Paneer Jalfrezi Recipe – Sharmis Passions

Paneer Jalfrezi is a flavourful curry made with paneer, onion, bellpepper tossed in a spicy tangy masala. The paneer gets coated well with the masala making it taste irresistibly good in every bite. It is served with roti, naan or even rice for lunch and dinner. The combination of soft paneer and crunchy vegetables make this dish enjoyable to eat. This restaurant style recipe is a must try for all paneer lovers!

Paneer Jalfrezi is easy to make and does not need many fancy ingredients. Most of the ingredients are usually available at home and it can be made anytime. The vegetables are cooked until slightly soft while still keeping little crunch which gives good texture to the dish. The tomato based masala adds good flavour and coats everything well.

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About Paneer Jalfrezi

Paneer Jalfrezi is a popular paneer side dish made with paneer cubes, onion, bell pepper with a spicy tomato based masala. The vegetables are usually cut lengthwise and cooked along with spices which gives it a classic look and texture. It has thick masala coating the paneer and vegetables and is commonly served with roti, naan and other Indian flat breads. 

This dish has soft paneer along with slightly crunchy vegetables which makes it very enjoyable to eat. The onion, capsicum and carrot give good texture while tomato based masala adds flavour to every bite. It tastes best when served hot and paneer absorbs masala really well. 

You can make many variations of this recipe and you can adjust it according to your preference. Some people add baby corn, beans or colored capsicum while some make it spicy by adding extra chilli powder. You can also make it little more gravy based if you like and dish still comes out good. The spice level can be changed easily based on your family taste.

I usually make this when I want quick paneer side dish for lunch or dinner. It gets ready in less time and pairs very well with roti at home. Paneer Jalfrezi is relished as a curry or sabzi for roti, chapati and even for rice meal.

Paneer Jalfrezi Video

Paneer Jalfrezi Ingredients

• Paneer – Used soft paneer for this dish, gives soft texture and it absorbs masala well and you can use homemade paneer too if you like.
• Onion – I have used onion for making masala base becomes soft while cooking and blends well with spices. Also added onion cut lengthwise tossed along with bell pepper for crunch.
• Bell pepper – Used bell pepper for flavour and crunch and it gives fresh taste to dish. I have used green, red and yellow capsicum for flavour variation and attractive look.
• Oil – I have used oil for sauteing ingredients and cooking masala. You can use any cooking oil that you usually use at home.
• Ginger Garlic Paste – Used for aroma and flavor and it gives good taste to masala. It helps reduce raw smell while cooking.
• Tomato Puree – I have used tomato puree as base for gravy and it gives slight tanginess. It also adds good color to dish.
• Tomato Sauce – Used tomato sauce for little sweetness and flavor and it balances tangy taste from tomatoes. It also gives nice finish to masala.
• Turmeric powder, Red chilli powder – I have added for color , flavour and spiciness. You can increase or reduce according on your spice level.
• Coriander powder, Garam masala powder – I added for flavor and aroma. Add only little so it does not overpower.
• Cumin Seeds – I have used cumin seeds for tempering and flavor, it gives nice aroma when sauteed in oil and enhances overall taste.
• Green chilli, Red chilli – added for heat and flavour.
• Lemon juice – is added to give a slight tangy taste and balance the flavours well.
• Kasoori methi, Coriander leaves– added for flavour and freshness.
• Sugar – is optional but I add it to give a mild sweet and tangy taste to the curry.

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How to make Paneer Jalfrezi Recipe Step by Step

1. Heat 2 tablespoon oil add ½ teaspoon cumin seeds let it splutter. Add 1 green chilli and 1 red chilli.

2. Give a quick saute. Add ¼ cup onion finely chopped along with 1 heaped teaspoon ginger garlic paste and salt to taste.

3.Saute until it turns golden.

4.Add 2 medium sized tomatoes pureed.

5.Cook covered until raw smell of tomatoes leave. Now add ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chilli powder, ½ teaspoon coriander powder and ¾ teaspoon garam masala powder.

6.Give a quick mix and add little water to avoid burning of spice powders.

7.Let it boil for a minute then add ¼ teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon tomato sauce and 1 teaspoon lemon juice and mix well.

8.Add 1 cup onion chopped lengthwise and 1 cup bell pepper chopped lengthwise.

9.Give a quick mix.

10.Add 200 grams paneer cut into thick strips along with 1 teaspoon kasoori methi crushed.

11.Mix gently without breaking paneer. Finally add 1 tablespoon coriander leaves finely chopped mix well and switch off.

Serve hot with roti, rice etc!

Expert Tips

• Vegetables – Keep onion and capsicum slightly crunchy and do not overcook them. This gives good texture while eating and vegetables taste more fresh.
• Cook Masala – I usually cook tomato puree until raw smell leaves and masala thickens little. This gives better flavor and taste to dish.
• Overcook – Add paneer towards the end and cook only for few minutes. If cooked for long time, paneer may become little hard and chewy. Toss gently to avoid breaking it.
• Adjust Spice – You can just increase or reduce chilli powder based on your taste.
• Fresh Serving – I prefer serving this dish immediately after making as vegetables stay crisp and taste good.

Serving and Storage

Serve this with roti, chapati, naan, paratha or rice, it taste very good when served hot. Store any leftovers in fridge and use within a day. Reheat before serving and do not cook for long as paneer may become hard.

FAQS

1.Can I use homemade paneer?

Yes you can use homemade paneer and it works very well.

2.Can I skip bellpepper?

Yes you can skip it, but it adds good flavor and crunch.

3.Why did my paneer turn hard?

Paneer may turn hard if cooked too long. Cook it for few minutes only.

4.Can I make it more spicy?

Yes you can add more chilli powder if you like it more spicy. This is medium spicy which is suitable for kids also.

5.Can I make this ahead?

Yes you can make it earlier and reheat before serving. It still taste good.

If you have any more questions about this Paneer Jalfrezi Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest ,Youtube and Twitter .

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