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How to make Chilli Paneer? Chilli Paneer Recipe

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings

Title: Crispy Chilli Paneer with Spicy Sauce: A Flavorful Fusion

1. Introduction:

Chilli Paneer, a beloved dish in Indian-Chinese cuisine, marries the succulence of paneer with the tantalizing flavors of spices and sauces. This recipe elevates the classic, offering a tantalizing blend of textures-crispy fried paneer enveloped in a fiery, aromatic sauce. It's a culinary adventure that promises to captivate your taste buds with each bite.

2. Importance of the Ingredients:

• Paneer: Paneer, a fresh cheese common in Indian cuisine, serves as the star ingredients in this dish. It's rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.
• Capsicum and Onion: These vegetables not only add color and crunch but also provide essential vitamins and minerals, enhancing the nutritional profile of the dish.
• Garlic and Ginger: The aromatic duo of garlic and ginger adds depth of flavor and a hint of warmth to the dish, while also offering various health benefits including immune-boosting properties.
• Chilli: Whether in the form of powder or fresh green and dry chillies, it adds the characteristic heat and spice that defined Chilli Paneer, stimulating your taste buds and providing a flavorful kick.
• Soya Sauce: This umami-rich sauce adds depth and complexity to the dish, infusing it with savory notes and enhancing its overall taste.

3. Occasions and Who Can Enjoy It:

Whether it's a cozy dinner at home or a lively gathering with friends, Crispy Chilli Paneer is a crowd-pleaser. Its vegetarian appeal makes it inclusive for all, catering to both herbivores and omnivores alike. From birthday parties to festive celebrations, this dish is a versatile addition to any occasion, delighting guests of all ages with its bold flavors and satisfying textures.

4. Benefits and Uses of Having This Recipe:

• Nutrient-Rich: Chilli Paneer is a wholesome dish that provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with rice or noodles for a more substantial feast.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, this recipe is easy to prepare, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice level and ingredients according to your preference, allowing for endless variations to suit your taste and dietary restrictions.
• Satisfying and Flavorful: The combination of crispy paneer and spicy sauce creates a satisfying dish bursting with flavor, satisfying your cravings for something indulgent yet wholesome.

Here's a delicious recipe for Chilli Paneer using the below ingredients:

5. Crispy Fried Paneer:

1. Ingredients:

• All-Purpose Flour (Maida) - 2 tablespoons
• Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Chilli Powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Paneer (cut into bite-sized cubes) - 300g
• Oil, for deep frying

2. Cooking Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and chilli powder.

2. Gradually add water (about 1/4 cup) to form a smooth batter, ensuring there are no lumps. For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or you favorite spices to the batter or stir in 1/2 teaspoon of ginger paste.

3. Dip the paneer cubes into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.

4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready for frying, drop a small amount of batter into the oil-it should sizzle and rise to the surface.

5. Carefully add the coated paneer cubes to the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry in batches if necessary to maintain the temperature of the oil.

6. Fry the paneer cubes until they turn golden brown and crisp, approximately 3-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

7. Repeat the frying process with the remaining paneer cubes, ensuring the oil is hot enough before adding each batch.

7. Chilli Paneer Sauce:

1. Ingredients:

• Oil (Preferably sesame oil for an authentic flavor) - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic (thinly sliced) - 1 tablespoon
• Ginger (julienned) - 1 tablespoon
• Dry Red Chilies, whole - 2
• Green Chilies, slit lengthwise - 2
• Small Onion (thinly sliced) -1
• Capsicum (Bell Pepper), diced - 1
• Soy Sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Water - 1/4 cup
• Ground Black Pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Salt, to taste
• Green Onions (Scallions), chopped for garnish

2. Instructions:

1. In a wok or large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add sliced garlic and julienned ginger to the hot oil, and saute until aromatic about 30 seconds.

3. Toss in the whole dry red chilies and slit green chilies, allowing them to infuse their heat into the oil.

4. Add thinly sliced onions to the pan and saute until they turn translucent and begin to caramelize around the edges.

5. Stir in the diced capsicum and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the capsicum is tender yet still retains a slight crunch.

6. Pour in the soy sauce and water (1/4 cup), allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the quantity of soy sauce according to your preference for saltiness.

7. Season the sauce with ground black pepper and salt to taste, keeping in mind that the soy sauce already adds a salty note to the dish.

8. Once the sauce reaches a simmer, add the fried paneer cubes to the pan, gently tossing them in the sauce until they are evenly coated.

9. Allow the paneer cubes to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors and soften slightly.

10. Garnish the dish with chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and color.

Serve your hot and spicy Chilli Paneer with steamed rice or noodles for a delicious meal!

7. Cooking Tips and Variations:

• Crispy Paneer: To ensure perfectly crispy paneer cubes, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. Fry the paneer in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can result in uneven cooking.
• Sauce Consistency: Adjust the amount of water in the sauce to achieve your desired consistency. For a thicker sauce, use less water, while for a thinner consistency, add more water as needed
• Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice levels to suit your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different sauces.
• For a healthier alternative, you can increase the quantity of green chilies or add a dash of hot sauce or chili paste to the sauce.
• To enhance the umami flavor of the dish, you can add a splash of vinegar or a drizzle of honey to the sauce, balancing out the heat with a touch of sweetness and acidity.

8. Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein:15g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 700mg

9. Presentation and Servings:

To serve, transfer the piping hot Chilli Paneer to a serving platter, garnishing it with a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions for a vibrant finish. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal, allowing your guests to savor the irresistible combination of crispy paneer and fiery sauce. For an elegant touch, you can arrange the paneer cubes in a decorative pattern on the serving platter, drizzling the sauce over them for a dramatic effect.