Paneer Bhurji

If you're looking for a quick and delicious recipe that's packed with flavor, then paneer bhurji is the perfect dish for you. This classic Indian dish is made with crumbled paneer (cottage cheese) along with a variety of spices and vegetables, creating a mouthwatering combination that will have you coming back for more. In this post, we'll walk you through the step-by-step instructions on how to make this savory paneer bhurji, and share some tips for making it perfect every time. So, let's get cooking!

What Is Paneer Bhurji?

• Paneer Bhurji is a popular Indian dish made with paneer (cottage cheese) combined with a mix of Indian spices and unique seasoning. This delectable recipe brings together the succulent paneer cubes with the flavors of onions, tomatoes, and green chilies, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. The combination of spices such as cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala powder adds a delicious taste that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Serve it hot with Indian flatbread for a delightful meal experience.

Why You'll Love Paneer Bhurji?

• Creamy Texture: Paneer bhurji has a creamy and crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, making it a delightful dish for both kids and adults.
• Protein-Packed: Paneer, also known as cottage cheese, is a rich source of protein, making it a healthy and filling option for vegetarians and those looking to increase their protein intake.
• Rich in Calcium: Paneer is also high in calcium, which is essential for bone health and overall wellbeing. This makes paneer bhurji not only delicious but also nutritious.
• Versatile Dish: Paneer bhurji can be enjoyed as a standalone dish, served with roti or paratha, or even used as a filling for sandwiches and wraps, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
• Quick and Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, paneer bhurji can be whipped up in no time, making it a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Flavorful and Spicy: The combination of spices such as cumin, garam masala, and red chili powder, along with fresh coriander leaves, adds a burst of flavor and heat to the dish, making it a favorite among spice lovers.

Ingredients for Paneer Bhurji

• Paneer cubes/cottage cheese cubes Paneer is the star ingredient of this dish and adds a creamy and rich texture to the bhurji.
• Onion Onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the bhurji, enhancing its overall taste.
• Tomato Tomatoes bring a tangy and slightly sweet taste to the dish, along with a hint of acidity.
• Green chilies Green chilies add a spicy kick to the paneer bhurji, balancing the flavors with a touch of heat.
• Olive oil Olive oil is used for cooking the ingredients and adds a light and fruity flavor to the dish.
• Spices (cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder) The combination of these spices adds a depth of flavor, warmth, and a subtle hint of heat to the paneer bhurji.
• Coriander leaves Coriander leaves, also known as cilantro, are added as a garnish and contribute a fresh and citrusy flavor to the dish.

How To Make Paneer Bhurji?

Paneer bhurji is a delicious and popular Indian dish made with crumbled paneer and a mix of spices. To make this flavorful dish, follow these simple steps:

• Thaw the paneer cubes and then crumble them by hand. This step is essential to ensure that the paneer blends well with the spices and other ingredients.
• Chop the onion, tomatoes, and green chilies finely. The size of the chop is crucial to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors in the dish.
• Heat a pan with oil over medium heat. Adding the cumin seeds and frying them until spluttering is a key step to release their aromatic flavors.
• Fry the finely chopped onions and green chilies until they are lightly browned. This adds depth and richness to the flavor of the dish.
• Add salt, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and red chili powder, and give it a quick stir until their raw smell leaves. This step is crucial to infuse the spices with the other ingredients and develop a robust flavor profile.
• Add the finely chopped or mashed tomatoes, stir, and cook for 3 minutes or until mushy. This step is important to create a rich and flavorful base for the dish.
• Add the crumbled paneer, stir, and fry until everything blends well. Be careful not to overcook as it can make the paneer rubbery.
• Finally, add coriander leaves for garnishing and serve hot with Indian flatbread. The freshness of the coriander adds a final touch of flavor to the dish.

By following these steps, you can create a delicious and flavorful paneer bhurji that is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Enjoy your homemade Indian dish!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Indian Flatbread: Serve the paneer bhurji with warm and fresh Indian flatbread, such as naan or roti, for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Accompany with Basmati Rice: Consider pairing the paneer bhurji with fragrant and fluffy basmati rice to balance out the flavors and textures.
• Side of Raita: A side of raita, a refreshing yogurt-based condiment, can provide a cool and creamy contrast to the spiciness of the paneer bhurji.
• Add Aloo Paratha: For a heartier meal, consider adding aloo paratha, a stuffed Indian bread with spiced potato filling, to complement the paneer bhurji.
• Serve with Cucumber Salad: A light and crisp cucumber salad with a hint of tanginess can serve as a refreshing side dish to accompany the paneer bhurji.
• Garnish with Lemon Wedges: Enhance the flavors of the paneer bhurji by serving it with lemon wedges on the side for a touch of citrusy freshness.

