How to Make Paneer Chilli: A Delicious Indo-Chinese Recipe

Paneer Chilli is a mouthwatering Indian-Chinese dish that is often served as a starter or snack. It pairs perfectly with fried rice or Szechuan rice, adding a unique twist to any meal. In this recipe, we will learn how to make dry Paneer Chilli, where the paneer is marinated and then fried until golden brown. It is then cooked with Chinese sauce, green bell peppers, and onions. Let's dive into this easy recipe and discover how to make Paneer Chilli at home.

Preparing the Ingredients

Before we begin, let's gather all the necessary ingredients for making Paneer Chilli.

Ingredients:

• 250 grams of paneer (cottage cheese)
• 4 green chillies, finely chopped
• 5-6 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon cornflour
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chilli sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons tomato sauce
• 6 tablespoons + 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons oil + oil for frying
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cutting the Paneer

Start by cutting the paneer into 1-inch square cubes. Set them aside in a bowl.

2. Preparing the Marinade

In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornflour, black pepper powder, and salt. Add 6 tablespoons of water gradually and mix well to make a smooth and thick paste. Adjust the amount of water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

3. Marinating the Paneer

Add the paneer cubes to the prepared marinade and let them marinate for 10-15 minutes.

4. Frying the Paneer

Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai for frying. Once the oil is hot, gently drop the marinated paneer cubes into the oil. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried paneer cubes from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper napkins to absorb any excess oil.

5. Making the Cornflour Slurry

In a small bowl, take 1 tablespoon of cornflour and add 3 tablespoons of water. Mix well to form a smooth slurry.

6. Stir-Frying the Vegetables

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped ginger and garlic and sauté them for about 30 seconds. Then, add the diced onions and cook until they become translucent. Next, add the diced green bell peppers and green chillies. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 2 minutes, ensuring they retain their crunchiness.

7. Adding the Sauces

Once the vegetables are cooked, add soy sauce, chilli sauce, tomato sauce, and salt to the pan. Mix well and cook for another minute.

8. Creating the Gravy

Pour the cornflour slurry (prepared in step 5) into the pan and stir continuously. Cook the mixture for approximately 2-3 minutes or until the gravy thickens.

9. Adding the Fried Paneer

Gently add the fried paneer cubes to the gravy and mix well, ensuring each cube is coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.

10. Garnishing and Serving

Turn off the heat and transfer the Paneer Chilli to a serving plate. Garnish it with finely chopped green onions and serve it hot with soup or fried rice.

Tips and Variations:

• If you prefer to use less oil (or reduce the calorie content of this dish), you can opt for shallow frying the paneer cubes instead of deep frying them. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a pan, and fry the paneer cubes for a few seconds on each side until they turn a uniform golden brown.
• For a quick version, you can directly coat the paneer cubes in the paste (step 2) and shallow fry them without marinating them separately.
• Adjust the spiciness of the dish by increasing or decreasing the amount of chilli sauce according to your taste preferences.
• Serving suggestion: Paneer Chilli pairs well with fried rice or Hakka noodles.

Now that you know how to make Paneer Chilli, it's time to enjoy this delicious Indo-Chinese dish in the comfort of your own home. Experiment with the spice levels and customize it to suit your taste. Paneer Chilli is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. Enjoy your culinary adventure!