Paneer Chilli is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that combines the richness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with the flavors of Chinese cuisine. It is a delectable appetizer or side dish that is loved by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. At Indian Recipe Duniya, we bring you a delicious recipe to satisfy your cravings.
Speciality of Paneer Chilli:
The specialty of Paneer Chilli lies in its combination of soft and succulent paneer cubes with a spicy and tangy sauce. The paneer absorbs the flavors of the sauce, creating a mouthwatering fusion of Indian and Chinese tastes. It is a perfect blend of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.
About Paneer Chilli:
Paneer Chilli is a vibrant and flavorful Indo-Chinese dish featuring succulent cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) tossed in a spicy, aromatic blend of sauces. The paneer is first marinated, coated in a crispy layer, and then stir-fried with colorful bell peppers, onions, and aromatic spices. The result is a mouthwatering fusion of textures and tastes, making Paneer Chilli a popular and delightful appetizer or side dish.
Health Benefits:
1.Protein Source: Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is a rich source of protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. Including protein in your diet can also help in feeling full for a longer time, aiding in weight management.
2. Calcium Content: Paneer is high in calcium, contributing to the health of bones and teeth. Adequate calcium intake is crucial for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis.
3. Vitamins and Minerals: Vegetables like bell peppers and onions in Paneer Chilli provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium. These contribute to immune function, skin health, and electrolyte balance.
4. Capsaicin Benefits: Chilies, often used in Paneer Chilli, contain capsaicin, which may have metabolism-boosting properties and potential benefits for weight management. Additionally, capsaicin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
5. Fiber from Vegetables: The vegetables in Paneer Chilli contribute dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management. Fiber helps maintain a healthy gut and can contribute to lower cholesterol levels.
6. Controlled Portion Size: Preparing Paneer Chilli at home allows you to control the quantity and quality of ingredients, helping in portion control and managing overall calorie intake.
7. Reduced Sodium Option: By moderating the use of soy sauce and other high-sodium condiments, you can make a version of Paneer Chilli that is lower in sodium, promoting heart health.
Chilli Paneer Recipe Video:
Chilli Capsicum Paneer Recipe Ingredients:
For Paneer Preparation:
- 250 grams of fresh paneer cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of aromate powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of either white or black pepper powder
- 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
- A teaspoon of red chili paste or chili sauce
- 3 to 4 teaspoons of corn flour
- Oil for frying
For Paneer Chilli Vegetable Mix:
- Red, Yellow, Green capsicum sliced
- Onion sliced
- Chopped ginger
- Chopped garlic
- Chopped Spring onions
- Chopped green chili
- 1 tablespoon of chilli paste or red/green chili sauce
- 1/2 cup of water
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon of aromate powder
- 1 teaspoon of white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of dark soya sauce
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of tomato sauce
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of corn flour batter
Chilli Paneer Recipe with Pictures:
Step 1: Preparing Paneer
Start by taking 250 grams of fresh paneer cubes in a bowl.
Sprinkle a pinch of salt and aromate powder over the paneer. Now, add 1/2 teaspoon of either white or black pepper powder, 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste, and a teaspoon of red chilli paste or chilli sauce for that extra kick.
Step 2: Mixing Marinade
“Gently mix all the ingredients, ensuring every paneer piece is coated with this flavorful marinade.”
Step 3: Coating with Corn Flour
“Next, add 3 to 4 teaspoons of corn flour to the paneer, making sure each piece is evenly coated. This step will give our paneer a beautiful, crispy texture.”
Step 4: Frying Paneer
Heat up some oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop in the paneer pieces.
Fry them until they achieve a gorgeous yellowish hue.
For Vegetable Mix: Take sliced red, yellow and green capsicum, sliced onion, chopped ginger, chopped garlic, chopped Spring onions, chopped green chili.
Step 5: Preparing Vegetable Mix
“While the paneer is frying, let’s create a vibrant mix of veggies. In another pan, heat 2 teaspoons of oil. Add chopped garlic, ginger, and green chili. Sauté them until they become wonderfully crisp and fragrant.”
Step 6: Adding Capsicum and Onion
“Now, toss in sliced red, yellow, and green capsicum along with some sliced onions. Stir-fry for about 30 to 40 seconds on high flame.”
Step 7: Creating the Sauce
“Time to infuse some saucy goodness! Add 1 tablespoon of chilli paste or red/green chili sauce, 1/2 cup of water, salt to taste, 1/2 teaspoon of aromate powder, 1 teaspoon of white vinegar, 1 teaspoon of dark soya sauce, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of tomato sauce. Sprinkle some spring onions and give it all a good mix.”
Step 8: Thickening the Sauce
“For that perfect consistency, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of corn flour batter to thicken the sauce.”
Step 9: Tossing Paneer in the Sauce
“Once your sauce is ready, add the fried paneer cubes and gently toss them to coat well. Let it all cook together for another minute, allowing those flavors to mingle and dance.”
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
“To finish off, garnish with fresh spring onions. And there you have it – our lip-smacking Paneer Chilli is ready to be served! Perfect as an appetizer or as a side dish with fried rice or noodles. Let’s plate up and dig in!”
Pro Tips:
1. Perfect Paneer Prep: Pat dry the paneer cubes with a paper towel before marinating. This helps in better absorption of flavors and ensures a crispier texture.
2. Marination Mastery: Allow the paneer to marinate for at least 20-30 minutes or refrigerate it for a couple of hours. This allows the spices to penetrate the paneer, enhancing its taste.
3. Corn Flour Coating Technique: When coating paneer with corn flour, use your hands to gently toss and coat each piece individually. This ensures an even coating for that irresistible crunch.
