However, I have some really sweet readers, some of whom send me recipes that they think I will like. Recognising my love for paneer recipes, Vinitha Vasanth, a dear reader of mine who also actively engages in my Facebook page, sent me this recipe for Paneer Pepper Masala which she adapted from a pepper chicken recipe. She also attached a delicious-looking picture with a disclaimer that she is not good with food photography. Well, I beg to differ.
This looks pretty good, doesn’t it?
I can literally smell the pepper and the masala mixed so harmoniously with the paneer. She shared this with me so I can try the recipe. I asked her if I can post her Paneer Pepper Masala recipe as it is on the site and she agreed. Thankfully! So here it is, from Vinitha and me to you all.
In her own words:
“Dear Nags, thought of sharing a recipe with you – Paneer Pepper Fry.
My father had asked me to make Paneer Pepper Fry for a change. I searched online for the recipe but didn’t find a satisfactory one. That’s when I came across the recipe – Pepper Chicken on the website www.mariasmenu.com. So, my paneer pepper fry has been adapted from Maria’s pepper chicken dish. It tasted nice. Moreover, the colour and aroma was awesome !
Sending you the recipe as well as a picture. Do check it out. I’m sure you’d like it.”
I love it Vinitha, and will try it as soon as I can find some time to make paneer or buy some.
Paneer Pepper Masala | Paneer Pepper Fry
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves 2-4
Adapted from: Marias Menu
Ingredients:
1 cup (250gm) of paneer cubes (Vinitha used Amul paneer – you can also make paneer at home)
3 onions, sliced thin
1.5 tsp of ginger-garlic paste
2 green chillies, slit lengthwise
1 1/4 tsp of whole black pepper, crushed
1/2 tsp of garam masala
1/4 tsp of fennel (perum jeerakam) powder
1/4 tsp of turmeric powder
1 tsp of soya sauce
2 tsp of tomato ketchup or sauce
A few curry leaves
1 tbsp of oil
Salt to taste
Coriander leaves for garnish, chopped
How to Make Paneer Pepper Masala:
1. Soak frozen paneer cubes in lukewarm water for 30 minutes. Cut into smaller cubes / halves.
2. In a pan, heat the oil and add sliced onions. Fry till golden brown. Add green chilli and sauté for a minute.
3. Add the ginger-garlic paste. Let it cook till the raw smell leaves the paste (about 2-3 mins).
4. Add turmeric powder, garam masala, fennel powder, and crushed pepper. Saute for 1-2 mins.
5. Add soya sauce and tomato ketchup. Mix well.
6. Add 1/4 cup water and salt and mix well.
7. Add paneer cubes and mix well till the masala coats the paneer. Bring to boil.
8. Add curry leaves, cover the pan and cook on low flame for about 5 minutes. You should cook till the masala turns darker ( a deep dark brown/black) and dry with the masala coating the paneer pieces as in the picture above.
9. Add some finely chopped coriander leaves and mix well.
Serve hot with rice or rotis.
If you try Vinitha’s Panner Pepper Malasa recipe, do leave a note with your thoughts and adaptations.
Praseetha B says
March 19, 2013 at 2:57 amAwesome recipe! My new favorite after Kadai Paneer.
Asha Siby says
February 23, 2013 at 8:18 amIt came out very well..Thank u…
Jean says
February 16, 2013 at 7:01 pmHi Nags!I tried this recipe yesterday afternoon and it turned out great! I made it again at night as I had guests for dinner and served it with ghee rice.It's simple and delicious. I had added a little bit more ketchup than the amount you have given. Thanks Nags and Vinita for the recipe
Anonymous says
February 15, 2013 at 9:46 pmtried it n it turned out just awesome..thnx a tonn for sharing the recipe.
Anonymous says
December 19, 2012 at 9:31 pmThanks for this recipe. I made this dish today and it came out well.
Vijaytha says
December 8, 2012 at 12:13 pmReally good Vinitha, thanks 🙂
Vinitha Vasanth says
December 15, 2012 at 2:07 pmThanks Vijaytha 🙂
Vinitha Vasanth says
December 15, 2012 at 2:08 pmYou're welcome, Vijaytha 🙂
Divya Sankar says
December 4, 2012 at 4:43 pmMade this today and it turned out awesome. Thank you Vinitha & Nags for posting this.
Vinitha Vasanth says
December 15, 2012 at 2:08 pmOur pleasure, Divya ! 🙂
Nimi says
October 5, 2012 at 7:01 amThis is an excellent adaptation of a popular dish and great for those of us who do not chicken. Looks yum and will definitely try it out.
indosungod says
September 30, 2012 at 7:02 pmNags, this recipe was inspiration for my pepper mushroom. The ingredients were fewer but the same general idea.
GK Arusuvai says
September 27, 2012 at 4:47 amlooks absolutely delicious….
Shanza Sunil says
September 27, 2012 at 4:36 amHey Vinitha………thanx for sharing such an easy and tasty recipe of paneer . I have tried it out yday and it turned out to be just awesome. Will dfntly try out your other recipes too . And thankyou Nags !
Rgds : Shanza Sunil
Vinitha Vasanth says
September 27, 2012 at 4:04 pmMy pleasure Shanza 🙂 So glad that you liked it !
Shanza Sunil says
September 27, 2012 at 4:36 amHey Vinitha………thanx for sharing such an easy and tasty recipe of paneer . I have tried it out yday and it turned out to be just awesome. Will dfntly try out your other recipes too . And thankyou Nags !
Rgds : Shanza Sunil
Anonymous says
September 26, 2012 at 11:33 amthanks 4 sharing this reciepe
Priya says
September 26, 2012 at 9:59 amSlurp,mouthwatering here,such an irresistible masala..
Premalatha Aravindhan says
September 26, 2012 at 5:07 amwow yummy,have to try this out…
divya says
September 26, 2012 at 1:16 amtht's looks so tempting …yum
Anu Nandu says
September 25, 2012 at 5:29 pmLooks amazing. I had one of the best paneer pepper fry in Salem this time. Craving it and this badly now!
remya says
September 25, 2012 at 11:23 amsuch a nice recipe nags & vinitha. thank you both of you
Vinitha Vasanth says
September 27, 2012 at 4:05 pmMy pleasure Remya ! 🙂
Madhavi says
September 25, 2012 at 5:49 amNags, It just temptssssss……… to eat when i see the pic and it tempts to eat when i read the recipe… will try it soon and come back with a YUMMY feedback…
Anonymous says
September 25, 2012 at 5:36 amHave tried Marias pepper chicken. It was very simple and tasty.. Will try this too
Nandita Pai Shirali says
September 25, 2012 at 5:25 amyummmm! I can smeel the warm aroma of pepper and paneer too 🙂 Want to try it soooooooon! Good one Vinitha and thanks for sharing it Nags 🙂
Vinitha Vasanth says
September 27, 2012 at 4:05 pmMy pleasure Nandita 🙂