Name: Paneer Jalfrezi | How To Make Paneer Jalfrezi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 oz Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) (cut into 2-inch strips); 1 cup of 1/4 inch thick sliced green and yellow bell peppers; 1 cup 1/4 inch thick (sliced onions); 1 firm tomato (seeded, cut lengthwise); 1 inch piece of ginger ( julienned); 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1/2 cup tomato purée; 2 tbsp tomato ketchup or hot and sweet tomato ketchup for a slightly different taste; 1 tsp coriander powder; 1/2 to 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder; 1/8 tsp turmeric powder; 1/4 to 1/2 tsp garam masala; 1 tbsp lemon/lime juice; 2 tbsp oil; Salt to taste; Finely chopped cilantro (coriander) leaves for garnishing

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Jalfrezi is an Indian version of stir-fry which can be made with vegetables or meat. It is a fairly quick dish to prepare and apt for those busy weekdays when you need something quick yet tasty and don’t feel like slogging it out in the kitchen. Sharing a vegetarian version today, this Paneer jalfrezi is spicy, tangy and crazy delicious!

THE HISTORY OF PANEER JALFREZI

It originally appeared in cookbooks of the British Raj as a way of using up leftovers by frying them in chilli and onion. This English language usage derived from the colloquial Bengali word jhālpharezī: in Bengali, jhāl means spicy food; in Urdu/Persian, parhezī means suitable for a diet. [Source- Wiki]

PANEER JALFREZI INGREDIENTS

For this paneer jalfrezi recipe, you will need paneer, onions, tomatoes and bell peppers for the stir-fry.

Jalfrezi sauce is pretty simple and you would require some ginger, cumin seeds, tomato purée plus tomato ketchup and lemon juice.

The jalfrezi spice mix is basically a mixture of coriander powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala which are basic Indian spices used in day to day cooking.

So the above are your staple jalfrezi ingredients. Instead of paneer, you can also chicken, lamb, prawns or mutton for a non-vegetarian version.

HOW TO MAKE PANEER JALFREZI?

There are many variations to a basic Indian jalfrezi. Here is how I always make it.

I like to sauté the onions, tomatoes, and peppers and keep them aside. I, also prefer to sear the paneer cheese briefly, so that it retains its shape when mixed with the prepared jalfrezi sauce.

You can also add other hearty vegetables, like baby corn, beans, carrots, but do try and include onions and bell peppers as well.

Next, heat oil, add cumin seeds, green and dried red chillies, followed by tomato puree and spices. Cook the puree until it leaves oil from the sides. Add tomato ketchup, mix everything well. Add the veggies and paneer back to the pan, coat it with the jalfrezi sauce mix. Finish off with a dash of lemon juice.

More often than not, I end up stuffing this delicious paneer jalfrezi in a chapati or naan and enjoy it as a wrap. It doesn’t need any condiments, as it is bursting with spicy, tangy and bold flavors. But feel free to drizzle your favorite condiment.

It makes for a wholesome and delicious meal, plus 100 % kid-friendly 😀 Leave out the chillies if preparing it for kids.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS PANEER JALFREZI | JHALFREZI, DON’T FORGET TO CHECK THESE INDIAN PANEER DISHES TOO

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE PANEER JALFREZI

1.Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat, sear the paneer strips until it attains a slight color on all sides. Set aside.

2.Heat another 1/2 tbsp oil, ginger juliennes, onions, tomatoes and bell pepper, Sauté over medium heat for 2 minutes. Do not overcook, as we need the veggies to retain the crunch. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

3.Heat the remaining 1/2 tbsp of oil, add cumin seeds, when they splutter, add dried red chillies and chopped green chillies. Sauté for about 30 seconds.

4.Add in tomato purée, sauté until it leaves oil.

5.Add all dry spice powders, saute another minute.

6.Add tomato ketchup, salt and mix well. Check for seasonings.

7.Return the sautéed veggies and paneer to the skillet, toss well.

8.Add the lemon/lime juice, mix and switch off the heat. Sprinkle cilantro and serve hot with chapatis, rotis or any other flatbread.

HOW TO MAKE PANEER JALFREZI?