Paneer Jalfrezi

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 250 g Paneer (cut into cubes)
• 0.5 tsp Cumin seeds
• 1 Onion (medium, cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 1 Mixed bell peppers (cut into 1-inch chunks (red and green))
• 1 tbsp Garlic paste
• 1 tbsp Ginger paste
• 3 Green chilies (slit lengthwise)
• 0.5 cup Tomato puree (blended fresh tomatoes or canned)
• 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 tsp Coriander powder
• 0.5 tsp Garam masala
• Salt (to taste)
• Fresh coriander (chopped for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the paneer cubes and fry until they are lightly golden on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. 2

   In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add the cubed onions and bell peppers to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes on high heat until the edges start to brown but the vegetables still retain their crunch.

4. 4

   Stir in the garlic paste, ginger paste, and slit green chilies. Cook for 1 minute until the raw smell of the aromatics disappears.

5. 5

   Reduce the heat to medium and add the tomato puree. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.

6. 6

   Add the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly and cook for 2-3 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the masala.

7. 7

   Add the fried paneer cubes back into the pan. Gently toss to coat the paneer evenly with the spice mixture.

8. 8

   Sprinkle the garam masala over the dish and add a splash of water if the sauce is too dry. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes.

9. 9

   Garnish with freshly chopped coriander and serve hot with naan or basmati rice.

Notes

For a more authentic restaurant flavor, you can add a teaspoon of dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi) at the very end. If you prefer a saucier dish, increase the amount of tomato puree and add a little more water during the final simmer.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• vegetarian
• Indian
• paneer
• spicy
• stir-fry
• dinner