Paneer Chilli

When it comes to mouthwatering Indian-Chinese cuisine, Paneer Chilli reigns supreme as a delightful fusion dish. This savory and spicy recipe combines the softness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with bold flavors of soy sauce, chili, and aromatic spices. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy family dinner, or treating yourself to something special, Paneer Chilli is a crowd-pleaser that’s both hearty and satisfying.

The charm of Paneer Chilli lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. With a balance of fresh vegetables, flavorful sauces, and golden-fried paneer, this dish offers a symphony of textures and tastes. It’s an excellent option for vegetarians and can be adapted to suit various spice preferences. Additionally, it pairs beautifully with fried rice or noodles, making it a complete meal or a stand-alone appetizer. Follow this guide to create restaurant-style Paneer Chilli at home with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Perfect for any occasion, Paneer Chilli showcases the magic of blending fresh ingredients with bold, harmonious flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe ensures a delectable outcome every time. Let’s dive into the details for a perfectly balanced dish that’s sure to impress.

Preparation Time

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For Marinating Paneer:

• Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) – 250g (cubed)
  • Calories: ~820
• Cornflour – 3 tablespoons
  • Calories: ~90
• All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: ~60
• Ginger-garlic paste – 1 teaspoon
  • Calories: ~5
• Soy sauce – 1 teaspoon
  • Calories: ~5
• Salt – to taste
  • Calories: 0
• Water – as needed
  • Calories: 0

For the Sauce:

• Oil – 2 tablespoons (for frying)
  • Calories: ~240
• Onion – 1 medium (diced)
  • Calories: ~40
• Bell peppers (green, red, yellow) – 1 cup (diced)
  • Calories: ~50
• Green chilies – 2 (sliced)
  • Calories: ~10
• Garlic – 4 cloves (minced)
  • Calories: ~20
• Ginger – 1 inch (julienned)
  • Calories: ~5
• Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon
  • Calories: ~15
• Red chili sauce – 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: ~30
• Tomato ketchup – 1 tablespoon
  • Calories: ~15
• Vinegar – 1 teaspoon
  • Calories: ~0
• Cornflour slurry (1 tablespoon cornflour + 2 tablespoons water)
  • Calories: ~15
• Spring onions – 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish)
  • Calories: ~5
• Salt and pepper – to taste
  • Calories: 0

Instructions

1. Marinate and Fry Paneer

• Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix cornflour, all-purpose flour, ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Add water gradually to form a smooth batter.
• Coat the paneer: Add paneer cubes to the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
• Deep-fry or shallow-fry: Heat oil in a pan and fry the coated paneer cubes until golden and crispy. Remove and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat oil: In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil.
• Add aromatics: Sauté minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies until fragrant.
• Cook vegetables: Add diced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes to retain their crunch.

3. Prepare the Sauce

• Combine sauces: Add soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar to the vegetables. Stir well.
• Adjust seasoning: Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste.
• Thicken the sauce: Add the cornflour slurry while stirring continuously. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4. Assemble the Dish

• Mix in paneer: Gently fold the fried paneer cubes into the sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
• Garnish: Sprinkle chopped spring onions on top for a burst of freshness.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve hot: Enjoy Paneer Chilli as a starter or pair it with fried rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Calorie Breakdown

• Paneer: ~820 calories
• Cornflour and All-purpose Flour: ~165 calories
• Sauces and Spices: ~110 calories
• Vegetables and Aromatics: ~140 calories
• Oil: ~240 calories Total Calories: ~1,475 (serves 4, ~370 calories per serving)

Why This Recipe Works

• Flavor Balance: The combination of spicy, tangy, and umami flavors creates a restaurant-quality dish.
• Texture Play: Crispy paneer and crunchy vegetables ensure every bite is delightful.
• Adaptable: Customize the spice level or add extra vegetables to suit your preference.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish healthier? Yes, opt for air-frying or baking the paneer instead of frying to reduce oil consumption.
2. Can I use tofu instead of paneer? Absolutely! Firm tofu is a great substitute for paneer in this recipe.
3. What if I don’t have all the sauces? You can skip or substitute sauces based on availability. For example, use extra ketchup instead of chili sauce for a milder version.
4. How do I store leftovers? Store Paneer Chilli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove for best results.
5. Can I make it vegan? Yes, replace paneer with tofu and ensure the sauces used are vegan-friendly.
6. What else can I add? Mushrooms, baby corn, or broccoli are great additions to enhance the dish’s nutritional value and flavor.