The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Chilli Paneer

 

Chilli paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that combines the flavors of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with a spicy and tangy sauce. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a main course. In this ultimate guide, we will explore the step-by-step process of making delicious chilli paneer at home. So, let's dive in and discover the secrets to mastering this mouthwatering dish!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Preparation
4. Making the Sauce
5. Frying the Paneer
6. Cooking the Vegetables
7. Combining the Sauce, Paneer, and Vegetables
8. Serving Suggestions
9. Tips and Variations
10. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Chilli paneer is a beloved dish that brings together the best of Indian and Chinese flavors. The dish typically consists of paneer cubes that are coated in a spicy and tangy sauce, along with a medley of vegetables. It's a perfect combination of textures and tastes, with the paneer being soft and creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

2. Ingredients

To make delicious chilli paneer, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• ½ tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
• 226g paneer, cut into 1cm cubes
• 1 spring onion, finely sliced
• Cooked rice, to serve

For the sauce:

• 2 tsp cornflour
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1½-2 tbsp hot chilli sauce, to taste
• 1½ tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• 25g ginger, peeled and finely grated
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped (deseeded if you like)
• ½ tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
• 1 red onion, roughly chopped
• 1 green pepper, deseeded and roughly chopped

3. Preparation

Before we start cooking, it's essential to prepare all the ingredients. Cut the paneer into 1cm cubes and finely slice the spring onion. Peel and grate the ginger, crush the garlic cloves, and finely chop the green chilli. Roughly chop the red onion and green pepper. Having everything ready ahead of time will make the cooking process seamless and enjoyable.

4. Making the Sauce

To create the flavorful sauce for the chilli paneer, we will combine several ingredients. In a jug, whisk together 2 tsp cornflour and dark soy sauce until smooth. Then, add hot chilli sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, honey, and 90ml water. Whisk the mixture again until well combined. The sauce should have a balanced blend of spiciness, tanginess, and sweetness.

5. Frying the Paneer

Now it's time to coat the paneer cubes and fry them to perfection. In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp cornflour, 2 tbsp plain flour, ½ tsp Kashmiri chilli powder, 1 tsp fine sea salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 2 tbsp water. Adjust the consistency by adding a splash more water if needed. Toss the paneer cubes in this mixture until they are well coated.

Heat 4 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Carefully add the coated paneer cubes to the hot oil and fry them, stirring continuously, until they turn crispy and golden brown on all sides. Once done, transfer the fried paneer to a plate lined with kitchen paper to remove any excess oil. Set it aside for later use.

6. Cooking the Vegetables

In the same pan, remove most of the excess oil and return it to medium heat. Add the grated ginger, crushed garlic cloves, and chopped green chilli, and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant. Stir in the Kashmiri chilli powder, roughly chopped red onion, and green pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and continue frying until the vegetables are lightly browned.

7. Combining the Sauce, Paneer, and Vegetables

Once the vegetables are cooked, it's time to add the prepared sauce. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the cooked vegetables and let it bubble until it thickens slightly. Stir in the fried paneer, ensuring that every piece is well-coated in the flavorful sauce. If needed, add a splash of water to adjust the consistency. Season the dish to taste with salt and pepper.

8. Serving Suggestions

Chilli paneer is best enjoyed with steamed rice or noodles. The combination of the spicy paneer and the mildness of rice creates a perfect balance of flavors. You can also serve it as an appetizer or as a filling for wraps or sandwiches. Garnish the dish with finely sliced spring onions for a vibrant and fresh touch.

9. Tips and Variations

• For a healthier version of chilli paneer, you can bake the paneer cubes instead of frying them. Simply coat the paneer in the flour mixture and bake them in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
• To make the dish more colorful, you can add other vegetables such as carrots, baby corn, or bell peppers.
• Adjust the level of spiciness according to your preference by adding more or less hot chilli sauce.
• For a vegan version, you can substitute the paneer with tofu or even vegetables like mushrooms or cauliflower.

10. Conclusion

Chilli paneer is a delightful dish that brings together the best of Indian and Chinese cuisines. With its spicy and tangy sauce, crispy paneer cubes, and a medley of vegetables, it's a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can easily recreate this delicious dish at home. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

Remember, the key to perfecting any recipe is practice and experimentation. Feel free to add your own twist to the dish by incorporating your favorite ingredients or flavors. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor the flavorful results of your efforts. Happy cooking!