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Paneer bhurji served in a bowl and garnished with cilantro

Paneer Bhurji

Shweta Arora
Paneer Bhurji is a popular North Indian dish made with crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese), onion, tomatoes, bell pepper, and spices. This quick and easy paneer bhurji recipe (scrambled paneer) is a delicious vegetarian side dish that is soft, creamy, and ready to serve in less than 20 minutes.  It pairs well with bread, and pav for breakfast or with flatbreads like roti, paratha, and Naan for lunch or dinner. 
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 334 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 360 grams paneer crumbled, see notes
  • 1-2 tablespoons oil
  • 1-2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 medium red onion finely chopped (approx 1 cup chopped)
  • 1-2 green chillies finely chopped, adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger minced
  • ½ green bell pepper chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes finely chopped, (approx 1 cup chopped)
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon kasuri methi
  • 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice adjust to taste
  • ¼ cup cilantro leaves finely chopped

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • If using store-bought paneer, soak it in a bowl of hot water for 20-30 mins or until soft then crumble it and keep aside.
    Similarly, first, thaw frozen paneer to room temperature before soaking or increase the soaking time.

Making Paneer Bhurji

  • In a pan, heat oil and butter. Once hot and butter has melted add the cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle.
  • Then add onions and saute till translucent (do not brown the onions).
  • Stir in the green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Cook till the raw garlic smell goes away.
  • Add the tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes. Then add the bell pepper and cook till the tomatoes are soft.
  • Stir in the spices - turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, and saute for another minute or two.
  • Add in the crumbled paneer, mix well and cook on low heat for 1-2 minutes.
  • Crush Kasuri Methi between your palms and add along with lemon juice, and cilantro. Mix well. Spicy and easy Paneer Bhurji is ready!

Video

Notes

Use fresh homemade paneer for that soft fluffy Paneer bhurji. Alternately store-bought fresh or frozen paneer can be used too.
If using store-bought paneer, soak it in a bowl of hot water for 20-30 mins or until soft. Thaw frozen paneer to room temperature before soaking or increase the soaking time.
Highly recommend making bhurji in both butter or ghee and oil or just butter for the richer flavor.  
You can add more veggies like colorful bell peppers, green peas, carrots or greens like spinach and fenugreek leaves to make bhurji more healthy and colorful. 
Do not overcook the paneer to prevent it from turning dry and chewy. 
Adjust the spice levels to your preference by adjusting the number of green chilies and red chili powder.
You can also add Pav Bhaji Masala for that Street Style Paneer Bhurji. 

Nutrition

Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 660mg | Potassium: 270mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 797IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 466mg | Iron: 1mg
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