Methi Paneer Bhurji Recipe
Methi Paneer Bhurji is a delightful and flavorful North Indian dish, where crumbled paneer is combined with fenugreek leaves and a tangy tomato gravy. This hearty vegetarian dish is high in protein and makes for a nutritious addition to your daily meals. The combination of spices, along with the slight bitterness of fenugreek (methi), enhances the dish, making it an irresistible option for lunch or dinner. If you’re craving a delicious and healthy vegetarian meal, Methi Paneer Bhurji is the perfect choice.
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: North Indian
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients:
For the Gravy:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomato puree | 1 cup |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece |
| Turmeric powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Garam masala powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Red chili powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Oil | As needed |
For the Paneer Bhurji:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cumin seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Cream | 2 tbsp |
| Turmeric powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Green chilies | 2, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece, grated |
| Capsicum (green) | 1, finely chopped |
| Tomato | 1, finely chopped |
| Fenugreek (methi) | 3/4 cup, finely chopped |
| Kasuri methi | 2 tsp |
| Paneer | 200 grams, crumbled |
| Salt | To taste |
| Red chili powder | To taste |
| Oil | As needed |
| Coriander leaves | 4 sprigs, finely chopped |
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
40 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Make the tomato puree and crumble the paneer. Keep these aside for later use. -
Prepare the Tomato Gravy:
Heat oil in a pan and add the chopped onion, ginger, and garlic. Sauté them until the onions turn golden brown. Let this mixture cool, then transfer it to a mixer grinder and blend into a smooth paste.
Put the paste back into the same pan over medium heat. Cook for about 1 minute, then add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder. Let this cook for 2 minutes, allowing the spices to blend together.
Next, add the tomato puree to the pan and mix well. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Add a dollop of butter, salt, and stir. After 1 minute, add the cream and mix well. Turn off the heat and set the gravy aside. -
Make the Paneer Bhurji:
In a separate pan, heat some oil and add the cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for about 10 seconds. Now, add the finely chopped onion, capsicum, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté the mixture until the onion and capsicum soften.
Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, fenugreek leaves, and kasuri methi. Let this cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
Now, add the crumbled paneer, salt, and red chili powder. Mix everything together and cook for 2 more minutes. -
Combine the Gravy and Paneer Bhurji:
Add the cooked paneer mixture (bhurji) to the prepared tomato gravy. Stir to combine and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. -
Serve and Garnish:
Turn off the heat and garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.
Serve the Methi Paneer Bhurji with Panchmel Daal, Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita, and Phulkas for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of green chilies and red chili powder.
- The dish can be made richer by adding a little extra cream.
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can top the bhurji with some fresh lemon juice just before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Protein | 15-20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12-15 g |
| Fat | 20-22 g |
| Fiber | 2-3 g |
| Sodium | 200-250 mg |
Methi Paneer Bhurji is a perfect example of North Indian comfort food, with a delicate balance of flavors and textures. The bitterness of fenugreek leaves is beautifully complemented by the creaminess of the paneer and the rich tomato gravy. This dish is not only nutritious but also a flavorful addition to any meal.
