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11 MINS delivery
Paneer Pepper Fry
Serves 4
30 mins
546 Kcal
A delicious and spicy paneer pepper fry dish is simply soft, cubed pieces of the Indian version of cottage cheese stir-fried into a mix of aromatic spices, black pepper, and fresh herbs for a flavour-filled dish that's soft paneer combined with the bold kick of black pepper. Paneer Pepper Fry is a simple recipe but full of flavour, and the pepper enhances the naturality of the paneer's taste to be loved by all spice lovers. To make paneer pepper fry, begin with cubing paneer and lightly pan-frying it so it does not stick and acquires a crispy texture. Then saut onions, ginger-garlic paste, and green chillies in a pan. Whole spices such as cumin, cinnamon, and cloves can be added for an aromatic base. After the onions have been saut ed, add freshly ground black pepper, red chilli powder, and garam masala, allowing the spices to release all their flavours. Once the spices are nicely roasted, add the deep-fried paneer cubes and stir-fry for a minute so the paneer is well coated with the spices. For an extra burst of freshness, garnish it with fresh coriander leaves. This paneer pepper fry recipe is quick, easy, and customisable based on your spice tolerance. It goes exceptionally well with roti, paratha, or rice, making it a multifaceted component for any meal. The black pepper's spice balances the paneer's richness, creating a dish that tastes both satisfyingly hearty and deliciously flavourful.
Ingredients required for Paneer Pepper Fry
- 250 gms paneer
- 1 large onion
- 1 medium capsicum
- Vegetables-garlic garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- 1 ginger
- 1 tsp black pepper powder
- Powdered spices-cumin powder cumin powder: 1/2 tsp
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- Salt
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp coriander leaves
Cooking steps for Paneer Pepper Fry
- 1Now, cut the paneer into cubes. If you want to have a crispy texture then lightly fry the paneer cubes. Heat some little oil in a non-stick pan and fry the cubes till they turn golden brown on all sides. Now, when done, take the paneer cubes out from the pan and place them on a paper towel so that the extra oil drains out. If you want a healthier version, you can skip the frying step and directly use the paneer in its raw form.
- 2Now, add some oil to the same pan in which the paneer has been fried. Now add some whole spices like cumin seeds, cloves, and a small piece of cinnamon stick. Let them sizzle in the hot oil to release their aroma. Add finely chopped onions and saut them until they brown. The onions should be soft and caramelized, giving the sweet flavour and depth to the dish. Once the onions are ready, add in the finely chopped ginger and garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3Let's now add green chillies and saut for just a minute. Then add ground black pepper, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Stir in the spices well with the mixture of onions and garlic. The heat from the black pepper should begin at this point to develop into the distinctive flavour of that dish. Let the spices roast for a minute or so, taking care that they don't get burned, as this may give a bitter taste. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a little splash of water to create a little moisture.
- 4Now, when the spices are well roasted, gently add the fried paneer cubes to the pan. Toss the paneer with the spice mixture, such that every piece gets an even coating. Add the paneer to it on medium flame and stir-fry it for around 5-7 minutes, ensuring that all the flavours from the spices seep into the cubes. Avoid overcooking paneer as it could turn tough and rubbery. It should be coated in the spicy mixture while retaining its soft texture.
- 5After the paneer has absorbed all the flavours, add a handful of chopped fresh coriander leaves for an extra layer of freshness. Stir to combine everything, and let it cook for another minute to allow the herbs to blend in. If you like, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the spices and add a slight tang to the dish.
- 6Once complete, take the paneer pepper fry off the heat and transfer to a serving dish. Paneer pepper fry can be served hot, garnished with chapati, paratha, or simply steamed rice to go with it. Paneer pepper fry is flavourful as the richness of paneer is complemented by the bold, aromatic heat of black pepper and spices. It's a treat for those who enjoy spice and savoury dishes.