Paneer Preparation Is Key
The journey to a perfect Chilli Paneer begins with the paneer itself. You'll need about 200-250 grams of paneer, ideally fresh, and cut it into 1-inch
cubes. The paneer needs to be prepared before cooking. A common method is to lightly fry the paneer to give them a crispy exterior. Alternatively, you can soak the paneer cubes in warm water for about 10-15 minutes before using, which helps to soften them, or you can add them directly to the dish, depending on your personal preference. Keep in mind that the texture of the paneer greatly influences the final dish. Properly handled paneer ensures the right texture, whether crispy or soft, leading to the best eating experience.
Preparing the Marinade
Next comes the flavorful marinade, which is crucial for infusing the paneer with deliciousness. In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornflour and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour for a good coating. Then, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference), and a pinch of black pepper. For those who like a subtle garlic taste, adding a tiny amount of garlic paste (about a 1/2 teaspoon) is also very effective. Lightly mix all these dry ingredients. If you want a more vibrant color, include a tiny pinch of turmeric powder. Now, lightly whisk in around 2 tablespoons of water to prepare a thick batter. Make sure you don't use too much water, the batter needs to be a thick consistency, for the marinade to stick.
Frying Paneer Cubes
Now, the paneer needs to get coated with this delightful batter. Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and gently toss them until they are evenly coated. This step is critical; every paneer cube should be covered with the batter. Heat some oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated paneer cubes, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the paneer cubes in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the fried paneer cubes with a slotted spoon and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Properly fried paneer cubes have the right texture to absorb the flavors later.
Creating The Sauce
The foundation of Chilli Paneer lies in its rich, flavorful sauce. Start by finely chopping one onion and two green chilies (adjust to your spice preference). Also, dice one capsicum (bell pepper) into small pieces. In the same pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and green chilies, and sauté them until the onions turn translucent. Then, add the diced capsicum and sauté for about a minute. Now, it's time to introduce the flavors! Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped ginger and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped garlic. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Keep in mind not to burn the garlic or ginger.
Adding Flavorful Spices
Now, the building of the aromatic base of the dish will commence, by adding spices to the sauce. In the wok, add 1 teaspoon of red chili powder (or according to your taste), 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder for color, and 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala for that distinctive Indian touch. Stir well and sauté for a minute. Next, pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of green chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon of tomato ketchup. Mix well and let it simmer for a while. If you want a bit of tanginess, include 1 tablespoon of vinegar. At this point, you can adjust the quantity of any spice or sauce to match your taste.
Thickening The Sauce
For a perfect Chilli Paneer, achieving the right sauce consistency is paramount. In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornflour in 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this cornflour slurry to the sauce. Stir continuously while the sauce simmers, as the cornflour thickens the sauce. You'll observe the sauce gradually thickening. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little water to adjust the consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and spice levels as needed. Be cautious when adding salt, as soy sauce already has a high salt content. This step ensures that the paneer gets nicely coated with a luscious, flavorful sauce.
Combining All Ingredients
Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, it's time to bring everything together. Add the fried paneer cubes to the simmering sauce. Gently toss the paneer to ensure that each cube is well coated with the sauce. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors of the sauce. For extra texture, you can add a handful of chopped spring onions or coriander leaves towards the end. Stir them in gently and cook for a few seconds. The goal is to perfectly combine the paneer and the sauce, resulting in a dish that has the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Now, your Chilli Paneer is ready to serve!
Serving and Enjoying
Your homemade Chilli Paneer is ready to be served! Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves or chopped spring onions. Serve it hot, and you can enjoy it as a snack or side dish. It pairs well with various accompaniments. Plain rice or noodles complement it wonderfully for a fulfilling meal. For those who enjoy a bit of extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lime juice just before serving. Chilli Paneer is best enjoyed immediately while the paneer is still crispy, and the sauce is hot and flavorful. So, enjoy your culinary creation and the wonderful taste of homemade Chilli Paneer!
