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Paneer Bhurji - Delicious North Indian Scrambled Cottage Cheese

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    ChefPandas
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🍲 About This Dish

Paneer Bhurji is a popular dish hailing from North India, particularly Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. It is a flavorful and comforting vegetarian dish made with crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. This dish is often enjoyed for breakfast with parathas or as a side dish for lunch or dinner.

🌶️ Ingredients Overview

  • Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
  • Onions (Pyaz)
  • Tomatoes (Tamatar)
  • Green Chilies (Hari Mirch)
  • Ginger (Adrak)
  • Garlic (Lehsun)
  • Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
  • Turmeric Powder (Haldi)
  • Red Chili Powder (Lal Mirch)
  • Garam Masala
  • Fresh Coriander Leaves (Dhania)
  • Cooking Oil
  • Salt to taste

✨ What Makes It Special

Paneer Bhurji showcases variations across different regions of India. In North India, it is typically spiced with garam masala and red chili powder, giving it a robust and slightly spicy flavor. In other regions like South India, you may find variations with the addition of curry leaves and mustard seeds, reflecting the diverse culinary landscape of the country.

📝 Ingredients

  • 250g Paneer, crumbled
  • 1 large Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 Tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 2 Green Chilies, finely chopped
  • 1-inch Ginger, grated
  • 3-4 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala
  • Fresh Coriander Leaves for garnish
  • 2 tbsp Cooking Oil
  • Salt to taste

🥄 Spice Blend (Masala)

To make a fresh garam masala blend:

  • 1-inch Cinnamon Stick
  • 3-4 Cloves
  • 2-3 Green Cardamom Pods
  • 1 Black Cardamom Pod
  • 1/2 tsp Black Peppercorns
  • 1/2 tsp Fennel Seeds

Dry roast the whole spices in a pan until fragrant, then grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

  1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
  2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Add ginger, garlic, and green chilies, and sauté for a minute.
  4. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and chopped tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
  5. Add crumbled paneer, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.
  6. Cook for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.
  7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

⏰ Timing Guide

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Paneer Bhurji pairs well with hot rotis, parathas, or even toasted bread. Serve it with a side of fresh cucumber raita or a tangy pickle for a complete meal experience. Garnish with more coriander leaves for a fresh burst of flavor.

💭 Chef's Notes

  • For a richer taste, you can add a dollop of fresh cream or butter at the end.
  • Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chilies and red chili powder.
  • Ensure the paneer is fresh and crumbled well to absorb the flavors of the dish.

📦 Storage

Paneer Bhurji can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving to retain its flavors.

Enjoy the delightful flavors of Paneer Bhurji, a dish that represents the heart and soul of North Indian cuisine.