Are you craving a quick, flavorful, and healthy vegetarian meal? Look no further! This Amritsari Paneer Bhurji recipe is your answer. A delightful twist on the classic Indian scrambled paneer, this dish bursts with aromatic spices and the satisfying texture of crumbled paneer cheese. Perfect for a quick dinner, a tasty lunch, or even a delightful weekend brunch, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients: You'll need these pantry staples
- 250g paneer (Indian cheese), crumbled
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 inch ginger, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon coriander powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin powder
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1-2 tablespoons water (if needed)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let's get cooking!
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Prep the Paneer: Crumble the paneer into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and a lovely texture in the final dish.
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until golden brown. This step builds the base flavor of the dish.
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Spice it Up: Add the green chili, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste.
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Add Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften slightly. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
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Bloom the Spices: Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to release their aromas.
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Incorporate Paneer: Add the crumbled paneer to the pan. Gently mix it with the spiced tomato mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the paneer is heated through and slightly browned. If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water.
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Season and Serve: Season with salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with roti, naan, paratha, or even rice.
Cooking Tips for the Best Amritsari Paneer Bhurji
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a large quantity of paneer, cook it in batches to prevent steaming.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of green chili and red chili powder according to your preference.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will significantly enhance the flavor of your bhurji.
- Don't overcook the paneer: Overcooked paneer can become dry and rubbery. Cook it just until heated through and lightly browned.
Delicious Variations: Explore the flavors!
- Add vegetables: Enhance the dish with other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach.
- Creamy touch: Stir in a dollop of cream or yogurt at the end for a richer, creamier bhurji.
- Spice it up further: Add a pinch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving - approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Around 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This Amritsari Paneer Bhurji recipe is a perfect example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy this delicious and simple Indian dish!