Paneer 65 Recipe: Easy, Spicy, and Flavorful!

In the vibrant world of Indian cuisine, where flavors burst with life, Paneer 65 stands out as a beloved appetizer. Known for its spicy yet delightful taste, this dish can be found gracing the menus of Indian restaurants worldwide. Whether it's a party, a special dinner, or just a craving for something tangy and spicy, Paneer 65 is an excellent choice to add zing to your meal. In this post, we will dive deep into how you can whip up this easy yet impressive dish at home, exploring its origins, ingredients, and step-by-step preparation.

Ingredients Needed

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients:

• 250 grams of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cubed
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1 tbsp corn flour
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• ¹⁄₂ tsp black pepper powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp garam masala powder
• 1 tbsp curd or plain yogurt
• Salt to taste
• Oil for deep frying
• A few curry leaves for seasoning
• 1 green chili, slit
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp green chili sauce

🍲 Note: For a more authentic touch, you can use mustard oil for frying, as it imparts a unique flavor to the dish.

Steps to Prepare Paneer 65

Marination:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine paneer cubes with all-purpose flour, corn flour, red chili powder, ginger-garlic paste, black pepper powder, garam masala, yogurt, and a pinch of salt.
2. Mix gently to ensure the paneer is well-coated without breaking.
3. Set aside for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Frying:

1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadai.
2. Once the oil is hot (check by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the top), carefully fry the marinated paneer cubes in small batches until they turn golden brown.
3. Remove and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Final Seasoning:

1. In the same pan, reduce the oil to about 2 tablespoons. Add the curry leaves, green chili, and onions. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
2. Add soy sauce, tomato sauce, and green chili sauce. Stir well.
3. Add the fried paneer cubes back to the pan, tossing them to coat evenly with the sauces.

🌟 Note: You can adjust the level of spice by altering the amount of green chili and red chili powder used.

Serving Suggestions

Paneer 65 can be served:

• As an appetizer, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
• Accompanied by mint chutney or tamarind sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• As a side dish with a main meal like biryani or any variety of pulao.

🍵 Note: For an added zing, you can squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving.

Wrap-Up:

Preparing Paneer 65 at home can be a delightful culinary adventure, bringing the spicy and aromatic essence of India into your kitchen. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers a versatile base that can be adapted to suit different palates and dietary preferences. The key to mastering this dish lies in balancing the spice levels and ensuring the paneer retains its tender texture while absorbing all the bold flavors. Hopefully, this guide provides you with all the insights needed to make this dish a success in your culinary repertoire.

Can I make Paneer 65 less spicy?

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Yes, you can adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting the green chili and red chili powder. You might also consider using mild varieties of these ingredients.

What can I use instead of paneer?

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If paneer is not available, you can use tofu or even chunks of boiled potato as a vegetarian alternative. For a non-vegetarian version, try using chicken or shrimp.

Is Paneer 65 suitable for a vegan diet?

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Yes, you can make a vegan version by using tofu instead of paneer and ensuring that all sauces used are vegan-friendly.