Last Updated on June 8, 2023 by Chef Mireille
Manipuri Paneer Curry – Sana Thongba – This Vegetarian curry from one of India’s northeastern 7 sister states makes a great dinner option for Meatless Monday.
Today I am taking you to one of the northeastern Indian states, one of the seven states affectionately known as the Seven Sisters.
Manipur, like the other northeastern Indian states, has a large tribal population representing 33% of the state. The Meetei are the largest tribe. Most people either follow the tribal Meetei religion, Hinduism, Christianity or Islam or a combination with the Meetei religion. Although 29 different dialects are spoken among the Manipur tribes, Meeteilon is the state language.
Like the other states of this region, meat features prominantly in their diet and there are few Vegetarians. Smoking meat and drying vegetables are common as is pitha, momos and thupka, similar to Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland and Sikkim. However, this is one of the most popular Vegetarian dishes – often served during religious festivals.
There are different versions of this curry, based on personal preference. Green peas or peanuts…to use ginger or not…these can vary. However, what makes this curry distinctive from other paneer curries is the milk based gravy. This is definitely not for the lactose intolerant!
Here’s my version of Paneer Curry…Manipur style. Sana is the word for paneer in Meeteilon, the Manipuri language.
This is a delicious way to enjoy #MeatlessMonday
Not a very spicy curry, but very flavorful.
You won’t be able to resist it!
Manipuri Paneer Curry – Sana Thongba
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons mustard oil
- 8 oz. paneer diced
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1/4 cup frozen green peas defrosted
- 5 chiles finely chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 large potato peeled and chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 cup milk
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add paneer and fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove to a paper towel lined plate.
- Add cumin seed. Add ginger paste and garlic paste. After 1 minute, add chiles and onion. Saute until onions turn golden.
- Add remaining oil and fry potato for 1-2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook for 5-8 minutes, until potatoes are cooked through.
- Add milk, green peas, turmeric and salt. Bring to a boil. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add paneer and simmer for another 2 minutes. Add remaining water and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add cilantro and cook for 1 more minute.
- Serve with Basmati rice.
Nutrition
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what an utterly delicious looking dish. thank you! Having recently moved the USA from London, UK – I've been homesick for decent Indian food (no one does curry like the Indians in England!) – so pleased to have stumbled on your blog!
Kate
http://www.the-austinite.com
Sana thongba looks fingerlicking,rich and very tempting.. Hard to resist and delicious food to enjoy with some rotis.
This sounds amazing! Will try soon
Sounds so interesting! Gotta try
This was a very delicious curry! I made the same one as well and we all loved it. Looks very good Mir!
Curry looks delicious and flavorful, despite using simple spices.
You have nice contrasting colors in your pictures. This looks like a really nice curry.
Very rich n yummy looking curry….
delicious and yummy gravy!!
Looks very delicious. Great effort Mir.
yummy looking curry. i made the same dish too and enjoyed it thoroughly
I missed making this Mir, sounds so good..
Delicious curry. Paneer and green peas make a nice combo….
Curry looks creamy and yummy!!
Paneer curry sounds inviting and creamy..
Sounds so delicious. It will be loved in my place with a little heat of course.
This is such a nice curry. Never knew Manipuri cuisine had this!!!
Had bookmarked this too, but cud never get around to make it – looks delish 🙂
I remember making soya thongba for one BM. I love this mild curry. Great idea to use paneer.
You should try with paneer next time. It was so delicious!
I remember making a similar version long back and it was so delicious. With rice it tastes just amazing.
yes perfect plate of food with the curry and rice!