Need a simple vegetarian curry – how about a quick 20 mins Paneer bhurji!
Paneer Bhurji is a classic simple Indian curry made with onions, tomatoes and bell peppers base with crumbled paneer. It is a popular North Indian breakfast meal enjoyed with Parathas.
Paneer is a popular Indian cheese. It does not melt and maintains its shape when cooking therefore preferred in vegetarian curries.
Because this is for beginners, this is easy and fast. Paneer does not take much cooking, its a fast stir fry dish. When you feel like paneer but not making a long preparation, this will do the trick.
Makes 3-4 servings
Time: 20 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 (14 oz) block of paneer, grated or crumbled
- 1 cup chopped onion (any size you like)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any size, any color)
- 1 cup small diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp of ginger garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp black mustard seeds (rai)
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
- 6 curry leaves
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
- 1 tsp chana masala (I like MDH brand for this)
- 1/2 tsp cumin coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp chaat masala (I like MDH brand for this)
- 1/8 tsp red chili powder or red chili flakes or fresh green chili. Adjust to the level of spiciness you like.
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/2 cup water
- Chopped coriander leaves for garnish
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Method:
- In a nonstick pan on medium heat, add oil, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chili and heat till they splutter, approximately 3 mins.
- Add onion and bell pepper, stir fry till lightly golden, approximately 5 mins.
- Add ginger garlic paste, stir fry for another min.
- Add tomatoes and all the powder spices along with salt and water. Stir together. Cover and cook for 5 mins.
- Stir in crumbled or grated paneer. Cover and cook on medium for 5 mins. Stir periodically in between, so it is not sticking to the pan.
- Squeeze in lemon juice and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with paratha, naan or roti and Enjoy!
Tips:
- Use food processor to quickly grate the block of paneer
- Use colorful peppers to add color to the dish and make it more appealing.
- Fill inside roti and roll like a Kathi roll for lunch.