ByHey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Are you ready to embark on a flavorful adventure with me?
Anjali here, and today I’m here to share with you an absolute gem of a recipe: Chilli Paneer! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this spicy and delightful Indo-Chinese dish.
As a passionate food lover and experienced cook, I’m thrilled to guide you through the world of chilli paneer.
This beloved recipe combines the best of Indian spices with a Chinese twist, resulting in a perfect blend of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it has become a favorite among both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Join me on this culinary journey as we delve into the history, variations, and step-by-step preparation of this mouthwatering dish.
From the origins of chilli paneer to the tips and tricks for making it perfectly, we’ll cover it all. So, let’s get started and create a delectable masterpiece together!
Table of Contents
The History and Origins of Chili Paneer
Chilli paneer originated in the Indian subcontinent during the influx of Chinese cuisine in the mid-20th century. It is believed to have been created by the Chinese community living in Kolkata, India. The dish quickly gained popularity and spread throughout the country, becoming a staple in Indo-Chinese restaurants.
Chili Paneer Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Kadhai or Cauldron
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Khunti or Long Spatula
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Spoon/Spatula
Ingredients
- 250 gms Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
- 2 tbsp Cornflour
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour (maida)
- 1 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium Capsicum (bell pepper)
- 2-3 Green chilli
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp Red chili sauce
- 1 tbsp Vinegar
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 tbsp Black pepper powder
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil
- Fresh coriander
Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
- In a bowl, combine the cornflour, all-purpose flour, ginger-garlic paste, black pepper powder, salt, and a little water to make a smooth batter.
- Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and coat them well. Let the paneer marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
Frying the Paneer
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok for frying.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated paneer cubes in small batches.
- Fry the paneer until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Making the Sauce
- In a separate pan, heat a little oil.
- Add the chopped onions, slit green chilies, and capsicum cubes.
- Stir-fry the vegetables on high heat until they are slightly softened.
Combining Paneer and Sauce
- In the same pan, add soy sauce, tomato ketchup, red chili sauce, vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix the sauces well and let them cook for a minute.
- Add the fried paneer cubes to the pan and toss them gently to coat them evenly with the sauce.
Garnishing and Serving
- Garnish the chilli paneer with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve the hot and spicy chilli paneer as an appetizer or with steamed rice or noodles as a main course.
Video
Notes
Tips for Making the Perfect Chilli Paneer
- Use fresh and firm paneer for the best results.
- Adjust the amount of green chilies and chili sauce according to your spice tolerance.
- For a healthier version, you can bake or shallow-fry the paneer instead of deep-frying it.
- Make sure the paneer cubes are well-coated with the marinade to ensure they stay soft and flavorful after frying.
- Experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms, baby corn, or broccoli to add variety to your chilli paneer.
Ingredients Required for Chili Paneer
To make delicious chili paneer, you will need the following ingredients:
- 250 grams of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons of cornflour
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium-sized capsicum (bell pepper), cut into cubes
- 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon of red chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper powder
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Different Variations of Chilli Paneer
Chilli paneer can be prepared in various ways to suit different preferences. Here are some popular variations:
Dry Chilli Paneer
Dry Chilli Paneer is a crispy and flavorful version of the dish. In this variation, the paneer is coated with a cornflour batter and deep-fried until crispy. It is then stir-fried with onions, capsicum, and a spicy sauce to create a mouthwatering appetizer.
Gravy chilli paneer
Gravy Chilli Paneer is a saucy version of the dish, perfect for serving with steamed rice or noodles. The paneer is cooked in a thick, flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, tomato ketchup, chili sauce, and other seasonings. The result is a delicious and tangy dish with a rich gravy.
