Chilli Paneer Is A Delicious Indian Snack

• Paneer marinated with cornflour, salt, chilli powder.
• Sauce made with ginger, garlic, onion, capsicum, chilies, soy, chilli, tomato sauces.
• Paneer fried in sauce, water added, simmered to thicken.

Craving a spicy, savory snack? Look no further than Chilli Paneer! This beloved Indian dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, perfect for a casual evening or a party. Read on to uncover the secrets to making this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Paneer Preparation

The first step in crafting the perfect Chilli Paneer is preparing the paneer itself. You'll need about 200-250 grams of paneer, which is Indian cheese. Cut the paneer into small, bite-sized cubes. Then, comes the marination. In a bowl, combine the paneer cubes with 1 tablespoon of cornflour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of red chilli powder. Gently mix these ingredients, ensuring each paneer cube is well-coated. This initial marination step helps the paneer absorb the flavors and gives it a slight crispness when cooked. Allow the marinated paneer to sit for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, creating a more flavorful base for your Chilli Paneer.

Sauce Symphony

Next up, preparing the flavorful sauce is crucial. You'll need 2 tablespoons of oil. Heat the oil in a pan or wok over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped ginger and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped garlic. Sauté these for about 30 seconds, until their aromas are released. Add 1/2 cup of chopped onions and 1/2 cup of chopped capsicum (bell peppers). Stir-fry these vegetables until they soften slightly, for about 2-3 minutes. Incorporate 1 tablespoon of green chilies, finely chopped, based on your spice preference. Add in the sauces: 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of red chilli sauce, and 1 tablespoon of tomato ketchup. Stir well to mix all the ingredients. Then, add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, adjusting the salt to your taste preferences. Stir and cook for a minute or two.

The Cooking Process

Now it’s time to cook the paneer. Add the marinated paneer cubes to the pan with the sauce. Stir-fry gently to coat the paneer evenly with the sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the paneer is lightly browned and has absorbed the flavors. Add about 1/4 cup of water to the pan. This will help to create the desired consistency of the sauce and prevent the paneer from drying out. Mix well. Gently simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. For an added touch, you can add 1 tablespoon of cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. This helps to thicken the sauce further, if desired. Stir until the sauce has reached the desired consistency. Garnish your Chilli Paneer with chopped spring onions. Serve hot and enjoy this lip-smacking snack!