Paneer Sabzi / Quick Paneer Sabji (15 Minutes)

Name: Paneer Sabzi / Quick Paneer Sabji (15 minutes)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup paneer; 2 tbsp oil; 2 small onions ((see prep section below)); 2 tsp ginger garlic paste; ½ cup tomato puree; 1 cup bell peppers (chopped); ¼-½ tsp salt ((adjust as per taste)); 1 tbsp cilantro; 1 cup water; ½ tsp cumin seeds; 1 tsp ground coriander; ¾-1 tsp chili powder; ¼ tsp turmeric powder; ½ tsp garam masala ((use store-bought or homemade garam masala))

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5 from 38 votes

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Paneer sabzi is a quick, easy, and delicious dish that combines the goodness of Indian cottage cheese, vegetables, and a few basic ingredients. With its simple preparation, this flavorful sabzi comes together in just 15 minutes and pairs well with naan bread and jeera rice.

Paneer sabzi served with roti on a white surface.

Also called paneer ki sukhi sabzi, it is unique and simple and not something you will find in Indian restaurants. This delicious paneer recipe is the perfect example to showcase that we don't need any fancy ingredients to make the most delicious paneer curry.

Why you will love this paneer sabzi recipe?

This tasty sabji is easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps, and super delicious.
This paneer sabzi recipe can be prepared quickly, making it suitable for weeknight dinners and special occasions.
This dish has a home-style flavor, differentiating it from the typical paneer sabzi found in Indian restaurants.

Ingredients

Paneer: Use store-bought or fresh homemade paneer.

Spices: I am using cumin seeds, ground coriander, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Optional ingredients

Here are some optional ingredients you can use to make this easy recipe and make it restaurant style.

Use green chilies or red chilies to get a spicy sauce.
Add one tablespoon of tomato paste along with tomato puree.
Lightly crush one teaspoon of coriander seeds and add them with the cumin seeds.
Add kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and lemon juice, along with fresh coriander leaves.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Heat one tablespoon of oil in a frying pan or kadhai on medium heat and shallow fry the soft paneer cubes until they are golden. Take them out and place them in warm water (image 1).

Step 2: Heat one tablespoon of oil in the same pan and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add the chopped onion (image 2).

Step 3: Saute for 3-4 minutes. Add the ginger garlic paste and saute for one more minute (images 3 and 4).

Step 4: Add tomatoes, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes (images 5 and 6).

Step 5: Add the onion petals and bell peppers (capsicum). Mix well and saute on high for 2 minutes (images 7 and 8).

Step 6: Add one cup of water and bring it to a boil. Simmer for 3-4 minutes (image 9).

Step 7: Drain the water from the fried paneer pieces and add them to the pan. Toss everything well and simmer for 2 minutes (images 10 and 11). Top with cilantro and garam masala powder (image 12).

Expert Tips

Use fresh and good-quality paneer for the best results. It should be firm and not crumbly. You can buy it from a store or make paneer at home using milk and lemon juice/vinegar.

It is important to keep the paneer soaked in hot water after frying. This will help keep them soft.

Adjust the gravy consistency as desired. If you prefer a thick gravy, cook it for longer to reduce the liquid. Add extra water to make a thin curry sauce.

What to serve with paneer sabzi?

This versatile paneer curry can be served with traditional Indian bread like roti, naan, or peas paratha for a classic combination. I also like to serve it with mooli paratha. It also complements steamed basmati rice or saffron rice, offering a satisfying meal.

For a quick and portable meal, use the paneer sabzi as a flavorful filling in wraps or rolls. Enjoy it over a bed of fresh salad greens with a tangy dressing for a healthy and delicious salad.

Recipe FAQs

What vegetables can I add to paneer sabzi?

Bell peppers, mushrooms, baby corn, green peas, broccoli, cauliflower, etc., are some great additions to this simple paneer recipe.

Why is my fried paneer so hard?

Frying the paneer removes its moisture content, making it dry and hard. To keep them soft, it is important to place the fried paneer cubes in warm water until you use them in the paneer curry.

Can I make paneer sabzi without onions and garlic?

Absolutely. Skip onion and garlic in this recipe and use only ginger paste. Saute it for a few seconds and add the tomatoes and spices.

Can I use frozen vegetables in paneer sabzi?

Yes. Frozen veggies can be used as an addition to this recipe. However, be sure to adjust the cooking time and cook the vegetables well before adding the fried paneer cubes.