How to Make the Best Chilli Paneer Dry at Home | A Perfectly Spicy & Crispy Snack

How to Make the Best Chilli Paneer Dry at Home: A Perfectly Spicy & Crispy Snack

Chilli Paneer Dry is a beloved Indo-Chinese dish that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. It’s the perfect blend of crispy paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and a tangy, spicy sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re preparing it as an appetizer, a side dish, or just a snack to munch on, this recipe is sure to leave everyone wanting more.

Chilli Paneer Dry is enjoyed by people all over the world, but it has a special place in the hearts of food lovers in India, China, and countries with large Asian communities. It’s a perfect dish for those who love the spicy, savory flavors of Indo-Chinese cuisine. So, if you’re looking to try your hand at making this dish, follow this detailed guide to create a mouthwatering Chilli Paneer Dry right at home.

Serves: 3-4 people

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients for Chilli Paneer Dry:

To create this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 250 grams of paneer (cottage cheese)

• 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (maida)

• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (preferably dark soy sauce for richer flavor)

• 1 tablespoon red chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon vinegar (preferably white vinegar or apple cider vinegar)

• 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional for a slight balance of sweetness)

• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder

• 1 medium-sized onion, sliced thinly

• 1 medium-sized bell pepper (capsicum), sliced thinly

• 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise

• 1 tablespoon oil for frying

• 2 tablespoons oil for stir-frying

• Salt to taste

• Fresh coriander leaves (optional, for garnishing)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chilli Paneer Dry:

Step 1: Preparing the Paneer

Start by cutting the paneer into small cubes. If you’re using fresh paneer, it’s a good idea to press it gently between paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the paneer become crispier when fried.

Step 2: Coating the Paneer

In a bowl, combine cornflour, all-purpose flour, red chili powder, and black pepper powder. Add a pinch of salt and mix well. Add water little by little to form a smooth batter with a medium consistency. The batter should be thick enough to coat the paneer cubes.

Now, dip the paneer cubes into the batter, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. The batter is what gives the paneer its crispy texture, so make sure the cubes are nicely covered.

Step 3: Frying the Paneer

Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated paneer cubes to the oil, one by one. Fry the paneer cubes until they turn golden and crispy on all sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Once fried, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Preparing the Sauce

In another pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced onions, bell peppers, and green chilies. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 2-3 minutes until they become slightly tender yet retain their crunch. You don’t want to overcook them; the crunchiness adds a great texture to the dish.

Next, add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.

Step 5: Adding the Sauces

Now it’s time to create the flavorful sauce for the Chilli Paneer. Add soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauces to blend and heat through.

Step 6: Combining the Paneer and Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the crispy paneer cubes to the pan. Gently toss the paneer in the sauce so that each cube is well-coated. Be careful while tossing the paneer, as it might lose its crispiness if stirred too roughly.

Let the paneer cook in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes. You can adjust the spice levels by adding more chili sauce or vinegar as per your preference.

Step 7: Final Touches

Once everything is well-coated and heated, check the seasoning. Add salt, pepper, or extra chili sauce if needed. You can garnish with fresh coriander leaves to add a pop of color and freshness to your dish.

Serve hot and enjoy your crispy and spicy Chilli Paneer Dry with steamed rice, fried rice, or as a delicious snack on its own.

Tips to Make Perfect Chilli Paneer Dry:

• Crisp Paneer: To achieve a crispy texture, make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying the paneer. If the oil is too cold, the batter will not crisp up properly.

• Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of red chili sauce and green chilies to suit your taste. If you like it extra spicy, add a bit more.

• Vinegar: Vinegar helps balance the flavors and adds a tangy kick to the sauce. Don’t skip this ingredient for that authentic taste.

• Toss Gently: When combining the fried paneer with the sauce, toss gently to prevent the paneer from breaking. This keeps the cubes intact and crispy.

Why Chilli Paneer Dry is a Great Choice for Any Occasion:

Chilli Paneer Dry is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It makes for a fantastic appetizer at parties or gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or preparing a quick snack after a long day, this recipe is quick and easy to whip up.

Its combination of crispy texture, tangy and spicy flavors, and vibrant vegetables makes it irresistible. It’s the perfect fusion of Indian and Chinese culinary traditions, offering a taste of both worlds in every bite.

Conclusion:

If you love spicy, crispy snacks, this Chilli Paneer Dry recipe will definitely become your go-to dish. It’s quick, flavorful, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re an Indo-Chinese food enthusiast or someone looking to explore new flavors, Chilli Paneer Dry is a dish that never disappoints.

So, next time you’re craving something spicy, don’t hesitate to try this recipe. And as always, feel free to leave your comments or any questions below. We’d love to hear about your experience making this delightful dish!

Happy cooking, and enjoy your Chilli Paneer Dry!

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