4. Hot Oil for Frying: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the paneer. This quickens the frying process and prevents the paneer from becoming oily.
5. Vibrant Veggie Symphony: Choose crisp and colorful bell peppers for the vegetable mix. Their freshness adds vibrancy to the dish, both visually and in terms of flavor.
6. Sauce Consistency Control: Adjust the water content while preparing the sauce to control its thickness. If you prefer a thicker consistency, use less water, and for a saucier finish, add a bit more.
7. Balancing Act with Sauces: Balance the proportions of chili paste, soy sauce, and vinegar to achieve the desired level of spiciness, saltiness, and tanginess. Tweak according to your taste preference.
8. Quick Toss Technique: When adding the fried paneer to the sauce, use a quick tossing motion rather than stirring. This ensures that the paneer gets coated without losing its crispy exterior.
9. Freshness Finale: Garnish with freshly chopped spring onions just before serving. The freshness adds a delightful contrast to the dish.
10. Serve Smart: For an extra touch, serve Paneer Chilli on a sizzling hot plate. The sizzle not only adds flair but also keeps the dish warm for a longer, enjoyable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen paneer for Paneer Chilli?
Yes, you can use frozen paneer, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating for better flavor absorption.
How do I prevent the paneer from turning rubbery?
Avoid overcooking the paneer. Fry until it’s just golden, and toss it in the sauce at the last minute to maintain its soft texture.
Can I make Paneer Chilli without corn flour?
Corn flour contributes to the crispy texture, but you can substitute it with rice flour or all-purpose flour if needed.
What’s the best way to store leftover Paneer Chilli?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on a stovetop or microwave, but be cautious not to overheat and make the paneer rubbery.
Can I add more vegetables to Paneer Chilli?
Absolutely! Customize your Paneer Chilli by adding your favorite veggies like broccoli, baby corn, or mushrooms.
How spicy is Paneer Chilli?
The spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. Controlling the amount of chili paste or sauce will help you achieve the desired level of heat.
Can I make Paneer Chilli ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Fry the paneer and store it separately from the sauce. Combine and heat them just before serving.
Is there a substitute for soy sauce in Paneer Chilli?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce alternative, try using tamari, liquid aminos, or even a light teriyaki sauce.
Can I make Paneer Chilli without frying the paneer?
While frying adds a crispy texture, you can also grill or bake the marinated paneer for a healthier version of Paneer Chilli.
Nutritional Facts:
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (approximately 125 grams)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Recipe Card:
Irresistible Paneer Chilli Recipe
Ingredients
For Paneer Preparation:
- 250 grams of fresh paneer cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of aromate powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of either white or black pepper powder
- 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon of red chili paste or chili sauce
- 3 to 4 teaspoons of corn flour
- Oil for frying
For Paneer Chilli Vegetable Mix:
- Red, Yellow, Green capsicum sliced
- Onion sliced
- Chopped ginger
- Chopped garlic
- Chopped Spring onions
- Chopped green chili
- 1 tablespoon of chilli paste or red/green chili sauce
- 1/2 cup of water
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon of aromate powder
- 1 teaspoon of white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of dark soya sauce
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of tomato sauce
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of corn flour batter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparing Paneer"Start by taking 250 grams of fresh paneer cubes in a bowl. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and aromate powder over the paneer. Now, add 1/2 teaspoon of either white or black pepper powder, 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste, and a teaspoon of red chilli paste or chilli sauce for that extra kick."
- Step 2: Mixing Marinade"Gently mix all the ingredients, ensuring every paneer piece is coated with this flavorful marinade."
- Step 3: Coating with Corn Flour"Next, add 3 to 4 teaspoons of corn flour to the paneer, making sure each piece is evenly coated. This step will give our paneer a beautiful, crispy texture."
- Step 4: Frying Paneer"Heat up some oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop in the paneer pieces. Fry them until they achieve a gorgeous yellowish hue."
- For Vegetable Mix:Take sliced red, yellow and green capsicum, sliced onion, chopped ginger, chopped garlic, chopped Spring onions, chopped green chili.
- Step 5: Preparing Vegetable Mix"While the paneer is frying, let's create a vibrant mix of veggies. In another pan, heat 2 teaspoons of oil. Add chopped garlic, ginger, and green chili. Sauté them until they become wonderfully crisp and fragrant."
- Step 6: Adding Capsicum and Onion"Now, toss in sliced red, yellow, and green capsicum along with some sliced onions. Stir-fry for about 30 to 40 seconds on high flame."
- Step 7: Creating the Sauce"Time to infuse some saucy goodness! Add 1 tablespoon of chilli paste or red/green chili sauce, 1/2 cup of water, salt to taste, 1/2 teaspoon of aromate powder, 1 teaspoon of white vinegar, 1 teaspoon of dark soya sauce, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of tomato sauce. Sprinkle some spring onions and give it all a good mix."
- Step 8: Thickening the Sauce"For that perfect consistency, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of corn flour batter to thicken the sauce."
- Step 9: Tossing Paneer in the Sauce"Once your sauce is ready, add the fried paneer cubes and gently toss them to coat well. Let it all cook together for another minute, allowing those flavors to mingle and dance."
- Step 10: Garnish and Serve"To finish off, garnish with fresh spring onions. And there you have it – our lip-smacking Paneer Chilli is ready to be served! Perfect as an appetizer or as a side dish with fried rice or noodles. Let's plate up and dig in!"
Video
Takeaway:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Indo-Chinese cuisine with Paneer Chilli. The combination of tender paneer cubes and a savory, tangy sauce makes it an irresistible appetizer or side dish. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, this dish from Indian Recipe Duniya is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
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