Paneer Bhurji – Indian Style
Recipe Summary
- A quick and easy Indian scrambled paneer dish, Paneer Bhurji, made with crumbled paneer, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and aromatic spices. This flavorful and healthy vegetarian dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
All Ingredients - Main Ingredients
- Butter 1 tbsp
- Oil 1 tbsp
- Cumin seeds 1 tsp
- Onion 1 medium, chopped
- Green chili 1, chopped
- Ginger-garlic paste 1 tbsp
- Tomatoes 1 medium, chopped
- Green bell pepper 1/2, chopped
- Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
- Kashmiri red chili powder 1 tsp
- Coriander powder 1 tsp
- Garam masala 1/2 tsp
- Salt 1 tsp
- Paneer 200g, crumbled
- Kasuri methi 1 tbsp
- Lemon juice 1 tsp
- Cilantro 1/4 cup, chopped
Tools You'll Need
- Pan
- Bowl
Don't have an ingredient? Try these swaps
No Butter?
- 3/4 the amount of olive oil (for cooking, not baking)
- Equal parts ghee — Slightly nuttier flavor.
- Equal parts coconut oil (in baking)
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Garam masala?
- 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
No Paneer?
- Extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed — Pan-fry first for closer texture.
- Halloumi — Saltier; reduce added salt.
No Lemon juice?
- Lime juice (1:1)
- 1/2 the amount white vinegar — In dressings, savory dishes.
No Cilantro?
- Flat-leaf parsley (1:1, milder)
- Fresh mint (in chutneys, salads)
⚠ Contains Allergens
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Melt Butter and Oil
Add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil to a pan and melt them over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté Cumin Seeds
Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds to the melted butter and oil. Sauté for a few seconds until they splutter and become fragrant.
Step 3: Sauté Onions
Add 1 medium chopped onion to the pan. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about .
Step 4: Add Ginger-Garlic Paste and Green Chili
Add 1 chopped green chili and 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste. Cook for until the raw smell of garlic goes away.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes
Add 1 medium chopped tomato to the pan. Sauté for until they start to soften.
Step 6: Add Green Bell Pepper
Add 1/2 chopped green bell pepper. Continue to cook until the tomatoes are soft and the mixture starts to come together, about .
Step 7: Add Dry Spices and Salt
Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix all the spices well with the vegetable mixture. Cook for , stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and the mixture is well combined.
Step 8: Add Crumbled Paneer
Add 200g of crumbled paneer to the pan. Mix well with the spice and vegetable mixture. Cook for , ensuring the paneer is evenly coated and heated through.
Step 9: Finish with Kasuri Methi, Lemon Juice, and Cilantro
Crush 1 tablespoon of kasuri methi between your palms and add it to the pan. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. Mix everything well for a final minute.
Step 10: Serve Paneer Bhurji
Your soft Paneer Bhurji is ready. Serve immediately in a bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Pro Tips
• Serve hot with bread, roti, paratha, or as a side dish.
• Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less green chilies and red chili powder.
Recipe Variations
• Add green peas or grated carrots along with the bell peppers for added vegetables.
• For a richer taste, you can add a tablespoon of cream or cashew paste at the end.
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