Chilli Paneer Recipe is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that has become a staple in Indian cuisine. Chilli Paneer Recipe is one of my favourite dishes that I prepare quite often. The origins of this dish can be traced back to the fusion of Indian and Chinese culinary traditions. Here’s a brief history of the Chilli Paneer Recipe:
Indo-Chinese Fusion:
- The roots of Chilli Paneer lie in the fusion of Indian and Chinese cooking styles that began in the streets of Kolkata, India, in the early 20th century. Chinese immigrants started adapting their traditional recipes to suit Indian tastes, resulting in a unique culinary blend known as Indo-Chinese cuisine.
Paneer in Indian Cuisine:
- Paneer, or Indian cottage cheese, is a widely used ingredient in Indian cuisine. Its mild taste and ability to absorb flavours make it a versatile ingredient for various dishes. As Chinese immigrants interacted with Indian flavours, they likely incorporated paneer into their recipes, giving rise to dishes like Chilli Paneer.
Evolution of Chilli Paneer:
- The evolution of Chilli Paneer, much like other Indo-Chinese dishes, involved adapting Chinese cooking techniques and sauces to appeal to the Indian palate. The use of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and green chilies in the recipe reflects the influence of Chinese culinary elements.
Popularity and Variation:
- Over the years, Chilli Paneer gained immense popularity in India and abroad. It became a favourite choice in Indian restaurants and is often prepared in homes for special occasions or as a delicious appetiser. The recipe has also undergone variations with different regions and chefs adding their unique twists to suit local tastes.
Culinary Innovation:
- Chilli Paneer exemplifies the creativity and adaptability of Indian cuisine. It represents the ongoing culinary innovation and experimentation that takes place as traditional recipes are adapted and transformed over time.
Today, Chilli Paneer is enjoyed by people of all ages and has become a symbol of the diverse and dynamic nature of Indian cuisine. Its popularity extends beyond India, making it a favourite among those who appreciate the fusion of flavours and textures that define Indo-Chinese dishes.
Chilli Paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that combines the goodness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with spicy and flavourful Chinese-style sauces. Here’s a simple recipe for making Chilli Paneer:
Ingredients:
For Marination:
- 250 grams paneer, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornflour
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (maida)
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Water (as needed)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
- 1 cup bell peppers (capsicum), thinly sliced
- 1 cup onions, thinly sliced
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chilli sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Marinating Paneer:
a. In a bowl, mix cornflour, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper powder, and soy sauce.
b. Add enough water to make a thick batter.
c. Coat the paneer cubes in the batter and let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
Frying Paneer:
a. Heat oil in a pan for shallow frying.
b. Shallow fry the marinated paneer cubes until they turn golden brown and crisp.
c. Remove the paneer cubes and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Preparing the Sauce:
a. In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil.
b. Add chopped garlic and ginger. Saute until they turn golden brown.
c. Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and green chilies. Stir-fry on high heat until the veggies are slightly cooked but still crisp.
Making the Chilli Paneer Sauce:
a. Lower the heat and add soy sauce, chilli sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
b. Add the fried paneer cubes to the sauce and toss gently, ensuring the paneer is well-coated with the sauce.
c. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the paneer absorbs the flavours of the sauce.
Garnishing:
a. Garnish with chopped spring onions.
Serving:
a. Serve Chilli Paneer hot as a starter or as a side dish with fried rice or noodles.
Enjoy your homemade Chilli Paneer! Adjust the spice levels and ingredients according to your taste preferences.