Paneer Bhaji
Paneer Bhaji is a flavorful Indian dish made with paneer cooked in a spiced mixture of onions, tomatoes, and various seasonings. It’s often enjoyed with naan or rice and is popular for its creamy texture and rich taste.
Ingredients
- 200 gram Paneer (cut into cubes)
- 1 Large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 Medium tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 1 Medium bell pepper (sliced)
- 2 Green chilies (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoon Oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- ½ Lemon (for squeezing on top)
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Firstly, prep your vegetables by finely chopping the onions, tomatoes, and green chilies.
- Afterward, slice the bell pepper into thin strips for that perfect texture.
- Then, cut the paneer into bite-sized cubes (about 1 inch).
- Optionally, if using store-bought paneer, soak it in warm water for 5-10 minutes to soften it and improve its texture. This will make it even more delicious!
Heat the Oil
- Firstly, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds. This will release a wonderful aroma that will fill your kitchen!
Fry the Onions and Chilies
- Afterward, add the chopped onions and green chilies to the pan.
- Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until the onions turn golden brown. Make sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning.
Add the Ginger and Garlic Paste
- Afterward, once the onions are golden, it's time to add 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste.
- Stir well, and cook for another minute until the raw smell of the ginger and garlic disappears.
Cook the Tomatoes and Spices
- Next, add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan.
- Mix them well with the onions and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
- Then, add 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, and salt to taste.
- Stir everything together and keep cooking until the oil starts to separate from the masala. This step is important to ensure the spices are well-cooked and the flavors develop fully.
Add the Bell Peppers
- Next, add the sliced bell peppers to the pan.Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften but still have some crunch.
- At this point, you can adjust the salt or spice levels to suit your taste.
Add the Paneer Cubes
- Now, gently fold in the paneer cubes, making sure each piece is coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Cook the paneer in the masala for another 3-4 minutes.
- Be gentle while stirring to avoid breaking the cubes.
Finish with Garam Masala and Lemon
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of garam masala over the paneer bhaji and give it a gentle stir.
- Then, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the dish for a refreshing touch.
Garnish and Serve
- Turn off the heat and garnish the Paneer Bhaji with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with chapati, naan, or steamed rice for a delicious meal!
Notes
Creative Variations and Twists
1. Vegan Paneer Bhaji: Offer a vegan version by using tofu 🍽️ or vegan paneer instead of traditional dairy-based paneer. Pro tip: Press the tofu to remove excess moisture for better curry absorption. 2. Different Vegetables: Share how adding other veggies like peas, carrots, cauliflower, or spinach can make the dish even more nutritious and flavorful. For a hearty dish, suggest a mixed veggie Paneer Bhaji for different textures and colors. 3. Adding Nuts: For extra richness and texture, suggest adding cashews or almonds to the gravy, or garnish with chopped nuts for an indulgent twist. 4. Spicy Twist: Offer a spicier version with extra green chilies, or a smoky version using smoked paprika or a touch of charcoal smoking (dhungar) for an authentic Indian restaurant-style flavor. 5. Paneer Bhaji with Gravy vs. Dry Style: Note: You can make a drier version of the dish (semi-dry Paneer Bhaji) by reducing the liquid and letting the gravy thicken around the paneer cubes.Cooking Tips for the Perfect Paneer Bhaji
Soaking Paneer for Softness: To begin with, soak paneer in warm water for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This not only helps it absorb flavors more effectively but also ensures that it stays soft and tender, making every bite a delight. Texture Tips: At the same time, avoid overcooking the paneer. If you cook it for too long, it can turn rubbery. Instead, cook it just enough to maintain its juicy tenderness. Flavor Boosters: Furthermore, fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice at the end can elevate your dish. These simple additions bring a zesty freshness, taking your flavors to the next level! Balancing Spices: Likewise, feel free to adjust the heat level by experimenting with green chilies or chili powder. Whether you prefer it mild or fiery, you can easily fine-tune the spice to your liking!Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Paneer Bhaji
Amount per Serving
Calories
350
% Daily Value*
Fat
25
g
38
%
Saturated Fat
8
g
50
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
12
g
Cholesterol
50
mg
17
%
Sodium
500
mg
22
%
Potassium
600
mg
17
%
Carbohydrates
20
g
7
%
Fiber
5
g
21
%
Sugar
6
g
7
%
Protein
20
g
40
%
Vitamin A
700
IU
14
%
Vitamin B1
0.1
mg
7
%
Vitamin B2
0.3
mg
18
%
Vitamin B3
1.5
mg
8
%
Vitamin B5
0.5
mg
5
%
Vitamin B6
0.2
mg
10
%
Vitamin B12
0.4
µg
7
%
Vitamin C
20
mg
24
%
Vitamin E
2
mg
13
%
Vitamin K
10
µg
10
%
Calcium
500
mg
50
%
Iron
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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