Paneer Preparation
The process kicks off with the preparation of paneer. First, you need to cut the paneer into cubes. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and presentation.
For the perfect chilli paneer, you'll want to either shallow fry or deep fry the paneer cubes until they turn golden brown. Frying enhances the texture, giving the paneer a slightly crisp exterior. Alternatively, you can opt for a healthier approach by pan-frying with minimal oil. Once the paneer is golden and ready, set it aside. This prepares the star of the dish for the next stage of flavor infusion.
Spice-Infused Sauce
Creating the sauce is where the magic really happens. This usually starts by stir-frying finely chopped garlic, ginger, and green chilies. The aroma released is just the beginning! Next, add the onions and capsicum, sautéing them until they soften. The sauce gets its depth from a careful combination of spices. The usual suspects include soy sauce, chilli sauce, vinegar, and a touch of tomato sauce. Adjust the quantity of each sauce based on your preference for spiciness and tanginess. A pinch of salt and a dash of sugar will help balance out the flavors. Stir-fry the mixture until it thickens slightly, building up a rich base for the paneer to absorb the flavors.
Paneer Integration
Once the sauce is ready, it's time to bring everything together. Add the fried paneer cubes to the simmering sauce. Gently toss the paneer to coat each piece evenly. Make sure that all the paneer cubes are well-coated with the flavorful sauce. At this point, you can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water. This slurry thickens the sauce further, allowing it to cling to the paneer. Continue to cook for a few minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and coats the paneer. This also allows the paneer to absorb the amazing flavors. If you want a dry chilli paneer, then you can skip the addition of the cornstarch slurry.
Serving Suggestions
Chilli paneer is extremely versatile and can be served in many ways. It's an excellent appetizer or snack, perfect for evenings. Garnish the dish with chopped spring onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that final touch of visual appeal and extra flavor. It tastes amazing on its own, but you can also pair it with various sides. Serving chilli paneer with fried rice or noodles makes it a hearty and fulfilling meal. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, serve extra chili sauce on the side. Experiment with different side dishes and toppings to personalize your chilli paneer experience. The possibilities are endless!
