Paneer 65 Recipe is a delicious and spicy dish, originating from South Indian cuisine. It is made by marinating paneer cubes in flavorful spices and frying them until golden brown. Additionally, it’s commonly served with mint chutney or yogurt, which enhances the flavor. With its crispy texture and spicy kick, Paneer 65 recipe is, without a doubt, a delightful treat!
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💖Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Parties: Paneer 65 is without a doubt an awesome party snack! Not only is it crispy and spicy, but it’s also the perfect addition to any appetizer platter.
- Bold Flavors: If you love bold and spicy foods, then this is definitely the dish for you! The flavors are particularly tangy and kicky, making each bite a delightful explosion of taste.
- Crowd Favorite: Whether you’re with friends or family, everyone will love it! No one can resist the crispy, golden goodness. In fact, it’s guaranteed to be the star of any gathering.
- Easy to Share: You can easily serve it as finger food, making it ideal for sharing with large groups. With this in mind, it’s a great choice for both casual get-togethers and more formal occasions.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Insights
- Paneer as a Protein Source:
- Firstly, paneer is packed with protein! It’s great for vegetarians who need more protein in their diet.
- Moreover, it has calcium and essential amino acids, which help build and repair muscles.
- Nutritional Breakdown:
- For example, a serving of Paneer 65 can have around 250-300 calories, with 15-20g of protein and 10-15g of fat.
- However, if you want to make it healthier, you can try using less oil or low-fat paneer.
What is Paneer 65?
Paneer 65 recipe is, without a doubt, a deliciously spicy Indian appetizer that’s simply impossible to resist! Packed with bold flavors and a crispy texture, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion.
To begin with, it's made by first marinating cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a flavorful yogurt mixture. Then, it’s carefully deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy, tangy snack with just the right amount of spicy kick!
Indeed, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and crispy textures! Originating from Southern India, specifically Chennai, Paneer 65 recipe has become a beloved snack enjoyed across the country.
As an illustration, there’s an interesting fun fact behind its name – some believe it was named after the number 65 on a menu!
However, whether or not that's true, one thing is certain: it’s definitely a dish worth savoring at your next gathering or snack attack!
Altogether, Paneer 65 is a dish that brings joy and flavor to any table. With this in mind, be sure to give it a try at your next event or casual meal!
Craving more scrumptious delights? Check out these irresistible recipes:
Butter Paneer Masala – A creamy, buttery dream for paneer lovers!
Jeera Rice – Fragrant, flavorful rice to complete your meal!
Kadai Paneer – Spicy, smoky, and full of bold flavors!
Paneer Tikka – Grilled to perfection with a smoky twist!
Dal Tadka – Comforting, aromatic lentils to soothe your soul!
What You'll Need to Make This Paneer 65?
Key Ingredients: Paneer 65
Ingredients Breakdown:
- Paneer:
- Fresh, soft paneer is the star of the show! It’s chewy, absorbs flavors, and holds up perfectly during frying.
- My first time making Paneer 65, I used homemade paneer – and wow, the difference in flavor was amazing!
- Spices and Marinade:
- Chili Powder: Gives that signature spicy kick.
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Garam Masala: Adds a complex, earthy flavor that makes every bite exciting.
- Coriander Powder: Brings brightness and depth to the dish.
- I remember my mom teaching me how each spice adds something special – like secret ingredients for a delicious magic spell!
- Yogurt:
- Yogurt tenderizes the paneer, giving it a smooth, slightly tangy base.
- Fun Fact: For a lighter twist, swap yogurt with buttermilk – it still keeps the flavor intact, but with a fresh twist!
- Flours (Cornflour & Rice Flour):
- These flours create the perfect crispy coating when fried, making each bite crunchy and irresistible!
- The first time I added rice flour, the crispiness was unreal – my friends couldn't stop munching!
- Herbs & Garnishes:
- Curry leaves, green chilies, and a lemon wedge balance the heat and bring a burst of freshness.
- Pro Tip: Squeezing that lemon right before serving makes it extra refreshing!
How to Make Paneer 65?
