Quick tossed Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese) Fried Rice
for one those “Hungry Kya?” moments or combine with Tomato soup for a light no
fuss meal…
Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese) Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- Paneer/Indian Cottage Cheese, about 200 gms
- Cooked Rice, about 2 cups
- Garlic cloves, finely chopped, 2-3
- Onion, finely chopped, 1 medium size
- Bell peppers, finely chopped, ½ each of Red, Yellow and Green
- Dried Oregano, 1 tsp
- Salt, to taste
- Red Chili powder, ½ tsp or to taste
- Cumin powder, ½ tsp
- Jalapeno or regular Green chili, finely chopped, 1 (optional)
- Oil, 1tbsp + 1tbsp
Instructions:
Cut Paneer into cubes and soak in salted water
for about 10-15 minutes. Drain well and keep aside.
Heat 1 tbsp
oil in a pan. Toss in the garlic, onions and sauté till onions go soft.
Add in
the bell peppers, salt, chili powder, cumin, oregano and green chili (if
using).
Sauté for a couple of minutes and add in the rice. Mix well and keep tossing around for a couple
of more minutes. Adjust seasoning, empty out the rice in a bowl and keep side.
Heat the
remaining 1 tbsp oil in the same pan. Add the paneer cubes in single flat pile
in the pan – be careful, oil will splutter the second you add the paneer.
On
high heat, shallow fry the paneer on both sides till crispy and golden brown.
This needs to be done quickly so that paneer doesn’t lose too much water
and become dry.
Add the rice
back in and mix well. Done.
Notes:
- Hate Paneer/Indian Cottage cheese or can’t find it? Add in grated cheddar cheese instead for a completely different option.
- Want a healthier option than Cheddar cheese or an extra helping of protein? add in tinned/boiled beans of your choice.
Would tofu be acceptable as a substitute for paneer?
ReplyDeleteHi Bunny, not particularly fond of tofu but i guess it will work here...however, instead of soaking in salted water, rub with salt and spices and then grill or pan fry it
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