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    Home » Instant Pot Recipes » Instant Pot Paneer Gravy with Pasta Sauce

    Instant Pot Paneer Gravy with Pasta Sauce

    Posted on July 17, 2017 · Last Updated on November 30, 2020 · By Srividhya G · 20 Comments

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    I am going to share an easy peasy paneer gravy recipe that you can prepare in a jiffy without tomatoes. I can hear you asking how come paneer gravy without tomatoes? Hmmm, let’s think. How about using pasta/pizza sauce for the same? Errr that’s what I did. :-) Here comes my super simple Instant Pot Paneer gravy with pasta sauce.

    Paneer Gravy with Pasta Sauce

    Pasta Sauce for Paneer Curry:

    Usually, the week before travel, especially the India trip is always crazy and hectic with last-minute shopping and packing. As always, I started cleaning up my fridge and pretty much used up all the vegetables. I had an 8 oz paneer pack and was planning to stir fry the same. (Will post paneer stir-fry later in Aug). But Vaandu asked for paneer gravy instead of stir-fry. I did not want to buy tomatoes just for this gravy, and that’s when the half-used pasta (traditional tomato-based pasta sauce) sauce caught my attention. I decided to use that as my tomato base. Even though I was a bit skeptical but on a whim, went with my idea. :-)

    Spice Powder Combinations:

    To make the process quick, I used my instant pot, but this recipe can be prepared on the regular stovetop method also. I have explained that as well below. Also, I used store-bought curry powder. You can replace that with coriander powder + chili powder combo, or you can use any other store-bought paneer masalas like shahi paneer masala or paneer tikka masala. You can play with your favorite flavors here.

    I usually try the recipe twice or thrice before posting on the blog. But this recipe is here, right after the first attempt. Because the recipe passed with distinction and it came out with flying colors. Wondering, who judged this recipe, of course, my dear vaandu. I was not planning to clicks pictures and post this recipe. I did not even take the step by step pics.

    After preparing, I served this to vaandu, and he was blown away by the flavor and taste. He asked for second servings, and he enjoyed this a lot. And then he asked me why I did not take pictures. I was oscillating if I should click or not but finally clicked it. I will get back to this recipe soon and update it with the step-wise pictures and also the featured ones. 

    IP Paneer Gravy

     Recently, I started updating my old recipe posts with new pictures. Check out these recent updates below. (I am a person who believes content is gold.)

    • Pressure Cooker Bisi Bele Bath
    • Tameta Nu Shaak
    • Methi Sambar
    • Mambazha Pachadi.

    How to make Instant Pot Paneer Gravy with Pasta Sauce:

    Ingredients:

    • Chopped onion – 1 cup
    • Oil – 1 tbsp
    • Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
    • Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
    • Kasoori methi – 1 tsp
    • Curry powder – 1 tbsp
    • Sugar – ½ tsp
    • Salt – 1 tsp
    • Pasta Sauce – 1.5 cups
    • Paneer – 8 oz
    • Chopped Cilantro – 1 tbsp
    • A handful of peas (optional) I used frozen peas
    • Water – 1 cup
    • Milk – ½ cup

    Prep Work:

    • Cut the paneer and onion and set aside.

    Instant Pot Method:

    • Set the IP in saute mode.
    • Once the IP is hot, add the oil and cumin seeds.
    • Let the cumin seeds crackle and then add the chopped onions and saute until it turns translucent.
    • Then add the pasta sauce, turmeric powder, curry powder, sugar, salt, chopped paneer,  and peas if using.
    • Mix them well and add water.
    • Close the IP lid and set it to manual mode for 3 minutes.
    • Once the IP beeps, let it sit for 2 minutes and release the pressure quickly and carefully.
    • Mix the gravy nicely and then set the IP back to saute mode.
    • Now add the milk, crushed kasoori methi, and the chopped cilantro.
    • Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, and that’s it.

