Introduction:

 

Imagine a craving for something crispy, something spicy, something utterly delightful. That's precisely how I felt when I stumbled upon the world of Crispy Paneer Salt & Pepper. As someone who isn't a vegetarian, I never quite understood the allure of vegetarian cuisine until I encountered this dish. It was a revelation—a simple yet profound realization that vegetarian food can be just as satisfying and flavorful as any meat dish. I remember the first time I tasted it, the crispy texture, the burst of spices—it was a culinary awakening that left me craving for more.

 

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Recipe of Crispy Paneer Salt & Pepper by Chef Ajay Chopra

 

Ingredients:

 

Tempura Batter:

• 1 bowl Flour
• 3 tbsp Corn Flour
• 2 tbsp Rice Flour
• Salt to taste
• Chilled water
• 1 tsp Pepper
• Oil for frying

Paneer:

• 1/2 tsp Salt

For Sauce:

• 2 tsp Oil
• 3-4 tsp Chopped Garlic
• 1 cup Chopped Bell Pepper
• 1 tsp Chopped Green Chili
• 2 tsp Salt & Pepper
• 1 tsp Lite Soy Sauce
• 1 tsp Vinegar
• 3-4 tsp Chopped Spring Onion

 

 

Method:

 

1. In a bowl, combine rice flour, corn flour, salt, pepper, and chilled water to make a thick batter. Adjust water as needed to achieve the desired consistency, ensuring there are no lumps.

2. Cut the paneer into batons and marinate them with salt, pepper, and corn flour.

3. Dip the paneer pieces in corn flour, then coat them with the prepared tempura batter.

4. Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the paneer until crispy and golden brown. Remove and set aside.

5. In another pan, heat oil over high flame. Add chopped ginger and garlic. Once the garlic turns brown, add chopped bell pepper, salt, red chili paste, light soy sauce, vinegar, and the fried paneer. Toss everything together.

6. Add chopped spring onions and give it a quick toss.

7. Garnish with spring onions and serve hot.

 

Enjoy the crispy and flavorful Paneer Salt & Pepper prepared with Chef Ajay Chopra's recipe!

 

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About the Recipe:

 

Crispy Paneer Salt & Pepper is a tantalizing dish that showcases the versatility and deliciousness of paneer, also known as Indian cottage cheese. The paneer cubes are coated in a flavorful batter infused with salt, pepper, and other spices, then deep-fried to crispy perfection. It's a popular Indo-Chinese fusion dish that combines the best of both worlds—crispy texture and bold flavors. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a main course, this dish never fails to impress with its irresistible taste and crunchy appeal.

 

 

Cooking Tips:

 

• Use fresh paneer for the best taste and texture.
• Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the paneer to achieve a crispy exterior.
• Coat the paneer evenly with the batter to ensure uniform frying and flavor distribution.
• Fry the paneer in batches to prevent overcrowding in the pan and ensure even cooking.
• Serve the Crispy Paneer Salt & Pepper immediately after frying to preserve its crispiness.

 

 

Pairing Guide:

 

Pair your Crispy Paneer Salt & Pepper with a side of tangy mint chutney or sweet chili sauce for dipping. Enjoy it as an appetizer alongside a refreshing drink like lemonade or iced tea. For a complete meal, serve it with steamed rice or fried rice and stir-fried vegetables to create a delicious and satisfying Indo-Chinese feast.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Crispy Paneer Salt & Pepper:

 

1. What is paneer salt and pepper?
   • Paneer salt and pepper is a popular Indo-Chinese dish where paneer cubes are coated in a batter seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices, then deep-fried until crispy.
2. How do you make crispy paneer at home?
   • To make crispy paneer at home, coat paneer cubes in a batter made with flour, cornflour, salt, pepper, and spices, then deep-fry until golden brown and crispy.
3. What is paneer made of?
   • Paneer is a type of fresh cheese made by curdling milk with an acidic agent like lemon juice or vinegar, then draining the whey and pressing the curds to form a firm block.
4. Is paneer salt and pepper spicy?
   • Paneer salt and pepper can be mildly spicy depending on the amount of pepper and other spices used in the batter. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
5. Can I bake paneer salt and pepper instead of frying?
   • While deep-frying yields the crispiest results, you can bake paneer cubes coated in the batter in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier alternative.
6. What can I serve with paneer salt and pepper?
   • Paneer salt and pepper can be served as an appetizer with dipping sauces like mint chutney or sweet chili sauce, or as a main course with rice and vegetables.
7. Can I use tofu instead of paneer?
   • Yes, you can substitute tofu for paneer to make a vegan version of this dish. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture before coating it in the batter.
8. How do I store leftover paneer salt and pepper?
   • Store leftover paneer salt and pepper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven until heated through.
9. Can I make paneer at home?
   • Yes, you can make paneer at home by curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar, then straining the curds and pressing them to form a block.
10. What makes paneer salt and pepper crispy?
    • Paneer salt and pepper are crispy due to the batter coating, which contains flour, cornflour, and spices, and the deep-frying process, which creates a crunchy exterior while keeping the paneer soft and creamy inside.

 

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