About the Recipe
Paneer Bhurji is a quick North Indian preparation made by scrambling fresh paneer with onions, tomatoes, and spices. The dish focuses on sautéing aromatics and combining them with a lightly spiced creamy mixture to create a soft, crumbly texture. The use of malai and butter enhances richness, while controlled cooking ensures the paneer remains moist. It is typically served hot with bread or pav.
Ingredients
(A) Paneer
Milk: 2 L
Vinegar: 4 tbsp
Water: 4 tbsp
(B) Tadka
Butter: 50 g + 50 g
Onions: 2 pcs (finely chopped)
Tomato: 2 pcs (finely chopped)
Green Chilli: 1 pc (finely chopped)
Ginger: 1 inch (finely chopped)
Garlic: 2 tbsp or 12 cloves (finely chopped)
Malai: 2 tbsp
Salt: To taste
Turmeric Powder: 1 tsp
Red Chilli Powder: 1 tsp
Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder: 1 tsp
Coriander Powder: 1 tsp
Kasuri Methi: 1 tsp (roasted)
Garam or Chaat Masala: 1 tsp
Cream: As required
Coriander Leaves: As required
Preparation
(A) Paneer
Step 1
Heat milk until it reaches 100°C.
Step 2
Turn off the flame and add a mixture of vinegar + water OR citric acid + water.
Step 3
Allow the milk to curdle within 2 minutes.
Step 4
Strain using a muslin cloth and separate paneer and whey.
Step 5
Cool the paneer quickly to prevent hardening. You may use whey for cooking whenever required as a replacement for water.
(B) Tadka
Step 1
In a bowl, mix malai with turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and red chilli powder.
Step 2
Heat butter in a pan, add onions, ginger, garlic, and green chilli, and sauté for 2-4 minutes until slightly translucent.
Step 3
Add tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
Step 4
Add the prepared malai mixture and cook until oil starts to separate.
Step 5
Add paneer, coriander leaves, and kasuri methi, then mix well.
Step 6
Cook for a few minutes, finish with cream, and mix gently. Your Paneer Bhurji is ready.
Tips and Tricks:
Do not overcook paneer to maintain a soft texture.
Use fresh paneer for best results.
Do not overcook the tomatoes for this recipe.
Balance spices with malai for a creamy consistency.