Restaurant Style Paneer Starter (No Deep Frying)

Step 1: Prepare Paneer

Take 200 grams of paneer and cut it into large rectangular pieces, as shown in the video. This size is preferred for starters.

Step 2: Prepare Paneer Coating Mixture

In a bowl, combine 2 tsp Schezwan Chutney, 1 tsp Tomato Ketchup, 1/2 tsp Green Chilli Sauce, salt to taste, 1/4 tsp Black Pepper, 1/2 tbsp Corn Flour (or maida), and 1/2 tsp Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder. Mix all ingredients well to form a thick paste.

Step 3: Coat Paneer

Add the cut paneer pieces to the prepared coating mixture. Use a spoon to gently coat each paneer piece evenly on all sides. Avoid using hands to prevent chili irritation.

Step 4: Shallow Fry Paneer

Heat 1 tsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the coated paneer pieces in the pan and shallow fry them until they are lightly golden brown on both sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the paneer and set it aside.

Step 5: Prepare Sauce Base

In the same pan, add 2 tsp of cooking oil. Add 1 tsp finely chopped garlic, 1 tsp finely chopped ginger, 1 tbsp finely chopped green chillies, and 1 small finely chopped onion. Sauté these ingredients until the vegetables soften and lose their raw crunch, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Add Sauces and Seasonings

To the sautéed vegetables, add 1 tsp Schezwan Chutney, 1 tsp Tomato Ketchup, 1/2 tsp Green Chilli Sauce, and salt as needed (remembering that sauces already contain salt). Mix well. Then, add 1 tbsp Soya Sauce and 1 tbsp chopped spring onion (green part). Stir everything together.

Step 7: Combine Paneer with Sauce

Add the shallow-fried paneer pieces to the pan with the sauce. Increase the gas flame to high and mix gently until all the paneer pieces are well coated with the sauce. Cook for about 1 minute to ensure the flavors meld.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with the remaining 1 tbsp of chopped spring onion. Turn off the gas and transfer the paneer starter to a serving plate. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious, restaurant-style paneer starter.

• For a healthier option, you can grill or air-fry the marinated paneer instead of shallow frying.

• Adjust the amount of green chilies and Schezwan chutney to control the spice level.

• Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.

• Add other chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the sauce for more texture and nutrients.

• Use a gluten-free soy sauce and corn flour substitute to make it gluten-free.