Chilli Paneer

Chilli Paneer

Chilli Paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish. Chilli Paneer makes a spicy flavorful starter especially for many of my friends who enjoy the spicy food. Chilli Paneer can also be served as a side dish. This is absolutely delicious and easy to make.

• 6 oz paneer (cut into bite sized pieces)
• 1 cup bell pepper (sliced, capsicum, Shimla mirch, I am using yellow and green bell pepper for color)

For Batter

• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (plain flour, maida)
• 2 Tbsp corn starch or arrow root powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

For Sauce

• 2 Tbsp oil (canola or vegetable oil)
• 1 Tbsp ginger (shredded, adrak)
• 1 Tbsp green chili (chopped)
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp vinegar
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1-1/2 tsp corn starch or arrow root powder
• 1/2 cup water

1. I am using store bought paneer, texture is not very soft to give the paneer softer texture soak the paneer for at least 10 minutes in hot water with few drops of lemon juice.

2. To make batter mix flour, corn starch, and salt in a bowl. Add the water slowly to make a smooth batter (batter should be consistency of pancake batter or dosa batter).

3. Heat at least 1/2 inch of oil in a frying pan over medium high heat. Oil should be moderately hot.

4. Dip the paneer into the batter, making sure it is completely covered by the batter. Then drop the paneer pieces slowly into oil in the frying pan. (do not overlap them)

5. Fry the paneer in small batches. Fry them turning occasionally, until they are very light golden brown. Take them out over paper towel.

6. Do same with bell pepper.

7. For sauce heat the oil in sauce pan over medium heat; add ginger, and green chili stir for about one minutes. Add all the ingredients for sauce except corn starch, (soy sauce, vinegar, chili flakes, and tomato paste), Stir for 1 minutes. mix water and corn starch and add to the sauce. Cook for another two minutes, sauce should be thick consistency. Sauce gets thicker as it sits.

8. Add paneer, and bell pepper into sauce and serve hot.

Appetizer

Indian, Indochinese

Chilli Paneer Recipe: Irresistible Appetizer Chilli Paneer:

Chilli Paneer is a delectable appetizer commonly found in party recipes and snack menus. It's a savory Indo-Chinese dish that combines the succulence of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with a flavorful chili-infused sauce. The dish typically involves frying paneer cubes until they're golden brown and then tossing them in a tantalizing sauce made from chili peppers, ginger, soy sauce, and other spices. 

The result is a mouthwatering fusion of textures and flavors, with the paneer offering a creamy contrast to the spicy kick of the sauce. Chilli Paneer is a perfect addition to any gathering, offering a delightful combination of heat, sweetness, and tanginess that's sure to please any palate.

Indulge in the delectable flavors of chilli paneer with this easy-to-follow recipe paneer chilli. Whether you're a fan of Indo-Chinese cuisine or simply looking to add a spicy twist to your meal, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Made with succulent cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and a flavorful blend of spices, this chilli paneer recipe is a crowd-pleaser.

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking process, gather all the necessary ingredients for making chilli paneer. You'll need fresh paneer, vibrant bell peppers, ginger, green chilies, soy sauce, chili sauce, ketchup, cornstarch, and a few pantry staples like salt and oil. Ensure that your ingredients are prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.

Step 2: Marinating the Paneer

Begin by marinating the paneer cubes in a tantalizing mixture of soy sauce, chili sauce, and cornstarch. This step allows the paneer to absorb the flavors, resulting in a more vibrant and flavorful dish. Let the paneer marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to ensure maximum flavor infusion.

Step 3: Stir-frying the Ingredients

Heat oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped garlic, ginger, and green chilies to the hot oil, and sauté until fragrant. Then, toss in the diced bell peppers, stirring constantly until they're slightly softened yet still retain their crunch. This colorful medley of vegetables adds both flavor and texture to the paneer chilli.

Step 4: Adding the Marinated Paneer

Once the vegetables are cooked to perfection, gently add the marinated paneer cubes to the pan. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as you want the paneer to brown evenly. Allow the paneer to cook undisturbed for a few minutes, allowing it to develop a golden crust before flipping each piece to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Sauce Preparation

In a separate bowl, mix together soy sauce, chili sauce, and ketchup to create a savory and tangy sauce for the chilli paneer. Adjust the quantities according to your preference for spiciness and sweetness. Once combined, pour the sauce over the cooked paneer and vegetables, tossing everything together until evenly coated.

Step 6: Garnishing and Serving

To finish off this mouthwatering dish, garnish the chilli paneer and fresh coriander leaves. These vibrant greens not only add a pop of color but also enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish. Serve the cheese chilli paneer hot with steamed rice or crispy noodles for a complete and satisfying meal experience.

Tips for Perfect Chilli Paneer:

• For extra heat, add more green chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the dish.
• To make the chilli paneer more indulgent, sprinkle some grated cheese on top just before serving for a cheesy twist.
• Experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or baby corn to customize the dish to your liking.

Variations of Chilli Paneer:

• Dry Chilli Paneer: If you prefer a drier version of chilli paneer, simply reduce the amount of sauce added to the dish. This results in a more intense flavor and a slightly crispy texture.
• Gravy Chilli Paneer: To create a saucier version of chilli paneer, add more water or vegetable broth to the sauce mixture and simmer until it reaches your desired consistency. This is perfect for drizzling over steamed rice or noodles.

Benefits of Chilli Paneer:

• High Protein: Paneer is a rich source of protein, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans looking to increase their protein intake.
• Rich in Calcium: Paneer is also loaded with calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
• Versatile: Chilli paneer can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with other Indian or Chinese favorites like fried rice or noodles.

FAQs about Chilli Paneer:

Q: Can I use tofu instead of paneer in this recipe?

A: Yes, you can easily substitute tofu for paneer if you're looking for a vegan alternative. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before marinating and cooking.

Q: How spicy is this dish?

A: The spiciness of chilli paneer can be adjusted according to your preference. Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of green chilies or chili sauce to suit your taste buds.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: While chilli paneer is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Simply stir-fry everything together just before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Other Recipes on Manjula's Kitchen

If you're looking to explore more Indian recipes, appetizers, beverages, and desserts, be sure to check out the following links on Manjula's Kitchen. Here are some links to recipes on Manjula's Kitchen official website:

Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe

Chana Chaat (Spicy Chickpea Salad) Recipe

Pav Bhaji (Spicy Vegetable Hash with Buns) Recipe

Raj Kachori (Crunchy Chaat) Recipe

Vegetable Biryani Recipe

These recipes should offer you a flavorful experience straight from Manjula's Kitchen.