Title: Fiery and Flavorful: Homemade Chilli Paneer Recipe
Introduction:
Chilli paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that combines succulent cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with a spicy and tangy sauce. The perfect balance of heat and flavors makes it a favorite among spice lovers. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a delicious appetizer, homemade chilli paneer is sure to satisfy your taste buds. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the steps to create a fiery and flavorful chilli paneer that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
For the Chilli Paneer:
- 250 grams paneer, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (capsicum), diced
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (capsicum), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Chilli Paneer:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and salt.
- Add water gradually to form a thick batter, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add the paneer cubes to the batter and gently toss them until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat for frying.
- Fry the coated paneer cubes until they turn golden brown and crisp.
- Remove the paneer cubes using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Making the Chilli Paneer Sauce:
- In a separate pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes until they are slightly tender.
Creating the Spicy Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, tomato ketchup, chili sauce, vinegar, sugar, black pepper powder, and salt.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the sautéed vegetables.
- Stir well and let it simmer for a minute or two until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the vegetables evenly.
Combining the Chilli Paneer and Sauce:
- Add the fried paneer cubes to the pan with the sauce and vegetables.
- Toss gently to coat the paneer cubes with the spicy sauce.
- Continue to cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serving and Garnishing:
- Transfer the chilli paneer to a serving dish.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for added freshness and aroma.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or as a side dish with fried rice, noodles, or roti.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You have successfully prepared a fiery and flavorful chilli paneer dish that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight. The combination of crispy paneer cubes and the spicy sauce is a match made