Gather Your Ingredients
The preparation of Chilli Paneer begins with assembling the necessary components. You'll need paneer (Indian cheese), which should ideally be fresh and
of good quality. Other vital ingredients include onions, bell peppers (capsicum), green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste for the base. For the sauce, gather soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar. Additionally, you will need cornstarch, all-purpose flour (maida), salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar for balance. Finally, have oil on hand for frying and cooking, and consider garnishing with spring onions or coriander leaves.
Prepare the Paneer
Start by preparing the paneer. Cut the paneer into bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, prepare a batter by mixing cornstarch and all-purpose flour with a bit of salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Add water gradually to achieve a thick, smooth consistency. Dip each paneer cube into the batter, ensuring it's completely coated. Heat oil in a pan or wok. Carefully drop the batter-coated paneer cubes into the hot oil and deep-fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once fried, remove the paneer cubes and set them aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
Next, prepare the vegetable base. Heat some oil in a pan. Add finely chopped onions, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste, and sauté them until the onions turn translucent and release their fragrance. Add the chopped bell peppers and stir-fry them for a minute or two, ensuring they retain their crunch. Avoid overcooking the vegetables to maintain their texture and taste. The blend of onions and bell peppers adds flavor to the dish.
Create the Sauce
This part focuses on crafting the flavorful sauce. Add soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and a splash of vinegar to the pan. Mix everything well to combine the flavors. If desired, you can add a little bit of water to adjust the consistency of the sauce, making sure it’s not too thick or too thin. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Combine and Serve
Now, it's time to bring everything together. Add the fried paneer cubes to the prepared sauce and gently toss them to coat them evenly. Cook for a couple of minutes until the paneer is well-coated and the sauce has thickened slightly. Garnish with chopped spring onions or coriander leaves for a fresh touch. Chilli Paneer is best served hot, preferably as an evening snack, and tastes great with rice or noodles. Enjoy your homemade delight.
