Paneer Jalfrezi In A Jiffy Recipe

Alright, gather ’round, fellow foodies—today we’re diving into a vibrant paneer stir-fry that you absolutely need in your life. It’s quick, it’s spicy, and it’s packed with those irresistible flavors that only a true blend of aromatic spices and fresh veggies can deliver. Let’s get our taste buds dancing!

I enjoy making speedy and tasty meals, and my Paneer Jalfrezi In A Jiffy is ideal for those days when I don’t have much time. It has protein-rich paneer, bell pepper crunch, and the spiciness of cumin and red chili powder.

I think this dish is packed with flavor, and its colors make it a great dish for serving at any time of the day.

Ingredients

• Paneer: Rich in protein and calcium, essential for muscle and bone health.
• Green Bell Pepper: Low in calories, high in vitamin C and fiber, boosts immunity.
• Tomato: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins C and K, supports heart health.
• Ginger-Garlic Paste: Provides pungent flavor, has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
• Cumin Seeds: Adds earthy aroma, aids digestion, and rich in iron.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 250 grams paneer, cut into cubes
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges (optional)

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How to Make this

1. In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds.

2. Place the sliced onions in the pan and sauté until they reach a golden brown color.

3. Sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste.

4. Sliced green bell pepper should be added next, cooking during the following 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

5. Blend the turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and coriander powder well. Make sure these spices are evenly distributed in the dish.

6. Put in the cut tomatoes and sauté an extra 2-3 minutes until they become tender.

7. Paneer cubes should be folded in gently, making sure they are well-coated with the spices and vegetables.

8. Add salt to your liking and blend all the parts well.

9. For another 5 minutes, you are to cook, let the flavors meld, and heat the paneer all the way through.

10. Top with fresh cilantro leaves and serve, if desired, with lemon wedges. Savor with hot naan or rice.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pan
2. Cooking spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Bowl for paneer cubes
7. Serving dish

FAQ

• What is the best type of paneer to use for this recipe?For the best results, use fresh and firm paneer. Homemade paneer or good-quality store-bought paneer will work very well.
• Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?Certainly! You may add vegetables such as carrots, peas, or even broccoli to enhance the taste and nutritional value.
• What can I use as a substitute for bell peppers?Capsicum of any color can be used, as can zucchini and squash for a different twist.
• Is this dish very spicy?Spiciness can be adjusted by changing the amount of red chili powder. For a milder taste, reduce the amount used.
• Can I make this dish vegan?Certainly, you can swap paneer for either solid tofu or a substitute for vegan cheese.
• How do I prevent paneer from becoming too chewy?Don’t cook paneer too long; add it near the end of the cooking to keep its softness.
• Can this dish be prepared in advance?Absolutely, you can make it the day before and reheat when needed. It can even taste better when served after a day, as the flavors mingle all together.

Paneer Jalfrezi In A Jiffy Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Cubes of tofu can be used instead of paneer to provide a vegan option.
Green bell pepper can be replaced by red or yellow bell pepper, which, due to their lack of bitterness, can yield a flavor closer to “sweet” than that of the green bell. Here are some more replacement options.
Substitute shallots for onions when you want a less intense, milder, and sweeter taste.
Change cumin seeds for caraway seeds to give it a different flavor profile.
Instead of using red chili powder, you can use smoked paprika to obtain a smoky taste.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate the Paneer Before cooking, marinate the paneer cubes in a mixture of yogurt, turmeric, red chili powder, and a pinch of salt for 15-20 minutes. This will enhance their flavor and ensure they remain juicy during cooking.

2. Onion Preparation Slice the onions thinly and evenly to ensure they cook uniformly and caramelize nicely, adding a deeper flavor to the dish.

3. Roast Spices First Before adding the ginger-garlic paste, It’s sometimes beneficial to add dry spices—like turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala—once the onions are caramelized to allow the spices to roast gently, enhancing their aroma and flavor.

4. Handling Bell Peppers To maintain a nice texture, do not overcook the bell peppers. They should remain slightly crunchy to balance the soft paneer and cooked onions.

5. Consistent Stirring When mixing in paneer, stir gently and consistently to ensure even coating of spices without breaking the paneer cubes. This will help them soak in more flavor while maintaining their structure.