    Instant Pot Paneer gravy is ready. Serve hot with rice and roti.

    Stove Top Method:

    • Heat the kadai and add the oil.
    • Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds.
    • Let the cumin seeds crackle and then add the chopped onions and saute until it turns translucent.
    • Then add the pasta sauce, turmeric powder, curry powder, sugar, salt, chopped paneer, and peas if using.
    • Mix them well and add water.
    • Let this simmer for about  7  minutes. Keep stirring the mix every two minutes.
    • Once the gravy has thickened, add the milk, crushed kasoori methi, and the chopped cilantro.
    • Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, and that’s it.

    The Paneer gravy with pasta sauce is ready.

    Instant Pot Paneer Gravy

    Recipe Notes

    • Sugar is completely optional.
    • Instead of curry powder, you can use coriander powder + chili powder combo or shahi paneer masala or paneer tikka masala mix.
    • Adjust the salt and spice as per your preference.
    • Instead of regular milk, you can add fresh cream.
    • For this recipe, I used pasta sauce with no added veggies. It’s just the basil flavored pasta sauce. You can use pizza sauce or any other flavored pasta sauce.

    Instant Pot Paneer Gravy

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    5 from 2 votes

    Instant Pot Paneer Gravy with Pasta Sauce

    Easy peasy fusion recipe - Paneer gravy for rice and roti prepared with pasta sauce in Instant Pot
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time25 mins
    Course: Main Course, roti accompaniments, sides
    Cuisine: Fusion, North Indian
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 269kcal
    Author: Srividhya G

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup Onion chopped
    • 1 tbsp Oil
    • 1 tsp Cumin seeds
    • ½ tsp Turmeric powder
    • 1 tsp Dried fenugreek leaves Kasoori methi
    • 1 tbsp Curry powder
    • ½ tsp Sugar
    • 1 tsp Salt
    • 1.5 cups Pasta Sauce
    • 8 oz Paneer
    • 1 tbsp Cilantro chopped
    • ¼ cup peas Handful of peas, optional I used frozen peas
    • 1 cup Water
    • ½ cup Milk

    Instructions

    Prep Work

    • Cut the paneer and onion and set aside.

    Steps

      Instant Pot Method

      • Set the IP in saute mode.
      • Once the IP is hot, add the oil and cumin seeds.
      • Let the cumin seeds crackle and then add the chopped onions and saute until it turns translucent.
      • Then add the pasta sauce, turmeric powder, curry powder, sugar, salt, chopped paneer,  andpeas if using.
      • Mix them well and add water.
      • Close the IP lid and set it manual mode for 3 minutes.
      • Once the IP beeps, let it sit for 2 minutes and release the pressure quickly and carefully.
      • Mix the gravy nicely and then set the IP back to saute mode.
      • Now add the milk, crushed kasoori methi, and the chopped cilantro.
      • Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, and that’s it.
      • Instant Pot Paneer gravy is ready. Serve hot with rice and roti.

      Stove Top Method

      • Heat the kadai and add the oil.
      • Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds.
      • Let the cumin seeds crackle and then add the chopped onions and saute until it turns translucent.
      • Then add the pasta sauce, turmeric powder, curry powder, sugar, salt, chopped paneer, and peas if using.
      • Mix them well and add water.
      • Let this simmer for about  7  minutes. Keep stirring the mix for every two minutes.
      • Once the gravy has thickened, add the milk, crushed kasoori methi, and the chopped cilantro.
      • Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, and that’s it.
      • The Paneer gravy with pasta sauce is ready.

      Notes

      • Sugar is completely optional.
      • Instead of curry powder, you can use coriander powder + chili powder combo or shahi paneer masala or paneer tikka masala mix.
      • Adjust the salt and spice as per your preference.
      • Instead of regular milk, you can add fresh cream.
      • For this recipe, I used pasta sauce with no added veggies. It’s just the basil flavored pasta sauce. You can use pizza sauce or any other flavored pasta sauce.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 1097mg | Potassium: 459mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 532IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 340mg | Iron: 2mg

      I am not a nutritionist. The nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It varies depending upon the product types or brands.

