Chilli Paneer Recipe By Chef Team ZZ

Chilli paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish made with fried cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and bell peppers in a spicy sauce. The sauce is typically made with a blend of chilli pepper, ginger, garlic and various Indian spices and may also include tomato puree or soya sauce. It is often served as a starter or side dish with rice or Indian bread.

Table of content

• About chilli paneer 
• About paneer
• Ingredients
• How to make chilli paneer
• Expert tips
• Quick recap

About Chilli Paneer Recipe

The origin of chilli paneer a popular Indo-Chinese dish, can be traced back to the Chinese immigrants in India, who settled in the country during the 19th century and brought their cuisine with them. They adapted it with available ingredients and the Indian palette, which resulted in dishes like chilli paneer. 
In addition to its delicious taste, chilli paneer is also a healthy dish. Paneer is a good source of protein and calcium, while the chilli peppers and ginger in the sauce have anti-inflammatory properties and can help boost the metabolism.
In conclusion, chilli paneer is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the rich and creamy taste of paneer with a spicy and flavourful sauce made of chilli peppers, ginger, garlic, and various Indian spices. The dish is a fusion of Indian and Chinese flavours and is a staple in Indian Chinese restaurants. It is also a popular street food in India and is loved by people of all ages. It's a versatile dish that can be made with different types of peppers, and cheese and it's a perfect blend of Indian and Chinese flavours.
Let’s talk about its main ingredient which is paneer (Indian cottage cheese)

About Paneer

Paneer is a type of fresh, unsalted cheese that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is made by curdling milk with lemon juice, vinegar, or yoghurt, and then pressing the resulting curds to remove the whey. Paneer is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that is used in a wide variety of dishes, from curries to desserts.
One of the most popular dishes made with paneer is palak paneer, a creamy spinach and cheese curry. It is made by cooking spinach with a variety of spices and then adding crumbled paneer to the mix. The dish is typically served with rice or Indian bread and is a staple in Indian restaurants.
Another popular dish is Butter paneer or Butter Paneer Masala, it's a creamy dish made with tomato, cashew paste and cream, which is simmered with paneer and spices. It's a rich and creamy dish which is loved by many people.
Paneer is also used in a variety of snacks and appetizers, such as paneer tikka, where cubes of paneer are marinated in a spicy yoghurt sauce and then grilled. Or Paneer Pakoda, where small cubes of paneer are coated in gram flour and deep-fried.
Paneer is a good source of protein and calcium, which are essential for the growth and maintenance of bones. It is also a good source of vitamin B12, which is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Paneer is also low in fat and cholesterol, making it a healthy choice for those who are watching their diet.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, paneer is also a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes. It can be crumbled, diced, or sliced and used in curries, sandwiches, and salads. It can also be used in desserts, such as ras malai, a sweet dumpling made with paneer and soaked in sweetened milk.

Ingredients For Chilli Paneer Recipe

1. 250 Gm Diced Paneer  

For Marination

1. 1 Tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
2. ½  Tsp Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder or Chilli Paste
3. ¼ Tsp Pepper Powder
4. ¼ Tsp Salt
5. ½ Tsp Vinegar

For Batter

1. 3 Tbsp Refined Flour
2. 3 Tbsp Corn Flour
3. Salt to taste
4. Water as required

For Sauce

1. 2 Tbsp Oil
2. 1 Tbsp Chopped Garlic
3. 1 Tbsp Chopped Ginger
4. ½ Cup Diced Onion
5. ¼ Cup Diced Green Capsicum
6. ¼ Cup Diced Yellow Bell Pepper
7. ¼ Cup Diced Red Bell Pepper
8. 3 Sliced Green Chillies
9. 1 Tbsp Soya Sauce
10. 2 Tsp Red Chili Sauce 
11. 1 Tsp Vinegar 
12. 1 Tbsp Tomato Ketchup
13. ¼ Cup Corn Flour Slurry
14. Water  as required 
15. Salt to taste
16. ¼ Tsp pepper powder
17. Chopped spring onion green

How To Make Chilli Paneer

1. Add refined flour, 2 tbsp corn flour, salt, and pepper powder.
2. Now add water and mix well.
3. In a bowl add paneer, along with ingredients needed for marination which are Ginger Garlic Paste, Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder or Chilli Paste, Pepper Powder, Salt, Vinegar
   and mix well.
4. Sprinkle the remaining corn flour into the marinated paneer and toss well.
5. Pour the batter over the marinated paneer and mix well.
6. Heat oil the pan, drop paneer pieces and deep fry them until they turn golden brown.
7. Heat oil in a wok, then add ginge and garlic. Now saute.
8. Add onion, capsicum, bell peppers, and green chillies and saute for a minute.
9. Add soy sauce, tomato ketchup, chilli sauce, vinegar and saute for 30-40 seconds.
10. Now add water, salt, and pepper and mix well.
11. Add corn flour slurry and cook until the mixture becomes thick.
12. Add fried paneer, spring onion green and mix well.
13. Garnish with spring onion greens and Serve hot.

Expert Tips To Make Chilli Paneer Recipe

1. Use high-quality paneer: Paneer is the main ingredient in chilli paneer, so it's important to use high-quality, fresh paneer for the best taste and texture.
2. Use a good balance of spices: Chili paneer is a flavorful dish, so be sure to use the right balance of spices such as cumin, coriander, and chilli powder to achieve the desired level of heat.
3. Cook the vegetables properly: The vegetables used in chilli paneer, such as bell peppers and onions, should be cooked until they are soft but still retain some texture. Overcooking the vegetables can result in a mushy consistency.
4. Use a thickening agent: Chili paneer should have a thick, saucy consistency. You can use cornstarch, maida or all-purpose flour to thicken the gravy.
5. Add the paneer at the end: Paneer should be added to the dish towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from becoming too soft and breaking apart.
6. Adjust the seasoning to taste: Before serving, taste the chilli paneer and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more salt, pepper or chilli powder.
7. Serve with rice or naan bread: Chili paneer is best enjoyed with steamed rice or naan bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Quick Recap Of Chilli Paneer Recipe

How To Make Chilli Paneer

1. Add refined flour, 2 tbsp corn flour, salt, pepper powder, and water and make a batter. 
2. In a bowl add paneer, along with ingredients needed for marination and mix well.
3. Sprinkle the remaining corn flour in the marinated paneer and toss well.
4. Pour the batter over the paneer and mix. 
5. Heat oil, drop paneer pieces and deep fry until they turn golden brown in colour. 
6. Heat oil in a wok, add ginger, garlic and saute. 
7. Add onion, capsicum, bell peppers, and green chillies and saute it for 1 minute.
8. Add soy sauce, tomato ketchup, chilli sauce, vinegar and saute for 30-40 seconds.
9. Add water, salt, pepper and mix. 
10. Add corn flour slurry and cook until the mixture becomes thick.
11. Add fried paneer, spring onion green and mix well.
12. Serve hot garnish with spring onion green.