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Paneer Chile Dry
Served at restaurants on both sides of the Pakistan-India border, this spicy, sticky paneer’s popularity is testament to China’s culinary influence on the region. The word “dry” in the title references the preparation’s consistency compared to more saucy, gravy-rich dishes. Coating paneer in batter then frying it gives the mild fluffy cheese a crispy crust, then tossing it in a thick chile-soy sauce imbues it with salt and heat. Onion and bell pepper provide just enough fresh, sweet relief until the next bite. The dish forms a deluge of pleasurable textures and fiery flavor in 30 minutes. If you’d like, you can substitute tofu for the paneer and skip the batter frying.
Prep
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Cook
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Total
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Serves
4 servings
Instructions
- 01
In a large bowl, mix flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, ½ teaspoon black pepper and the Kashmiri red chile powder with ¼ cup water to form a smooth, thick paste. Add paneer and, using your hands or a spatula, coat evenly.
- 02
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar and remaining 1 teaspoon cornstarch; set aside.
- 03
In a large frying pan or wok, heat the oil for 45 seconds on high. Add paneer pieces and fry undisturbed until paneer starts to change color, 10 to 30 seconds. Flip to fry the opposite side until paneer starts to turn golden, 10 to 30 seconds more. Remove paneer pieces and set aside.
- 04
To the same pan, stir in dried red chiles, fresh green chiles, garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds. Stir in bell pepper and onion and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until onion and bell pepper soften, 3 to 5 minutes.
- 05
Return the paneer to the pan and stir until everything is thoroughly mixed. Stir the soy sauce mixture then pour it into the pan. Cook, stirring, until the sauce evenly coats the paneer, onion and bell pepper, about 3 minutes. Top with additional black pepper and the scallions. Serve with rice or on its own.
Nutrition
per serving
- Calories
- 640.7
- Protein
- 27.1grams
- Carbs
- 40.2grams
- Fat
- 41.7grams
- Fiber
- 2grams
- Sugar
- 6.8grams
- Sat. fat
- 16.6grams
- Sodium
- 1325milligrams
- Cholesterol
- 79.4milligrams
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