Paneer 65
Paneer 65 is a popular Indian appetizer made from marinated paneer cubes that are deep-fried until crispy. Seasoned with spices like red chili powder and ginger-garlic, it has a spicy and savory flavor. Often garnished with curry leaves, it's a favorite for its crunchy texture and bold taste!
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!
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Paneer 65
Amount per Serving
Calories
350
% Daily Value*
Fat
24
g
37
%
Saturated Fat
12
g
75
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
10
g
Cholesterol
60
mg
20
%
Sodium
600
mg
26
%
Potassium
400
mg
11
%
Carbohydrates
20
g
7
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
2
g
2
%
Protein
18
g
36
%
Vitamin A
500
IU
10
%
Vitamin B1
0.1
mg
7
%
Vitamin B2
0.4
mg
24
%
Vitamin B3
1
mg
5
%
Vitamin B5
0.5
mg
5
%
Vitamin B6
0.3
mg
15
%
Vitamin C
5
mg
6
%
Vitamin E
1
mg
7
%
Vitamin K
2
µg
2
%
Calcium
300
mg
30
%
Iron
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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