      Tried this recipe?Mention @vidhyasvegetariankitchen or tag #vidhyasvegkitchen
      For Video RecipesCheck out My YouTube Channel
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      Filed Under: Fusion, Gravy, Instant Pot Recipes Tagged With: how to make paneer gravy with pasta sauce, how to prepare paneer gravy in instant pot, how to use pasta sauce as tomato base, how to use pasta sauce for indian gravies, Instant Pot Indian Recipes, instant pot paneer gravy, paneer gravy, paneer gravy with pasta sauce, Paneer Recipes, pasta sauce paneer gravy

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Kimberly says

        July 29, 2021 at 7:42 pm

        5 stars
        Amazing recipe! So easy to make. I used cumin powder instead of the seeds and didn’t have any fenugreek so I substituted with dry mustard powder. It was already tasty without the dry mustard. I will definitely be making this again! Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
        • Srividhya G says

          July 30, 2021 at 10:59 am

          Thank you. Glad it worked out. :-)

          Reply
      2. Jagruti says

        August 30, 2017 at 7:56 am

        This recipe is great for students who has very less time on their hand, nice one!

        Reply
        • Srividhya G says

          August 30, 2017 at 11:05 am

          Thanks J.

          Reply
      3. Soniya says

        August 30, 2017 at 5:59 am

        Hmm… Love instant pot dishes and this one is definitely a keeper!

        Reply
        • Srividhya G says

          August 30, 2017 at 11:06 am

          True. Thanks Soniya

          Reply
      4. Jayashree says

        August 30, 2017 at 2:59 am

        This is different and easy to make. Looks tasty Vidya.

        Reply
        • Srividhya G says

          August 30, 2017 at 11:09 am

          Thanks Jayashree

          Reply
      5. afroz261 says

        August 29, 2017 at 10:10 pm

        Paneer is my favorite vegetarian protein. This gravy looks so creamy and delicious. Will try it soon.

        Reply
        • Srividhya G says

          August 30, 2017 at 11:06 am

          Thanks. Please do let me know how you liked it.

          Reply
      6. Uma Srinivas says

        August 29, 2017 at 7:52 pm

        Easy and delicious recipe. I will make these with vegan options.

        Reply
        • Srividhya G says

          August 30, 2017 at 11:07 am

          Thanks Uma. Yeah I need to try the vegan version too.

          Reply
      7. Aish Das-Padihari says

        August 29, 2017 at 1:44 pm

        My 5 year old loves to eat paneer. I will try your recipe.

        Reply
        • Srividhya G says

          August 30, 2017 at 11:09 am

          Thanks Aish. Please do try.

          Reply
      8. Sudha says

        July 28, 2017 at 9:04 am

        Tried this last evening and kids loved it. Thanks for the great idea for a quick fix dinner.:)

        Reply
        • Srividhya G says

          July 29, 2017 at 10:03 pm

          Thanks a lot Sudha. Glad you liked it. :-) Your comment made my day.

          Reply
      9. Chitra Sundaram says

        July 21, 2017 at 2:14 am

        Hi Vidya, I have nominated you for the award of Awesome Blogger. Congratulations! Visit the post https://wordpress.com/post/chitrasrecipes.wordpress.com/5326 for more details. Hope you do your nominations as well, even if you don’t it’s fine.

        Reply
        • Srividhya G says

          July 23, 2017 at 6:40 am

          Thanks. Will do it soon.

          Reply
      10. lathiya says

        July 18, 2017 at 12:50 pm

        Wow..Easy and interesting twist of using pasta sauce..looks great

        Reply
        • Srividhya G says

          July 20, 2017 at 7:10 pm

          Thanks Lathi.

          Reply

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