Paneer Jalfrezi Recipe

There’s something undeniably satisfying about cooking up a vibrant paneer stir-fry that fills the kitchen with the warm, aromatic embrace of cumin and garam masala—join me as I transform humble ingredients into a flavor-packed feast!

Paneer Jalfrezi is a vibrant and mouthwatering dish that I love because of its robust and simple flavors. Cubes of paneer sautéed alongside cumin-infused onions burst forth with far too many flavors to adequately describe.

But if I had to try, I’d call it a mix of sweet, crunchy, and juicy that, in each bite, explodes with a medley of spices from red chili powder and garam masala and is perfectly balanced with a hint of coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice. Nutritionally speaking, it packs a colorful wallop, and I’m certain the paneer, with its potent antioxidant and protein punch, contributes the lion’s share of that.

Paneer Jalfrezi Recipe Ingredients

• Paneer: High in protein and calcium, supports bone health.
• Green Bell Pepper: Rich in vitamins A and C, adds crunch and color.
• Tomato: Source of lycopene, beneficial for heart health.
• Ginger Garlic Paste: Anti-inflammatory, enhances flavor and digestion.
• Red Chili Powder: Provides heat, boosts metabolism and vitamin C.
• Garam Masala: Aromatic spice blend, adds depth and warmth.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess, high in vitamin C.

Paneer Jalfrezi Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 200 grams paneer, cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

How to Make this Paneer Jalfrezi Recipe

1. Place the oil in a large skillet or pan and warm over medium heat. Put in the cumin seeds and allow them to give off a few seconds of sputtering before proceeding with the remainder of the recipe.

2. Place sliced onions in the skillet and cook until they are a deep golden brown.

3. Put in the ginger garlic paste and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, or just until you no longer smell raw ginger and garlic.

4. Including the sliced green and red bell peppers in the pan, stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes.

5. Combine the tomatoes that have been diced and simmer them until they become a bit soft.

6. Incorporate the spices into the vegetables: add the red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.

7. Add the paneer cubes to the pan and gently mix to ensure they are well coated with the mixture of spices.

8. Add the tomato ketchup and mix it in well. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes so that everything blends together.

9. Stir in the garam masala and lemon juice until thoroughly mixed. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.

10. Top with fresh cilantro leaves and serve freshly steamed hot with naan, roti, or rice.

Paneer Jalfrezi Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet or pan
2. Stirring spoon or spatula
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Measuring spoons
6. Mixing bowls (optional, for preparation)
7. Serving dish

FAQ

• What can I substitute for paneer in this recipe?Firm tofu can be used in place of paneer for a vegan option, while halloumi offers a flavorful substitute.
• Can I make this dish in advance?Certainly! Paneer Jalfrezi can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for 48 hours; just remember to warm it back up before dishing it out.
• Is there a way to make it less spicy?To lower the level of spiciness, use less red chili powder or substitute it with paprika, which has a milder flavor.
• Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?Using canned tomatoes is a possibility, but for texture and taste, you can’t beat fresh tomatoes.
• What type of oil is best for this dish?Vegetable oil, canola oil, or ghee may be used for a richer flavor.
• Is it necessary to add tomato ketchup?Although tomato ketchup contributes a sweet and sour flavor, you can omit it or substitute it with tomato paste and a pinch of sugar.
• How can I enhance the flavor of the dish?Inserting a small amount of crushed kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) right at the end can take the flavor profile of the dish to a new level.

Paneer Jalfrezi Recipe Substitutions and Variations

To make paneer: Use firm tofu as a vegan substitute.
To substitute oil: Use ghee for a richer flavor.
For green and red bell peppers: Use yellow bell peppers or even slices of zucchini.
Tomato ketchup: Use tomato puree with a pinch of sugar.
For lemon juice: Substitute lime juice for a slightly different citrus note.

Pro Tips

1. To enhance the flavor of the paneer, lightly fry the paneer cubes in a bit of oil until they are golden brown before adding them to the dish. This will give them a nice texture and additional depth of flavor.

2. For extra smoky flavor, consider charring the bell peppers slightly over an open flame or using a grill pan before adding them to the skillet. This will impart a subtle smokiness to the dish.

3. If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of yogurt toward the end of cooking. This will mellow out the spices and add richness to the sauce.

4. After adding the spices, allowing them to cook for an extra minute before adding the paneer can help release their essential oils for a more aromatic dish.

5. Finely chop a green chili or two if you want additional heat and add them along with the bell peppers, adjusting the level to your taste. Make sure to remove the seeds if you’d like less heat.