Tips for Making Paneer Bhurji

Furthermore, I would like to share some of my suggestions for making perfect paneer bhurji.

• Firstly, thaw paneer naturally. If you don’t have enough time to thaw, then immerse the paneer cubes in hot water for 10 mins. Then drain and squeeze it.
• Finally, don’t cook the paneer bhurji for a long time. Just 2 mins are enough. because if you cook for a long time, then the paneer becomes rubbery.

Variations for Paneer Bhurji

• Spicy Variation: Try adding a dash of extra red chili powder or some chopped jalapenos for an extra kick of spice. You can also add a pinch of black pepper to enhance the spiciness.
• Vegetable Variation: Incorporate some finely chopped bell peppers, peas, or carrots to add some extra crunch and texture to the dish. These vegetables will also add a pop of color to the dish, making it visually appealing.
• Herb Infused Variation: Experiment with adding some fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, or basil to add a burst of freshness and flavor to the paneer bhurji. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish and give it a unique twist.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Consider adding some cooked lentils or chickpeas to the paneer bhurji for a protein boost. This variation not only adds more texture but also makes the dish more hearty and filling.
• Creamy Variation: For a creamier texture, add a dollop of yogurt or a splash of heavy cream to the paneer bhurji as it cooks. This addition will create a luscious and rich variation of the dish.
• Nutty Variation: Incorporate some crushed cashews or almonds for a crunchy and nutty twist to the paneer bhurji. The nuts will add a delightful texture and a hint of richness to the dish.

How to Store Paneer Bhurji

Proper Storage: To maintain the freshness of paneer bhurji, it is important to store the key ingredients properly.

• Paneer: Store paneer in an airtight container or wrapped in cling film in the refrigerator. Make sure to consume it within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.
• Onion, Tomato, and Green Chilies: Store these vegetables in the refrigerator in separate bags or containers to keep them fresh for a longer period.
• Spices and Herbs: Keep the spices and herbs in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to preserve their flavor and aroma.

By following these simple storage tricks, you can ensure that your paneer bhurji stays fresh and delicious for longer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use regular cooking oil instead of olive oil?

• Yes, you can use any cooking oil of your choice. Olive oil adds a unique flavor, but regular cooking oil works just as well.

How spicy is this dish?

• The level of spice in this dish can be adjusted according to your preference. You can increase or decrease the amount of green chilies and red chili powder to suit your taste.

Can I substitute paneer with tofu?

• Yes, if you prefer a vegan option, you can substitute paneer with tofu. However, the texture and taste may vary slightly.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

• Absolutely! You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots to enhance the flavor and nutrition.

How long can I store leftover paneer bhurji?

• Leftover paneer bhurji can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before serving.

Can I serve paneer bhurji with rice instead of Indian flatbread?

• Yes, you can serve paneer bhurji with rice or even as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Get creative and enjoy it with your favorite side dish!

Recipe Card

Paneer Bhurji

Paneer Bhurji 2017-06-23 01:08:43

Serves 2                   Print        

Prep Time   00:10        

Cook Time   00:10        

Total Time   00:20                      

Ingredients

• 200 g paneer cubes/cottage cheese cubes
• 1 large sized onion
• 1 large sized tomato or 2 small sized tomatoes
• 2 green chilies
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 3/4 tsp red chili powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
• 1 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped for garnishing
• salt as needed          

Instructions

• Thaw paneer cubes and then crumble it by hand, keep it aside.
• Then chop onion, tomatoes and green chilies finely.
• Meanwhile, heat a pan with oil over medium heat.
• When oil heats, add cumin seeds and fry until spluttering.
• Add the finely chopped onions and green chilies, fry until lightly browned.
• Then add salt, turmeric powder, garam masala powder and red chili powder, give a quick stir until its raw smell leaves.
• Furthermore, add the finely chopped or mashed tomatoes, stir and cook it for 3 mins or until mushy.
• At this stage, add crumbled paneer, stir and fry till everything blends well. It takes 2 mins. Don't overcook because the paneer becomes rubbery.
• Finally, add coriander leaves and serve hot with Indian flatbread.         

By Santhi Therese    The Indian Claypot

https://theindianclaypot.com/