Paneer Chilly: A popular Indo-Chinese starter dish that is made from paneer, onion and capsicum

An extremely popular indo chinese recipe made with paneer cubes and diced capsicum. The recipe is known for its chilli flavour with the creaminess of paneer and spice of indo chinese sauce. It is an ideal party starter or an appetiser which can also be shared as a side dish with indo chinese rice or noodles.

The dry version of chilli paneer is served as a starter or appetizer snack. The gravy version is had with steamed rice or noodles. The semi-dry version can be had as an appetizer.

Ingredients

For frying the paneer:

• 200 grams or 1 ½ cups Paneer cut into cubes

• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour (Maida)

• 1 tablespoon Corn flour (corn starch)

• ¼ teaspoon Black pepper powder

• Salt to taste

• 1 teaspoon Soy sauce

• 3 tablespoons Water

• 1-2 tablespoons Oil for shallow frying

For chilli paneer recipe:

• 1 tablespoon Oil

• 2 teaspoons Garlic chopped finely

• 2 teaspoons Ginger chopped finely

• 2 Green chilies chopped finely

• ½ cup red onion cut into big chunks

• ½ cup Capsicum (Green bell pepper) cut into big chunks

• 1 teaspoon White distilled vinegar or rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Soy sauce

• 2 ½ tablespoons Tomato Ketchup

• 1 tablespoon Chilli sauce

• Salt to taste

• ¼ teaspoon Black pepper powder

Instructions

Frying the paneer:

1. Make the batter first. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, corn flour, salt, pepper powder, and soy sauce.

2. Add 3 tablespoons of water to make a thick batter.

3. Add the paneer cubes.

4. Gently fold in the paneer chunks so that the batter is spread evenly.

5. To cook the paneer, heat the oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.

6. When the pan is heated, add the paneer, arrange it in a single layer, and fry all sides.

7. Continue to turn and cook until both sides are golden brown.

8. Remove it to a plate and keep it aside after it's finished.

9. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketchup, chilli sauce, and vinegar.

10. Mix thoroughly and set aside.

Making dry chilli paneer recipe:

1. In the same pan, heat the remaining oil over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped garlic, ginger, and green chilies once the pan is hot. Cook them for a minute in a pan.

3. Cook for 2 minutes after adding the onions.

4. After that, add the green pepper and cook for another 2 minutes. It should have a crispy texture and be slightly undercooked. We don't want anything soft or cooked.

5. Then add in the sauce mixture that has been prepared. Mix thoroughly and allow to heat up.

6. Add the paneer that has been fried. Mix well and allow to cook all the way through.

7. After then, switch off the stove.