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:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, corn flour, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, and salt.
   • Add water gradually to make a smooth batter.
   • 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:

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

3. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In the same pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
   • Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
   • 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:

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

5. Combine the Paneer and Sauce:

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

6. Serve:

   • Garnish with chopped spring onions, if desired.
   • 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!