Pan Fried Paneer Recipe
Here’s a detailed recipe for Pan Fried Paneer Recipe:
Indian cottage cheese, or paneer, is a flexible component that can be prepared in a variety of ways to produce appetizing meals. One such technique that maintains the soft and creamy center while producing a crispy outside is pan-frying paneer. Here’s a recipe for pan-fried paneer that includes some special-aiding suggestions:
Ingredients:
- 250 grams paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes or slices
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Paneer:
- To soften store-bought paneer, soak it in warm water for ten to fifteen minutes. After draining the water, use a kitchen towel to pat the paneer slices or cubes dry.
- Pan-Fry the Paneer:
- In a nonstick skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee over medium heat.
- The paneer slices or cubes should be added to the heated oil in a single layer. Avoid packing the pan too full; you might have to cook the paneer in batches.
- Allow the paneer to cook, stirring occasionally, for two to three minutes on each side, or until golden brown. After that, turn each piece over and cook the other side until crispy and golden brown. This will require two to three more minutes.
- Remove the paneer and set aside once it’s crispy and golden on all sides.
- Prepare the Masala:
- Add the final tablespoon of oil or ghee to the same pan.
- Sprinkle in the cumin seeds and watch them pop.
- When aromatic, add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for one minute.
- Add the diced onions and, if using, the green chilies . The onions should be sautéed until transparent.
- Add Spices:
- Add the salt, red chili powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Once the spices are fragrant, mix thoroughly and sauté for one minute.
- Add Tomatoes:
- Add the chopped tomatoes and simmer until the masala begins to separate from the oil and the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
- Combine Paneer:
- Add the fried paneer cubes or slices to the pan once the masala has finished cooking.
- Over the paneer and masala mixture, scatter the garam masala. Mix everything up gently until the masala coats the paneer thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Add some freshly cut coriander leaves as a garnish for the pan-fried paneer.
- Serve hot alongside rice, roti, or naan. If you would like it extra sour, you may add pour some lemon juice on top before serving.
Enjoy your delicious pan-fried paneer as a side dish or as the main course!