Chilli Paneer Recipe: A Spicy Delight
This recipe will guide you through making a restaurant-style Chilli Paneer at home. It's a flavorful and spicy Indian dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors that define Chilli Paneer. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients You'll Need:
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For the Paneer:
- 250g paneer (Indian cheese), cubed
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
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For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 inch ginger, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- ½ cup water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Paneer: Toss the paneer cubes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This helps to create a crispy exterior when frying.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and bell peppers and sauté until slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Aromatics & Spices: Add the green chilies, ginger, and garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and red chili flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
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Build the Sauce: Add the tomato ketchup, soy sauce, and vinegar to the pan. Stir well and cook for a minute. Pour in the water and bring the sauce to a simmer.
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Fry the Paneer: Add the paneer cubes to the sauce and gently toss to coat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the paneer to heat through.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan bread, roti, or rice.
Tips for the Perfect Chilli Paneer:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the paneer. This ensures even browning and crisping. Work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or fewer green chilies and chili flakes.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of butter or ghee towards the end of cooking.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated gently. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight.
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