By eatmundo · August 3, 2026
A vibrant and tangy stir-fry featuring cubes of paneer tossed with crunchy bell peppers and a spicy tomato-based gravy. It is a popular Indo-Chinese fusion dish known for its quick preparation and bold flavors.
Ingredients
tick what you already have - the rest goes on your shopping listHow to Make It
- 1
Cut 300g of paneer into uniform bite-sized cubes and lightly shallow-fry them in 1 tbsp butter until golden.
- 2
In the same pan, heat the remaining butter and sauté 2 sliced onions until they become translucent.
- 3
Add the bell peppers, cut into thin strips, and the 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise, and stir-fry on high heat for 3 minutes to keep the peppers crunchy.
- 4
Pour in the tomato puree, coriander powder and 1 tsp (6 g) salt, and cook on medium-high heat for 5 minutes, stirring, until the sauce reduces to a thick masala that coats the vegetables.
- 5
Gently fold in the golden paneer cubes and let them absorb the spices for 2 minutes.
- 6
Turn the heat to high and toss everything together so the thick masala clings to the paneer and peppers and the jalfrezi stays dry.
- 7
Cook for 1 final minute to let the flavors meld perfectly.
- 8
Serve hot garnished with fresh coriander leaves, ideal for pairing with naan or paratha.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paneer Jalfrezi?
Paneer Jalfrezi is an Indian vegetarian dish consisting of paneer and bell peppers stir-fried in a tangy tomato-based sauce with various spices. It is typically served as a main course for lunch or dinner alongside flatbreads or rice.
How do I prevent paneer from becoming rubbery?
Avoid over-frying the paneer; a light golden crust is sufficient before adding it to the sauce.
Can I replace paneer with tofu?
Yes, firm tofu works well as a plant-based substitute and absorbs the spices similarly.
Why is it called Jalfrezi?
The name stems from the Bengali word 'jhal' meaning spicy and refers to the stir-fry method used to cook the paneer and vegetables.
Is the dish very spicy?
It is moderately spicy, leaning towards a tangy and peppery profile; adjust the green chilies if you want more heat.
Mundo algorithm is scanning the globe for a +50% match...