Chilli Paneer

Chilli Paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), bell peppers, onions, and a flavorful sauce. It's spicy, tangy, and packed with umami flavors.

Ingredients:

For the Paneer Marinade:

• 250 grams paneer, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tablespoons corn flour (cornstarch)
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Water, as needed

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper (capsicum), cut into cubes
• 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon corn flour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (corn flour slurry)
• Salt to taste
• Chopped spring onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Paneer:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, corn flour, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, and salt.
2. Add water gradually to make a smooth batter.
3. Add the paneer cubes to the batter and toss until they are evenly coated. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.

2. Fry the Paneer:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated paneer cubes in batches and fry until they turn golden brown and crisp on all sides.
3. Remove the fried paneer cubes onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

1. In the same pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
3. Add bell peppers and green chilies, and sauté for a couple of minutes until they are slightly softened but still crunchy.

4. Make the Sauce:

1. Add soy sauce, tomato ketchup, chili sauce, and vinegar to the pan. Mix well to combine.
2. Add the corn flour slurry to the pan and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
3. Season with salt to taste.

5. Combine the Paneer and Sauce:

1. Add the fried paneer cubes to the pan with the sauce. Toss gently until the paneer cubes are well coated with the sauce.
2. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Serve:

1. Garnish with chopped spring onions, if desired.
2. Serve Chilli Paneer hot as a starter or as a side dish with fried rice or noodles.

Enjoy the spicy and flavorful Chilli Paneer as a delicious Indo-Chinese treat!