Amount per Serving
Calories
320
% Daily Value*
Fat
22
g
34
%
Saturated Fat
12
g
75
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
2
g
Cholesterol
55
mg
18
%
Sodium
113
mg
5
%
Potassium
420
mg
12
%
Carbohydrates
18
g
6
%
Fiber
3
g
13
%
Sugar
5
g
6
%
Protein
12
g
24
%
Vitamin A
1186
IU
24
%
Vitamin C
20
mg
24
%
Calcium
385
mg
39
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Disclaimer
Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
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