Spicy Paneer Jalfrezi with Bell Peppers and Homemade Tomato Puree

Paneer Jalfrezi Recipe

Description:
Paneer Jalfrezi is a delightful, quick-to-cook dish that features stir-fried vegetables and homemade paneer, all simmered together with rich tomatoes, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs. This North Indian classic brings out vibrant flavors with the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet. The addition of homemade tomato puree, along with a blend of garam masala and coriander powder, adds depth and warmth to the dish. Finished with a hint of honey and garnished with fresh coriander leaves, Paneer Jalfrezi is an irresistible vegetarian side dish. Serve it alongside some cool raita for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Serves: 4

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   Start by preparing your homemade paneer, fresh tomato puree, and all the vegetables. Dice the onion, bell peppers, and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Grate the ginger and garlic for easy incorporation into the dish. Chop the coriander leaves for garnishing later.

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2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   Heat a tablespoon of butter in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add a pinch of cumin seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds, releasing their aroma. Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

3. Cook the Vegetables:
   To the sautéed onions, add the grated ginger, garlic, and diced bell peppers and carrots. Stir-fry on medium heat for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are just softened but still retain a slight crunch. The key here is to avoid overcooking the vegetables.

4. Prepare the Spicy Tomato Base:
   Add the diced tomato and homemade tomato puree to the pan. Stir everything well. Then, add the turmeric powder, garam masala powder, coriander powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry the mixture for 4-5 minutes, allowing the spices to coat the vegetables and the tomato puree to thicken into a rich gravy. You’ll notice that the dish begins to take on a vibrant color as the spices meld together.

5. Incorporate the Paneer:
   Once the gravy has thickened, drizzle in the teaspoon of honey to add a slight sweetness, balancing out the tang of the tomatoes. Add the homemade paneer cubes to the pan, tossing them gently to coat them with the masala. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the paneer to soak in all the flavors.

6. Final Adjustments:
   Taste the dish and adjust the salt and spices to your preference. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red chili powder. If you like a bit more tang, feel free to add more tomato puree.

7. Garnish and Serve:
   Once the flavors have fully combined, remove the pan from heat. Transfer the Paneer Jalfrezi to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Serve it with a side of cool raita and flatbread or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Tips:

• Paneer Texture: If you prefer a firmer texture, lightly fry the paneer cubes before adding them to the dish. This step adds a delightful crispness to the edges of the paneer.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like peas, beans, or zucchini, based on what you have available.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of garam masala and chili powder based on your preferred spice level. You can also add a touch of fresh lemon juice for an added zing.
• Raita Pairing: Serve with a simple cucumber raita or a cooling yogurt-based dip to balance out the spices.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Paneer Jalfrezi is a wonderful, flavorful dish that combines the richness of paneer with the freshness of vegetables, making it a perfect vegetarian side dish. Quick to make yet packed with flavor, it’s a great addition to any meal. Whether paired with flatbreads, rice, or even a side of salad, it’s sure to be a family favorite!