Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Finger lickin' Paneer Jalfrezi


I recently had a catering order and I'm seriously tired of the stereo type Indian meal - Malai Kofta/ Paneer makhani / Navrattan Korma - all really creamy, heavy and tough to digest meals. Since the host so kindly left the menu for me to come up with, I decided to go for something more flavorful and light, than buttery and 'sitting in your stomach for two days'. And ofcourse it involves vegetable - I'm talking about Paneer Jalfrezi. Surprisingly simple to make and very satisfying...it left me wanting more. I hope the guests feel the same way.


Just a few tips to start with:



  1. Use all colors of Bell peppers to make it visually appealing

  2. Change the ratio of the vegetables and Paneer to your taste

  3. Do the same with the spices. if you like it milder, skip the red chili powder

  4. To reduce the tanginess, don't use the vinegar

  5. And do try and cut the vegetables and the paneer all the same size...what's pleasing to the eyes, will definitely appeal to your belly :)

So here goes - Enjoy cooking and Bon Appetit!


Ingredients:


2 tbsp butter/olive oil - whatever you prefer

2 tsp cumin seeds

2 dry red chillies

2 tsp Coriander seeds, crushed

1/2 " ginger piece julienned/chopped fine

1 large capsicum (red and green)

2 medium sized onions

2 medium sized tomatoes

400 gms Paneer

1/2 tsp Red chili powder

1/2 tsp Turmeric powder

Salt to taste

1 tsp vinegar


Directions:



  1. Chop the onions and Capsicum (bell peppers) evenly into 1" strips.

  2. Heat oil/butter in a pan. When hot, add cumin seeds and the cracked dry red chillies.

  3. Add the crushed coriander seeds, saute for 30 seconds.

  4. Add the onions and capsicum. Saute for 5-7 minutes.

  5. In the meantime, cut the tomatoes and Paneer into the same 1" size strips.

  6. Add turmeric and red chili powder to the onions and capsicum.

  7. Saute for a minute. Toss in the paneer and tomato.

  8. Add salt as per taste. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes on high.

  9. Turn of the stove. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

  10. Serve hot with paranthas.

ENJOY!!!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Perfect recipi, it turned out very yummy. Best part very quick to make and the ingrdnts are commonly available at home. Not to forget its very healthy, I cooked it with just Half teaspoon oil :-)
Quick n Tasty answer to sudden Lunch or Dinner Guests :-)

Unknown said...

Hi Sonika,

I tried this recipe on Karvachauth and it turned out to be a feast for the tastebuds esp after a full day fast!!

Also, it was heratening to see the dish looked exactly the same as it features in your blog :), I experimented a little bit by adding green garlic stem and fortunately it helped to enhance both the flavour n look !!!