Paneer Bhurji with Capsicum – Spicy Cottage Cheese Crumble
Description:
This Paneer Bhurji with Capsicum is a delightful and flavorful twist on the classic Indian egg bhurji, where the soft, crumbly texture of homemade paneer (cottage cheese) is combined with the sweet crunchiness of green bell peppers. It’s a wholesome dish packed with proteins and bursting with rich Indian spices, perfect for a comforting lunch or light dinner.
Cuisine:
North Indian
Course:
Lunch
Diet:
High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 200 grams, crumbled |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 2, finely chopped |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece, grated |
| Green Chillies | 2, finely chopped |
| Tomato | 1, finely chopped |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 4 sprigs, chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
| Butter (Salted) | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3-4
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Paneer (Cottage Cheese):
Start by preparing homemade paneer (or use store-bought paneer for convenience). For homemade paneer, simply follow the basic paneer recipe and crumble it into small pieces. Set aside. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat 1 tablespoon of salted butter in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds.
Add the chopped onions, green bell peppers (capsicum), green chillies, and grated ginger. Sauté these ingredients together on medium heat until the onions turn translucent and the capsicum softens (about 5–7 minutes). -
Cook the Tomato and Spices:
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the finely chopped tomato, turmeric powder, and red chilli powder. Stir the mixture well and cook until the tomatoes soften and release their juices (about 3 minutes). This forms a flavorful base for your bhurji. -
Incorporate the Crumbled Paneer:
Stir in the crumbled paneer along with salt to taste. Mix everything thoroughly so that the paneer is well coated with the spices and vegetable mixture. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. -
Final Touches:
After cooking, check the seasoning and adjust the salt and spices according to your preference. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and flavor. -
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Paneer Bhurji with Capsicum as a filling for wraps, sandwiches, or enjoy it as a side dish with Phulka (Indian flatbread) and Panchmel Dal for a complete, wholesome meal. This dish can also be served as a light, protein-packed dinner.
Serving Variations:
- Sandwich or Wrap: Spread the bhurji on toasted bread slices or a soft wrap for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Phulka & Dal: For a more traditional approach, pair this spicy paneer bhurji with fresh phulkas and a bowl of flavorful panchmel dal.
- Rice: Serve alongside steamed basmati rice for a hearty lunch or dinner option.
This Paneer Bhurji with Capsicum is an easy-to-make, nutritious, and satisfying dish that brings together the richness of cottage cheese and the freshness of green bell peppers. With its versatility, you can enjoy it in many forms – from a sandwich filler to a main dish for dinner.
