Paneer Bhurji

• Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving): Calories: 250-300 kcal | Protein: 18g | Carbohydrates: 8g | Fat: 20g

  The Story Behind Paneer Bhurji (History):

   "Bhurji" means "scrambled," and Paneer Bhurji is the vegetarian equivalent of scrambled eggs. It's a quick, simple, and protein-packed dish popular all over North India. It's a versatile dish that can be eaten for breakfast with toast, for lunch rolled into a roti, or as a side dish for dinner. Its origins are in home-style Punjabi cooking, where it's valued for its speed and ability to turn a simple block of paneer into a flavorful and satisfying meal.

  

  
  

• Ingredients (English):

• 200g Paneer, crumbled

• 2 tbsp Oil or Butter

• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds

• 1 large Onion, finely chopped

• 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste

• 1 Green Chili, finely chopped

• 1 large Tomato, finely chopped

• ½ tsp Turmeric Powder

• ½ tsp Red Chili Powder

• ½ tsp Garam Masala

• Salt to taste

• Fresh Cilantro, chopped

• Method

• Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil/butter in a pan. Add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

• Cook Masala: Add ginger-garlic paste and green chili. Cook for a minute. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft.

• Add Spices: Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a minute.

• Add Paneer: Add the crumbled paneer to the pan. Mix gently to combine everything with the masala.

• Finish: Cook for 2-3 minutes until the paneer is heated through. Sprinkle with garam masala and fresh cilantro. Serve hot.

  
  

Pro Tips & Fun Facts (Tidbits):

The key to a soft, moist Paneer Bhurji is to not overcook the paneer. Add the crumbled paneer at the very end and only cook for 2-3 minutes until it's heated through. Overcooking will make it rubbery and chewy. For a richer, restaurant-style version, you can add a tablespoon of fresh cream or milk along with the paneer.

• Instant Pot Method:

•  Use "Sauté" mode. Heat oil/butter, sauté cumin and onions. Add ginger-garlic, chili, and tomatoes; cook until soft. Add spices, then crumbled paneer. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring. Cancel "Sauté" and garnish.

• Air-Fryer Method:

• Note: This recipe is not suitable for an Air-Fryer.

  
  

• How To Make It Vegan

• To make this vegan, replace Paneer with an equal amount of crumbled extra-firm Tofu. Use Oil instead of butter.