Chillie Paneer

Chillie Paneer Recipe - Vegetarian Indian Dish

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chillie Paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that combines the flavors of spicy chili sauce with the creamy texture of paneer (cottage cheese). This dish is a favorite among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, and is often served as an appetizer or side dish.

History

Chillie Paneer is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, where it was created as a fusion of Indian and Chinese flavors. The dish gained popularity in the 1970s and has since become a staple in Indian restaurants around the world.

Ingredients

1 block of paneer (cottage cheese), cut into 1 inch cubes and fried until golden
1 cup finely chopped onions
1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
2 – 3 finely chopped green chillies
2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves
1 tbsp corn starch mixed with 3 tbsp water
2 tbsp soy sauce
salt, to taste
0.5 tsp crushed black pepper
0.5 tsp red chile powder
1 cup water
2 tbsp cooking oil

How to prepare

Heat oil in a non-stick pan and sauté chopped green chillies, ginger, and garlic until fragrant. Add chopped onions and fry until lightly browned.
Add salt, pepper, chili powder, and soy sauce and cook for a minute. Add water and allow it to come to a boil.
Add corn starch mixture and stir until the sauce thickens. Add paneer pieces and chopped coriander leaves, and cover and cook for 2 – 3 minutes.

Variations

Add bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Use tofu instead of paneer for a vegan version of the dish.
Garnish with sesame seeds or spring onions for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fry the paneer until golden brown to give it a crispy texture.

- Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice preference.

- Use fresh coriander leaves for a burst of flavor in the dish.

- Cover the pan while cooking the paneer to ensure that it absorbs the flavors of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Chillie Paneer can be served as a side dish with steamed rice or noodles. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the paneer until golden brown

- Sautéing the aromatics before adding the sauce

- Allowing the sauce to thicken before adding the paneer

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or shrimp instead of paneer for a non-vegetarian version of the dish.

- Substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Chillie Paneer can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chillie Paneer in a colorful bowl garnished with fresh coriander leaves and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Pairing Recommendations

Chillie Paneer pairs well with a side of steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. It can also be served with a side of vegetable stir-fry.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Chillie Paneer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 280 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Fats: 15g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Chillie Paneer is a good source of calcium, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

Contains dairy (paneer)

Summary

Chillie Paneer is a high-protein dish that is rich in calcium and vitamin C. It is a flavorful and satisfying meal option for vegetarians.

Summary

Chillie Paneer is a delicious and spicy Indo-Chinese dish that is perfect for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my own mother. She was a talented cook, always experimenting with new flavors and techniques, and I loved nothing more than to watch her work her magic in the kitchen.

One day, as I sat at the kitchen table watching my mother prepare dinner, she suddenly turned to me with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Today, I am going to teach you how to make something special," she said, reaching for a pan and a block of paneer. I had never seen paneer before, and I was intrigued by the soft, white cheese that she crumbled into the pan.

As my mother added a medley of colorful vegetables and spices to the paneer, the aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating. I watched in awe as she stirred the mixture with such skill and precision, her hands moving with the grace of a master chef. Finally, she sprinkled in a secret ingredient – a fiery red chili paste that she had made herself – and the dish came together in a burst of flavor and heat.

When she served the dish to our family that evening, it was met with rave reviews. The combination of the soft, creamy paneer and the spicy chili paste was a revelation, and I savored every bite, savoring the complex flavors that danced on my tongue. From that moment on, I was hooked on the dish that my mother called "Chillie Paneer."

Over the years, I have made Chillie Paneer countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have added my own twist to the dish, incorporating ingredients that I have picked up from various places and people along the way. But no matter how many times I make it, the memory of that first time in my mother's kitchen will always hold a special place in my heart.

One of the most memorable versions of Chillie Paneer that I ever made was during a visit to my aunt's house in the countryside. My aunt was a renowned cook in her own right, and I always looked forward to the delicious meals that she would prepare for us whenever we visited. On this particular occasion, she had invited a group of her friends over for dinner, and I offered to help her in the kitchen.

As we chopped vegetables and prepared the ingredients for the meal, my aunt suddenly turned to me with a twinkle in her eye. "Have you ever made Chillie Paneer before?" she asked. I nodded eagerly, excited to share my favorite recipe with her. But she had a surprise in store for me – she had her own version of the dish, one that she had learned from a friend who had traveled to India.

Together, we prepared the Chillie Paneer according to her friend's recipe, using a unique blend of spices and seasonings that I had never tried before. The result was a dish that was unlike any other Chillie Paneer I had ever tasted – rich, flavorful, and bursting with heat. My aunt's friends were impressed by the dish, and I felt a swell of pride knowing that I had helped create something so delicious.

Since that day, I have continued to experiment with different versions of Chillie Paneer, incorporating new ingredients and techniques into the recipe. I have learned from friends, family, and even strangers, all of whom have shared their own unique twist on this beloved dish. But no matter how many variations I try, the original recipe that my mother taught me will always be my favorite.

As I sit in my kitchen now, preparing a steaming pot of Chillie Paneer for my own family, I can't help but smile as I think back on all of the memories that this dish holds. Each bite is a reminder of the love and joy that cooking has brought into my life, and I am grateful for the many people who have shared their knowledge and passion with me over the years.

So as I stir the paneer and vegetables in the pan, adding a touch of chili paste and a sprinkle of spices, I know that I am not just making a meal – I am creating a memory. And as my family gathers around the table to enjoy the fruits of my labor, I know that this recipe for Chillie Paneer will continue to be a treasured part of our family tradition for years to come.