Paneer bhurji is a popular North Indian dish made from crumbled paneer (paneer Indian) cottage cheese cooked with various spices and vegetables. It is a delicious and protein-rich dish often eaten as a snack or light meal.Paneer bhurji can be served with chapati paratha or bread, which adds to its flavor and makes it perfect for any time of the day. This dish is similar to scrambled eggs but uses paneer as the base, providing a delicious and vegetarian-friendly option that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Why People Love Paneer Bhurji
Paneer bhurji is loved for its simplicity and taste. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with roti, paratha, or even as a filling in sandwiches and wraps. It is also packed with protein, making it a healthy option for vegetarians. The soft texture of paneer combined with the rich flavours of the spices makes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Paneer bhurji is not only delicious but also nutritious. Paneer is a great source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats. It is the best option for vegetarians to meet their daily protein requirements. Paneer bhurji also contains essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and spices, making it a great meal.
Importance Of Paneer Bhurji
Quick and easy: Paneer bhurji is a favorite dish for many as it can be prepared quickly, especially when you need a tasty meal in a short time. Most Indian cooks often have ingredients readily available.
Nutritious and filling: Made from milk, paneer is a rich source of protein, making paneer bhurji not only tasty but also nutritious. This is especially valuable in vegetarian households where protein sources are often limited.
Comfort food for many: For many, paneer bhurji is a comforting dish that reminds them of a home-cooked meal. Its simplicity and familiar taste make it appealing to everyone, from children to the elderly.
Regional adaptations: Paneer bhurji can be adapted to suit different regional tastes across India. Whether it is spiced up in some parts or with vegetables in others, it reflects the country’s diverse food culture.
Simple Ingredients Paneer Bhurji shows how simple ingredients can be transformed into something delicious. With just paneer, onions, tomatoes and spices, this dish highlights Indian cooking techniques.
Prep Time- 25Mins Cook Time- 15 Mins Total Time- 40Mins Serving- 5 Author- Kavita
Ingredients
1 paneer -250 grams(crumbled)
2 onion-1 medium (finely chopped)
3 tomato -medium (finely chopped)
4 green chillies -2-3 (finely chopped)
5 capsicum -1 (finely chopped)
6 ginger -1 inch piece (grated)
7 garlic- 5-6 cloves (grated)
8 butter -1 cube
9-gram flour- 25 grams
10 red chilli powder- 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
11 coriander powder -1/2 tsp
12 turmeric powder 1/4 tsp
13 garam masala powder-1/2 tsp
14 cumin seeds -1/2 tsp
15 fresh coriander leaves -2 tbsp
16 oil or ghee- 2 tbsp
17 salt- to test18 fresh cream-3 tsp (optional)
19 Fenugreek leaves- 2 tsp
Step-By-Step Photos To Making Paneer Bhurji
1 Crumble the paneer: Take a piece of paneer and crumble it with your hands. It should have a scrambled egg-like texture. If you like fine crumbs, you can grate it and keep it aside.
2 Heat 2 tbsp oil and a cube of butter in a pan on medium flame.
Then add cumin seeds to it and let them crackle.
Then, add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. This is the base of your dish, so let the onions cook properly.
Add ginger garlic and chilies: Add ginger garlic and chopped green chillies to the onions. Saute till the raw smell of ginger and garlic disappears. This adds depth and a slight spiciness to the dish.
Add spices: After frying all these properly, add red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala. Mix well so that it gets mixed in the onion-garlic mixture.
Now, add some gram flour to it and mix it well so that the gram flour gets cooked well.
Now add tomatoes, sprinkle some salt to help tomatoes cook faster. Let them soften and become pulpy.
When the tomatoes become pulpy, add one chopped capsicum and 1 tsp Fenugreek leaves in it. Keep stirring well so that the masala does not stick to the bottom
Now mix everything well so that the spices mix with the tomato, onion and capsicum mixture. And add half a cup of water to it.
Cover and cook for a while: After everything is mixed, cover the pan and cook for 2 minutes.
Once the masala base is ready, add the crumbled paneer to the pan. Stir well so that the masala coats the paneer well. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not overcook as the paneer may turn dry and rubbery.
Add some milk or cream: Adding a little milk or cream at the end of cooking keeps the paneer bhurji moist and gives it a rich soft texture. This is especially helpful if your paneer seems a little dry.
Garnish: Once cooked, turn off the flame and garnish your paneer bhurji with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
And that’s it! Your delicious paneer bhurji is ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
With Roti or Paratha: Paneer Bhurji tastes amazing when served with hot roti or flaky paratha. The soft, spicy fried paneer pairs perfectly with these flatbreads, making it a nutritious meal for lunch or dinner.
Sandwich Stuffing: For a quick breakfast or snack, you can use paneer bhurji as a sandwich stuffing. Simply spread it between two slices of bread and grill or toast. It is a nutritious and filling option for busy mornings.
As a Wrap: Another fun way to enjoy paneer bhurji is to wrap it in a tortilla or chapati. Add some fresh veggies like onion, tomato and lettuce for extra crunchiness. It is a great option to eat on the go.
More Recipe:-Homemade Garlic Paneer Curry Recipe
:- How To Make Paneer Do Pyaza (Step–By–Step Instructions)
:- How to make paneer butter masala
Nutrition Information
Here is approximate nutrition information for Paneer Bhurji per serving (200g):
Calories:320–350 kcal
Protein: 15-20g
Carbohydrates: 10-15g
Fat: 2-4g
Fiber: 2-4g
Calcium: 200-250 mg
Iron: 2-3mg
The values can vary depending on the amount of oil,paneer,and vegetables used in the recipe.
Tips & Notes
Taste your paneer bhurji and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt or spices to your liking. If you like it spicier, add some extra chopped green chilies or a pinch of chili powder.
Use fresh paneer: Fresh paneer is softer and has a better texture, making the bhurji tastier. If you are using a store-bought paneer, soak it in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften it before cooking.
Cook on low to medium flame: Cooking paneer bhurji on low to medium flame ensures that the paneer stays soft and doesn’t turn rubbery. High flame can make the paneer hard and difficult to chew.
Don’t overcook paneer: Paneer doesn’t take much time to cook. Once you add it to the pan, cook it for a few minutes until it’s well coated with the spices. Overcooking will dry it out.