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Chilli Paneer Gravy Recipe: A Perfect Indo-Chinese Delight
Our favourite food has always been Indo-Chinese, which combines the best of Indian tastes with Chinese cooking methods. One well-known dish is Chilli Paneer Gravy. This famous vegetarian dish is spicy, sour, and delicious, and it’s great for any event, from a weeknight dinner to a family get-together.
This blog post will show you how to make this tasty Chilli Paneer Gravy at home, followed by a list of steps. We’ll also give you some helpful hints, alternatives, and changes that you can make to suit your tastes. Let’s start right away!
Why You'll Love This Chilli Paneer Gravy Recipe
If you like the bright flavours of Indian and Chinese food, this Chilli Paneer Gravy dish is for you. This recipe is simple to follow and very tasty, no matter how much experience you have in the kitchen. There are just the right amounts of hot, tangy, and umami flavours in the gravy to make it a hit with everyone.
This recipe is a great alternative to traditional chicken or shrimp chilli for vegetarians. Paneer, a famous Indian cottage cheese, is the main ingredient in this dish. It gives the dish a tasty, chewy texture that soaks up all the gravy’s flavours. Also, paneer is a good source of protein, so this meal is healthy and filling.
Ingredients for Chilli Paneer Gravy
Here’s what you need to make the perfect Chilli Paneer Gravy:
- Paneer: 200 grams, cubed
- Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum): 1 medium, diced
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves, finely chopped
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, finely chopped
- Green Chilies: 2, slit lengthwise
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Red Chili Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Tomato Ketchup: 1 tablespoon
- Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Cornflour: 2 tablespoons
- Water: 1 cup
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Spring Onions: For garnish
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Large frying pan or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Chopping board and knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spatula
- Ladle
Instructions:
Preparing the Paneer
- Cut the paneer into bite-sized cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, add 1 tablespoon of cornflour and a pinch of salt. Add a little water to make a smooth batter.
- Dip the paneer cubes into the batter, ensuring they are coated well.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Shallow fry the paneer cubes until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Making the Gravy
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add chopped garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute until they turn aromatic.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté on high heat for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they remain crunchy.
- Add soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornflour with a cup of water to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the pan and stir continuously to avoid lumps.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Combining the Paneer with the Gravy
- Add the fried paneer cubes to the pan with the gravy. Toss well to coat the paneer with the sauce.
- Cook for 2 more minutes to allow the paneer to absorb the flavors of the gravy.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot.
Tips and Tricks
- Adjust the Spice Level: You can increase or decrease the number of green chilies and red chili sauce to adjust the spice level according to your preference.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms, baby corn, or broccoli for a healthier twist.
- Vegan Option: Replace paneer with tofu for a vegan version of this recipe. Tofu absorbs the flavors just as well as paneer.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure that the soy sauce and other condiments used are gluten-free for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Healthier Swap: Use low-sodium soy sauce and avoid deep frying paneer. You can pan-sear or grill the paneer to cut down on the oil content.
Pairing Suggestions
Chilli Paneer Gravy can be enjoyed with various dishes. Here are some suggestions:
- Fried Rice: A plate of spicy or schezwan fried rice pairs excellently with this dish.
- Hakka Noodles: Serve it with stir-fried noodles for a classic Indo-Chinese meal.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A simple bowl of steamed rice balances the bold flavors of the gravy.
- Mocktails or Light Beverages: Pair it with a refreshing lemon iced tea or a light mojito to complement the spicy flavors.
Conclusion
Chilli Paneer Gravy is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful, homemade Indo-Chinese meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you are a fan of spicy dishes or love experimenting with different cuisines, this recipe will surely become a favorite. If you are also looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying delicious foods like this, consider exploring a comprehensive Diet plan for weight loss tailored to your needs. Balancing indulgence with mindful eating can help you achieve your wellness goals without compromising on taste.