Schezwan chilli paneer
Schezwan Chilli Paneer is a fiery variation that combines the flavors of Schezwan sauce with chilli paneer. Schezwan sauce, with its intense heat and bold flavors, adds an extra kick to the dish. This variation is for those who enjoy spicy food and crave a flavorful adventure.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Chili Paneer
Follow these steps to prepare delicious chilli paneer at home:
Step 1: Preparing the Marinade
- In a bowl, combine the cornflour, all-purpose flour, ginger-garlic paste, black pepper powder, salt, and a little water to make a smooth batter.
- Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and coat them well. Let the paneer marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Frying the Paneer
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok for frying.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated paneer cubes in small batches.
- Fry the paneer until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Making the Sauce
- In a separate pan, heat a little oil.
- Add the chopped onions, slit green chilies, and capsicum cubes.
- Stir-fry the vegetables on high heat until they are slightly softened.
Step 4: Combining Paneer and Sauce
- In the same pan, add soy sauce, tomato ketchup, red chili sauce, vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix the sauces well and let them cook for a minute.
- Add the fried paneer cubes to the pan and toss them gently to coat them evenly with the sauce.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
- Garnish the chilli paneer with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve the hot and spicy chilli paneer as an appetizer or with steamed rice or noodles as a main course.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chilli Paneer
- Use fresh and firm paneer for the best results.
- Adjust the amount of green chilies and chili sauce according to your spice tolerance.
- For a healthier version, you can bake or shallow fry the paneer instead of deep-frying it.
- Make sure the paneer cubes are well-coated with the marinade to ensure they stay soft and flavorful after frying.
- Experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms, baby corn, or broccoli to add variety to your chilli paneer.
Health Benefits of Chili Paneer
Chilli paneer not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers several health benefits. Paneer is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus, essential for bone health. It also contains vitamins like B12 and minerals like selenium, which support overall well-being. However, moderation is key, as chilli paneer may be high in calories and sodium due to the sauces used.
Popular Accompaniments for Chili Paneer
Chilli paneer pairs well with a variety of accompaniments, enhancing the overall dining experience. Some popular choices include:
- Steamed rice
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- Roti or naan bread
- Fresh salad
Try different combinations to find your favorite match!
Chilli Paneer: A Versatile Dish for Different Occasions
Chilli paneer is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a delicious meal, chilli paneer is a perfect choice. Its spicy and tangy flavors make it a crowd-pleaser and a delightful addition to any menu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best paneer variety to use for making chilli paneer?
A: The best paneer variety to use for making chilli paneer is fresh and firm paneer. It should have a smooth texture and not crumble easily.
Q: Can I use tofu instead of paneer in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute paneer with tofu in this recipe. Tofu works well as a vegan alternative and absorbs flavors similarly to paneer.
Q: How spicy is chilli paneer?
A: The level of spiciness in chilli paneer can vary depending on personal preference. You can adjust the amount of green chilies and chili sauce to control the heat.
Q: Can I make chilli paneer without deep-frying the paneer?
A: Yes, you can make a healthier version of chilli paneer by baking or shallow frying the paneer instead of deep-frying it. It will still be delicious with a crispy texture.
Q: Can I make chilli paneer ahead of time and reheat it?
A: While it’s best to enjoy chilli paneer immediately after preparing it for the freshest flavors and textures, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion
So, We’ve reached the end of our spicy adventure with chilli paneer. Armed with the history, variations, and a step-by-step recipe, you can now create your own mouthwatering masterpiece.
Whether you prefer the crispy dry version, saucy gravy style, or fiery Schezwan twist, the choice is yours. Embrace your creativity, adjust the spice levels, and let your taste buds guide you.
Get ready to impress with the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tanginess. Thank you for joining me on this culinary journey. Happy cooking!
You can also check our other paneer recipes :-
How To Make Paneer At Home Easily
Paneer Do Pyaza Recipe: An Authentic Indian Delight
Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Indian Dish
Matar Paneer Recipe Dhaba Style in Hindi
Recipes By Anjali
Welcome to the World of Recipes By Anjali an Indian food blog website on simple Veg and Non-Veg Dishes.
