Sweet and Sour Vegetables with Paneer Curry Recipe
This Sweet and Sour Vegetables with Paneer Curry is an indulgent, vibrant dish that brings together a medley of vegetables, tofu-like paneer, and a luscious, tangy sauce. Paired with savory oatmeal or served with Vegetarian Hakka Noodles or Chinese Fried Rice, this dish offers a wholesome and satisfying dinner option that’s both nutritious and comforting. The balance of sweetness, sourness, and spiciness makes this curry a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress guests, this vegetarian curry will hit the spot.
Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Vegetables with Paneer Curry
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower (gobi) florets | 5 florets |
| Carrot (Gajjar) | 1, cut into rounds |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 100 grams, cut into cubes |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, grated |
| Ginger | 1 inch, grated |
| Green Chilli | 1, finely chopped |
| Spring Onion Greens | 2, bulbs and leaves, chopped |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Tomato Ketchup | 3 tablespoons |
| Green Chilli Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy Sauce | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Corn Flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Instant Oats (Oatmeal) | 80 grams |
| Button Mushrooms | 250 grams |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Mixed Herbs (Dried, like rosemary or coriander) | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil (for stir-frying) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Red Chilli Flakes | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 kcal |
| Protein | ~8g |
| Carbohydrates | ~25g |
| Fiber | ~6g |
| Fat | ~7g |
| Saturated Fat | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~350 mg |
| Calcium | ~150 mg |
| Iron | ~3 mg |
(Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on portion sizes and ingredient variations.)
Instructions for Sweet and Sour Vegetables with Paneer Curry
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by washing and chopping all your vegetables to the desired sizes. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, slice the carrot into rounds, and cube the paneer. Set aside the garlic, ginger, green chilli, and spring onion greens. Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready for the cooking process. -
Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the tomato ketchup, green chilli sauce, soy sauce, and corn flour. Add about 1/2 cup of water and whisk thoroughly until the corn flour dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth. Transfer this mixture to a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Once the sauce thickens, check the consistency and adjust by adding more water if necessary to achieve a sauce-like thickness. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and spice levels, adding more sauces if desired. Set this sauce aside for later use. -
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Heat 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add the grated garlic, ginger, and chopped green chilli, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the prepared cauliflower, carrot, and any other vegetables you’d like to include. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the vegetables and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until they are cooked but still tender-crisp. If needed, cover the wok and reduce the heat to medium, allowing the vegetables to steam for a few minutes. -
Combine the Sauce and Paneer:
Once the vegetables are ready, pour in the prepared sweet and sour sauce. Add the cubed paneer and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir well to ensure the paneer and vegetables are well-coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or sauces to balance the flavor. Keep the curry aside and let it simmer gently while you prepare the oatmeal. -
Make the Savory Oatmeal:
In a separate saucepan, cook the instant oats according to package instructions, using water to make a thick and creamy base. Once the oatmeal reaches a creamy consistency, stir in 1/4 cup of milk and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the oatmeal warm. -
Cook the Mushrooms:
In a small frying pan or wok, heat 1/4 teaspoon of sunflower oil. Add the button mushrooms and sauté them with a pinch of salt and dried mixed herbs (such as rosemary or coriander) for a few minutes until they become tender. The mushrooms will release water as they cook—when the water evaporates, and the mushrooms are soft, remove from the heat. -
Combine Oatmeal and Mushrooms:
Add the sautéed mushrooms, along with their water, to the cooked oatmeal. Stir well to incorporate the mushrooms into the creamy oatmeal. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt and pepper as necessary. -
Serve:
To serve, spoon a generous amount of savory oatmeal onto each plate. Top with the sweet and sour vegetables and paneer curry. Garnish with a sprinkle of red chilli flakes for extra spice, if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with Vegetarian Hakka Noodles or Chinese Fried Rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
- For a complete meal: Pair this curry with Vegetarian Hakka Noodles or Chinese Fried Rice for a satisfying and balanced dinner. The creamy, savory oatmeal complements the tangy sweetness of the curry and provides a hearty base.
- For a lighter option: Serve the curry alongside a fresh green salad or steamed rice for a lighter meal.
- Make it spicy: Add more green chilli or red chilli flakes to the curry for an extra kick of heat.
Tips for Success
- Paneer Substitution: If you don’t have paneer, you can substitute it with tofu or a similar plant-based protein.
- Adjust the spice: The heat level of this dish can be adjusted by adding more or less green chilli sauce and red chilli flakes.
- Vegan variation: To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk) and substitute the paneer with tofu or tempeh.
- Sauce thickness: If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply add a bit more water to the sauce mixture until it reaches your desired consistency.
This Sweet and Sour Vegetables with Paneer Curry offers a fusion of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds. Whether enjoyed on a casual weeknight or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients in every bite!