Step by Step Guide
Marinade the Paneer: Flavor-packed Magic!
- To begin, combine yogurt, flour, cornflour, ginger-garlic paste, and spices (Kashmiri chili, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, lemon juice, and salt) in a large bowl. Mix everything thoroughly to create a smooth, flavorful marinade.
- Next, if the mixture is too thick, add a little water until it forms a paste that coats the paneer easily.
- After that, add the paneer cubes and coat them evenly in the marinade.
- Finally, let the paneer marinate for 30 minutes to soak up all those delicious flavors!
Fry the Paneer: Crispy Perfection!
- Start by heating oil in a deep pan or kadai for frying. Once the oil is hot, you can proceed with frying the paneer cubes.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the marinated paneer cubes in, a few at a time.
- Fry on medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy on all sides.
- Afterward, use a slotted spoon to remove the paneer and let it drain on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Temper the Paneer: Extra Flavor Boost!
- First, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a separate pan.
- Then, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, letting them splutter.
- After that, toss in curry leaves and slit green chilies. Sauté for 1 minute until they become aromatic.
- Finally, add the fried paneer and gently toss to coat with the spices. Stir for 1-2 minutes to bring out the full flavor!
Serve the Paneer 65: The Grand Finale!
- Once everything is ready, transfer the paneer to a serving platter.
- Next, garnish with extra curry leaves and green chilies for a fresh, spicy kick.
- Finally, serve the Paneer 65 hot with mint chutney or yogurt dip, and enjoy this mouthwatering snack!
Healthier Alternatives and Variations
1. Baked Paneer 65:
For a lighter twist, bake the marinated paneer cubes at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes.
Tip: Use a light spray of oil to keep them crispy! This method offers a healthier alternative without compromising on taste.
2. Vegan Paneer 65:
For a dairy-free version, simply swap the paneer with tofu or vegan paneer.
Pro Tip: Press the tofu for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture, therefore enhancing its flavor and texture. This step is key to getting that perfect consistency!
3. Spice Level Control:
To adjust the heat, use less chili powder for a milder version or add cayenne pepper for an extra fiery kick! I recall once making it super spicy, and my friend couldn’t handle the heat—a lesson learned! All in all, you can easily tailor the spice level to your liking!
Serving Suggestions and Pairing
Serving Style:
Paneer 65 is without a doubt perfect as an appetizer or snack, especially when served with mint chutney or sweet tamarind chutney. I vividly recall my first bite – the mint chutney beautifully cooled down the heat, creating the perfect flavor balance!
For a more balanced meal, pair it with onion salad or raita to tame the spiciness. This combination not only complements the bold flavors but also adds a refreshing contrast.
Pairing with Drinks:
Enjoy this crispy treat with masala chai, lemon soda, or even a cold beer for the ultimate flavor pairing.
Fun Fact: I once paired Paneer 65 with a chilled lemonade, and it turned out to be the perfect combo! All in all, the drink choice truly elevates the experience.
Serving for Parties:
Paneer 65 is a crowd-pleaser, making it an excellent choice for parties! Serve it on a platter for guests to enjoy, or offer it family-style at a buffet. I remember making it for a family gathering once, and it disappeared in minutes! Clearly, it’s always a hit!
Time-Saving Tips and Meal Prep
1. Prep in Advance:
Marinate the paneer and prep the spices the night before. This will make the cooking process faster and easier when it's time to serve!
Tip: You’ll save time and get a richer flavor as the spices have more time to soak in!
2. Make-Ahead Tips:
You can freeze the marinated paneer cubes for later use!
Simply fry them straight from the freezer when you're ready to serve. It's a game-changer!
3. Batch Cooking for Busy Weeknights:
Paneer 65 can easily be made in bulk for parties or family gatherings.
Alternatively, prepare it in advance and reheat—though freshly fried always tastes the best! One time, I prepped everything ahead, and when the guests arrived, I was able to serve hot, crispy paneer without the stress!
