When it comes to Indian cuisine, there's an incredible variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences. Among these, Paneer Chilli Dry stands out as a delightful fusion of traditional Indian flavors with an Indo-Chinese twist, creating a perfect balance of heat, spice, and taste. This dish is especially popular for its ease of preparation, making it an excellent choice for a quick snack or as a side dish during special occasions or a get-together. In this detailed guide, we'll explore how you can make this delicious paneer dish in the comfort of your home, ensuring it captures the essence of both Indian and Chinese culinary art.
Ingredients
To make Paneer Chilli Dry, you'll need:
- 200 grams of paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
- 1 large onion, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1-2 green chillies, slit
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of red chilli sauce
- 1 tablespoon of tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon of vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Cornflour (1-2 tablespoons) for dusting paneer
- Oil for frying
- Spring onion, chopped for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for topping
Preparation Steps
Marinating the Paneer
Start by marinating the paneer for enhanced flavor:
- Dust the paneer cubes with cornflour and a pinch of salt. This helps in achieving that crispy texture.
- Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the paneer until golden brown. Set aside on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Making the Sauce
The sauce is what gives Paneer Chilli Dry its distinctive flavor:
- In another pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell fades away.
- Throw in the onions, bell peppers, and green chillies, and stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes, maintaining their crunch.
- Mix in soy sauce, red chilli sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, black pepper, and salt. Cook for a minute or so to let the flavors meld.
- Add the fried paneer cubes to this mixture, ensuring they are well-coated with the sauce. Sauté for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors.
- If you prefer a slightly dry consistency, let the mixture cook a bit longer, allowing the sauce to reduce.
Garnishing and Serving
Finally, to serve:
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped spring onions over the dish for an aromatic touch.
- Serve hot, ideally with toothpicks for guests to enjoy at a party or as a family snack.
🔍 Note: This dish can be made spicier by adding more green chillies or red chilli sauce. Adjust according to your taste.
From preparation to the final garnish, the journey to making Paneer Chilli Dry is filled with flavors that capture the heart of Indian cuisine. Whether you're hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or simply want to treat yourself to something scrumptious, this dish won't disappoint. It's not just food; it's an experience of rich, layered tastes that dance together in harmony, providing both comfort and a burst of exotic flavors.
Can I make Paneer Chilli Dry ahead of time?
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Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it before serving. However, for the best texture, keep the paneer and vegetables separate until reheating.
Is Paneer Chilli Dry spicy?
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The level of spice can be adjusted according to your taste. The dish typically has a mild to medium level of heat, but you can make it spicier by increasing the number of green chillies or the amount of red chilli sauce.
What are some vegetarian alternatives to paneer for this recipe?
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If you want to go plant-based, tofu or even cauliflower florets can be used as substitutes for paneer. They both take well to the flavors of the sauce.
Can I use any other vegetables in Paneer Chilli Dry?
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Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or carrots to add more variety to the dish.
Is this dish suitable for children?
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Yes, but you might want to reduce or eliminate the green chillies and adjust the spiciness to make it more kid-friendly.
