Gather Your Ingredients
The first step in preparing Chilli Paneer is gathering all the necessary ingredients. You will need paneer (Indian cheese), which is the star of the dish,
along with bell peppers in various colors (green, red, and yellow), onions, and green chilies for that desired heat. Essential spices include ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, chili sauce, cornstarch, and a blend of aromatic spices like garam masala. It's crucial to have cooking oil readily available for frying and sautéing. Other ingredients such as vinegar for a tangy flavor and a touch of sugar to balance the flavors are also important. Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best results, as the quality of the ingredients significantly impacts the final taste.
Prepare the Paneer
Properly preparing the paneer is crucial for achieving the right texture and taste. Cut the paneer into cubes of approximately one inch in size. For a crispy exterior, consider shallow-frying or deep-frying the paneer cubes until they turn golden brown. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them with a little oil until they develop a slight crisp. Make sure to drain the excess oil after frying. Marinating the paneer cubes before cooking can also elevate the flavor. You can marinate the paneer in a mixture of ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the cheese.
Sauté the Vegetables
Once the paneer is prepared, the next step involves sautéing the vegetables. Heat some oil in a pan or wok. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent. Next, add the bell peppers (capsicum) and green chilies. Sauté the vegetables until they become slightly softened but still retain some crunch. This step is essential to ensure that the vegetables don't become overly cooked or mushy. The order and timing of adding the vegetables are critical for achieving the ideal texture. Overcooking the vegetables can ruin the dish's overall appeal. Be careful to not burn the ingredients while sauteing them, and stir regularly to ensure the ingredients are evenly cooked.
Create the Sauce
The sauce is the soul of Chilli Paneer. In the pan with the sautéed vegetables, add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears. Then, add the sauces, including soy sauce, chili sauce, and optionally, tomato sauce, to get the desired flavor profile. Stir well to mix all the ingredients. Add some water to adjust the consistency of the sauce, making sure it is not too thick or thin. Next, add the cornstarch slurry, made by mixing cornstarch with water, to thicken the sauce. The cornstarch helps bind the sauce, creating a glossy and appealing texture that coats the paneer and vegetables perfectly. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens.
Combine and Serve
The final step is to combine all the elements and serve. Add the fried paneer cubes to the sauce and toss gently to coat them evenly. Ensure that each paneer cube is well coated with the flavorful sauce. If desired, add a sprinkle of garam masala for extra warmth and flavor. Once everything is mixed well, cook for a couple of minutes to let the paneer absorb the flavors. Garnish with chopped spring onions (scallions) for added freshness and visual appeal. Serve hot, and enjoy the delicious homemade Chilli Paneer as an evening snack, or as a delightful starter at a party. Pair it with rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own.