Did you try this Paneer 65 recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
❔FAQs
Paneer 65 is a popular Indian appetizer made from marinated and fried paneer cubes, seasoned with a blend of spices. It’s a vegetarian take on the famous Chicken 65, originating from South India.
Yes, you can make a healthier version of Paneer 65 by air-frying or baking the marinated paneer cubes instead of deep frying.
Paneer 65 is not traditionally gluten-free because it uses all-purpose flour and cornflour in the marinade. However, you can substitute gluten-free flour to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Paneer 65
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 250 grams Of paneer (cubed)
- 2 tablespoon Of all-purpose flour (maida)
- 2 tablespoon Of cornflour
- 2 tablespoon Of yogurt (curd)
- 1 tablespoon Of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Of Kashmiri red chili powder (for color)
- 1 teaspoon Of garam masala
- 1 teaspoon Of black pepper powder
- 1 teaspoon Of cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon Of coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon Of turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon Of lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
For Frying:
- Oil for deep frying
For Tempering (optional but recommended):
- 1 tablespoon Of oil
- 1 Sprig of curry leaves
- 2 Green chilies (slit)
- ½ teaspoon Of mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon Of cumin seeds
Instructions
Marinade the Paneer: Flavor-packed Magic!
- To begin, combine yogurt, flour, cornflour, ginger-garlic paste, and spices (Kashmiri chili, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, lemon juice, and salt) in a large bowl. Mix everything thoroughly to create a smooth, flavorful marinade.
- Next, if the mixture is too thick, add a little water until it forms a paste that coats the paneer easily.
- After that, add the paneer cubes and coat them evenly in the marinade.
- Finally, let the paneer marinate for 30 minutes to soak up all those delicious flavors!
Fry the Paneer: Crispy Perfection!
- Start by heating oil in a deep pan or kadai for frying. Once the oil is hot, you can proceed with frying the paneer cubes.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the marinated paneer cubes in, a few at a time.
- Fry on medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy on all sides.
- Afterward, use a slotted spoon to remove the paneer and let it drain on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Temper the Paneer: Extra Flavor Boost!
- First, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a separate pan.
- Then, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, letting them splutter.
- After that, toss in curry leaves and slit green chilies. Sauté for 1 minute until they become aromatic.
- Finally, add the fried paneer and gently toss to coat with the spices. Stir for 1-2 minutes to bring out the full flavor! 🍽️
Serve the Paneer 65: The Grand Finale!
- Once everything is ready, transfer the paneer to a serving platter.
- Next, garnish with extra curry leaves and green chilies for a fresh, spicy kick.
- Finally, serve the Paneer 65 hot with mint chutney or yogurt dip, and enjoy this mouth watering snack!
Notes
Healthier Alternatives and Variations
1. Baked Paneer 65:For a lighter twist, bake the marinated paneer cubes at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes.
Tip: Use a light spray of oil to keep them crispy! This method offers a healthier alternative without compromising on taste. 2. Vegan Paneer 65:
For a dairy-free version, simply swap the paneer with tofu or vegan paneer.
Pro Tip: Press the tofu for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture, therefore enhancing its flavor and texture. This step is key to getting that perfect consistency! 3. Spice Level Control:
To adjust the heat, use less chili powder for a milder version or add cayenne pepper for an extra fiery kick! I recall once making it super spicy, and my friend couldn’t handle the heat—a lesson learned! All in all, you can easily tailor the spice level to your liking!
Time-Saving Tips and Meal Prep
1. Prep in Advance:Marinate the paneer and prep the spices the night before. This will make the cooking process faster and easier when it's time to serve!
Tip: You’ll save time and get a richer flavor as the spices have more time to soak in! 2. Make-Ahead Tips:
You can freeze the marinated paneer cubes for later use!
Simply fry them straight from the freezer when you're ready to serve. It's a game-changer! 3. Batch Cooking for Busy Weeknights:
Paneer 65 can easily be made in bulk for parties or family gatherings.
Alternatively, prepare it in advance and reheat—though freshly fried always tastes the best! One time, I prepped everything ahead, and when the guests arrived, I was able to serve hot, crispy paneer without the stress!
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