CHILLI PANNEER: POPULAR INDO-CHINESE DISH
Chilli panneer, also known as paneer chili, is a delicious Indo-Chinese dish that is popular across India and in many other countries. This mouth-watering appetizer is made by frying cottage cheese in a spicy and tangy sauce, and it is a favorite street food as well as a popular dish in many restaurants.
To make chilli panneer, you will need to follow two main steps. The first step is to batter-fry the cottage cheese, which gives it a crispy texture. To do this, you will need to cut the panneer into small cubes and dip them in a batter made of corn flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and water. Then, you will need to deep fry the panneer until it is golden brown and crispy.
The second step is to make the chilli sauce, which is the key to the dish’s flavor. To make the sauce, you will need to sauté some aromatics, such as garlic and ginger, along with some vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, and green chilies. Then, you will need to add some Chinese sauces, such as soy sauce, vinegar, and tomato ketchup, along with some corn flour slurry to thicken the sauce. Finally, you will need to toss the fried panneer cubes in the sauce until they are coated evenly.
There are two versions of chilli panneer – dry and with gravy. The dry version is more popular as a starter or appetizer, while the gravy version is often served as a main course with rice or noodles. To make the gravy version, you will need to add some vegetable or chicken stock to the sauce and let it simmer until it thickens.
Chilli panneer is a versatile dish that can be served on many occasions, such as parties, gatherings, or game days. It can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as a side dish with other Indo-Chinese main courses, such as Hakka noodles or fried rice.
Chilli panneer not only tastes great but also has some health benefits. Panneer, the main ingredient of this dish, is a rich source of protein and calcium, making it a good food choice for vegetarians and people who are looking to build muscle or maintain healthy bones. The bell peppers used in the recipe are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, while the spices and herbs used in the sauce have various health benefits.
As for the texture of chilli panneer, it is a combination of crispy and soft. The panneer cubes are battered and deep-fried to give them a crispy texture on the outside, while the inside remains soft and chewy. The sauce has a thick and sticky texture that coats the panneer cubes, making them even more flavorful.
Visit your nearest Amma’s South Indian Restaurant and have this delicious and flavorful dish. With its crispy-fried cottage cheese and spicy and tangy sauce, it is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether you prefer the dry version or the gravy version, chilli panneer is a must-try for anyone who loves Indo-Chinese cuisine.
