Aish Cooks

Mirchi Paneer ~ Stir fried paneer and peppers, coated with blend of spices

I rarely have a dilemma like this – that is, trying to come up with a name for a recipe. Thanks to D, this one had us doing just that. It sure looks like cooking when you want to vs. when you have to has it’s benefits. After wiping out every last bit when D first made this, I knew I had to try and re-create the recipe. Even if that meant charring the peppers and burning the paneer pieces some 🙂

So here we are.. with an absolutely delectable dish. It’s not the chili paneer you are familiar with.. nor the famous kadai paneer. But just something perfectly in-between. Perfect as a starter but can also nicely fit in as a subzi. What are you waiting for?

Mirchi Paneer

Serves: 4 – 6 | Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

1. 12 oz paneer, cubed
2. 1 onion, finely chopped
3. 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
4. 2 cups peppers (any color), sliced or diced (fresh or frozen)
5. 1 tsp ground ginger and garlic paste
6. 3/4 tsp red chili powder
7. 1/2 tsp ground cumin
8. 1/2 tsp garam masala
9. 1 – 1 1/2 Tbsp chili garlic sauce
10. 2 Tbsp oil
11. salt to taste

Method:

1. Heat oil in a heavy pan, and add the chopped onions to it.
2. Sprinkle some salt to help cook out the moisture from the onions, ad saute on med-high until they look slightly fried.
3. Add the ginger and garlic paste and saute for a few seconds.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, along with the ground spices (cumin, red chili and garam masala powders).
5. Cook the mixture until tomatoes are well done, and everything comes together with oil starting to ooze out from the mix.
6. Add the peppers and cook until well done.
7. Add the chili garlic sauce and continue to saute until the mixture is slightly charred.
8. Add the chopped paneer and toss around gently to help coat all the pieces with the spice mixture.
9. Continue to stir fry on med-high until the paneer pieces develop a brownish fried crust (overcooking is okay) or desired texture.
10. Check salt and sprinkle more if needed and toss around to help combine everything well.

Serve hot as-is or with any pulao or roti of choice!