Paneer Ghotala Recipe | Street-Style Gujarati Paneer Dish

Often heard and tasted this paneer recipe from street vendors but never tried at home. Today I am sharing with you my way of cooking this Ghotala recipe.

Paneer Ghotala is a rich, spicy and buttery street-style paneer recipe that originated in Gujarat. Popular at night food stalls, this dish gets its name from the word “ghotala”, which means to mash. Soft paneer is gently mashed with a spicy onion-tomato masala, butter creating a deliciously indulgent curry that pairs perfectly with pav or kulcha.

If you love street-style paneer recipes, this Paneer Ghotala is a must-try!

Ingredients For Gravy

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp oil
• 3 tbsp fresh coriander leaves
• 1 tbsp methi leaves
• 3 onions finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 3 to 4 green chillies or according to taste
• 2 tomatoes chopped
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp kashmiri red chilli powder
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp chaat masala
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp kala namak
• 1 tsp salt or according to taste
• 1 tbp garam masala
• 1 tbsp pav bhaji masala
• 250 grams paneer grated
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp tomato sauce
• 1 tsp kasuri methi

How to Make Paneer Ghotala

• Heat oil and butter in a pan on medium flame. Add coriander leaves, let them turn crisp then add in kasuri methi.
• Add finely chopped onions and saute until soft and lightly golden.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and green chillies. Cook until raw smell disappears.
• Add chopped tomatoes and cook until the masala turns thick and releases butter.
• Add turmeric powder, coriander powder,kashmiri red chilli powder, chaat masala, cumin seeds, kala namak, garam masala, pav bhaji masala.
• Give all this a good mix.
• Pour water, bring it to boil, lower the flame, add tomato sauce and salt
• Now add in grated paneer, mix it well
• Cook on low flame for 2-3 minutes, lightly mashing the mixture for the signature ghotala texture.
• Finish this with coriander leaves and a generous dollop of butter.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Paneer Ghotala hot with butter pav, kulcha or naan
• Add extra butter and cheese on top for authentic street-style taste

⭐ Tips for Perfect Street-Style Paneer Ghotala

• Use fresh soft paneer for the best texture
• Mash lightly; do not over-grind the paneer
• Pav bhaji masala gives the dish its street-style flavour don’t skip it
• Adjust spice level according to taste

🌶️ Variations

• Extra Cheesy Paneer Ghotala: Add more grated cheese on top
• Jain Version: Skip onion and garlic, increase tomatoes slightly
• Spicy Version: Add green chilli paste or chilli butter

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought paneer?
Yes, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes to soften it before use.

Is Paneer Ghotala very spicy?
It is mildly spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat.

📌 Final Thoughts

Paneer Ghotala is a comfort food for paneer lovers and a perfect recipe for weekends, parties or street-style food cravings. Try this recipe at home and enjoy the flavours of Gujarat right from your kitchen.