Paneer Chilli is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that combines Indian cottage cheese, also called paneer, with a spicy and tangy sauce. This dish is perfect for those who like a fusion of flavours and is also popular with vegetarians. Paneer Chilli is a delicious and easy to prepare dish that can be served as an appetiser or as a main course. With its unique blend of flavours and textures, it is a real hit with vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
About Chilli Paneer
Paneer Chilli originated in India as a variation of the Chinese dish "Chilli Paneer". The Chinese dish is usually made with meat and shrimps, but in the Indian version, the meat has been replaced with paneer, making it a perfect vegetarian-friendly option.
The dish was introduced to India by Chinese immigrants who settled in Kolkata, India, in the early 20th century. In Kolkata, the dish was modified to suit the Indian palate, and paneer. The Indian version of the dish quickly became popular and spread to other parts of India,
In recent years, Indo-Chinese cuisine has become increasingly popular in India, with paneer chilli being one of the most popular dishes. This fusion cuisine combines Chinese cooking techniques with Indian flavours, resulting in a unique and delicious blend of sweet, sour and spicy flavours.
The dish is typically made by frying paneer cubes until they are golden brown and crispy, and then tossing them with a spicy sauce made with soy sauce, tomato ketchup, chili powder, and other seasonings.
Paneer is a type of fresh cheese commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is made by curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar and then straining the curd. Paneer is a good source of protein and is often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian dishes.
Paneer is a good source calcium as well, which are important for bone growth and maintenance. 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 anyone who needs to watch their diet.
If you are looking for a quick and easy recipe for a paneer chilli, you have come to the right place! Here is a simple recipe that you can make in no time.
Expert tips
1. Use high quality paneer: Paneer is the main ingredient in chilli paneer, so it's important to use high quality, fresh paneer to get the best flavour and texture.
2. Use a balanced spice mix: chilli paneer is a very tasty dish. Therefore, make sure to use a balanced blend of spices such as cumin, coriander and chilli powder to achieve the desired spiciness.
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 have some texture. Overcooking the vegetables can result in a mushy consistency.
4. Use a thickener: chilli paneer should have a thick, creamy consistency. You can use cornstarch, corn grits, or all-purpose flour to thicken the gravy.
5. Do not add the paneer until the end: The paneer should not be added to the dish until near the end of cooking so that it does not become too soft and breaking apart.
6. Adjust the seasoning to taste: Before serving, taste the chilli paneer and season with more salt, pepper or chilli powder if needed.
7. Serve with rice or naan bread: Chilli paneer tastes best with steamed rice or naan bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.