Simple and delicious paneer sabzi is made using Indian cottage cheese, veggies, and a few basic spices. It is super delicious and so easy to make - perfect when you run out of time or are not in the mood to cook. Paneer ki sukhi sabzi is unique and simple and not something you will find in Indian restaurants. This home-style paneer with vegetables can be customized to your liking by changing the veggies used.
This easy paneer curry can be paired with roti, naan bread, or jeera rice. It can also be used as a filling for wraps. It is perfect not just for weeknight dinners, but also for special occasions as it is ready in no time.
Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is a versatile ingredient and can be used in so many ways in Indian cuisine. It is used not only in savory dishes but also in popular Indian sweets. It is also used to make fusion Italian recipes and Chinese recipes.
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. Read on for ingredients, instructions, and useful tips to make this North Indian-style quick paneer sabzi recipe.
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Why you will love this paneer sabzi recipe?
- Simplicity: This tasty sabji is easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps, and super delicious.
- Quick and convenient: This paneer sabzi recipe is perfect for when you're short on time or not in the mood to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It can be prepared quickly, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Home-style flavor: This dish has a home-style flavor, differentiating it from the typical paneer sabzi found in Indian restaurants. You don't need fancy or elaborate ingredients to create a delicious paneer curry, making it accessible and budget-friendly.
- Wide pairing options: The paneer sabzi can be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments, including roti, naan bread, or jeera rice. It can also be used as a filling for wraps, providing versatility in serving options.
Ingredients
Paneer: Use store-bought or fresh homemade paneer.
Aromatics: I am using chopped onions and ginger garlic paste which forms the base of this sabzi.
Spices: I am using cumin seeds, ground coriander, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala.
Veggies: I am using bell peppers (red and green) along with onion petals. Cut the onion into big cubes and separate the petals to use along with the peppers.
Other ingredients: Tomato puree (or passata) and cilantro.
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).
Easy, delicious, and simple paneer ki sabji can be served with any Indian bread of your choice.
Useful tips and variations
Use fresh and good-quality paneer for the best results. It should be firm and not crumbly. You can either 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. Allow the paneer sabzi to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
I have used a mix of red and green bell pepper. You can also add yellow bell pepper to this dish. You can use other vegetables along with bell peppers. Mushrooms, green peas, baby corn, potatoes, etc. can be used to make this simple paneer sabzi recipe.
Use crumbled paneer instead of fried cubes in this recipe to make paneer bhurji. Replace paneer with extra firm tofu to make this curry vegan.
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 along with cumin seeds.
- Add extra water to make a thin curry sauce.
- Add kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and lemon juice along with fresh coriander leaves.
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What to serve with paneer sabzi?
Paneer sabzi can be served in various ways based on personal preference and the accompanying dishes you choose. Here are a few of my favorites:
With Indian bread: Serve paneer sabzi as a main dish alongside traditional Indian bread like roti, naan, or paratha. These breads can be used to scoop up the sabzi and savor the flavors together.
Rice: Pair paneer sabji with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice (rice cooked with cumin seeds). The combination of aromatic rice and the flavorful sabzi creates a satisfying meal.
Pulao or biryani: For a more elaborate meal, serve paneer sabzi with vegetable pulao or vegetable biryani. These rice dishes are packed with spices, vegetables, and aromatic flavors, which complement the paneer sabzi beautifully.
Make a thali: Paneer sabzi can also be served as a side dish alongside other main courses. It can be a flavorful addition to a thali (platter) that includes a variety of dishes, such as dal (lentil curry), raita (yogurt-based condiment), and different types of bread or rice. Check out this vegetarian thali collection for inspiration.
Wraps or rolls: Use paneer sabzi as a filling for wraps or rolls. Spread the sabzi on a flatbread or tortilla, add some fresh vegetables, and roll it up for a delicious and portable meal.
Salad: For a lighter option, serve paneer sabzi over a bed of fresh salad greens. Toss the greens with a tangy dressing, and top them with the warm paneer sabzi to create a healthy and flavorful salad.
FAQs
Bell peppers, mushrooms, baby corn, green peas, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. are some great addition to this simple paneer recipe.
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.
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.
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.
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Recipe card
Paneer Sabzi / Quick Paneer Sabji (15 minutes)
Ingredients
- 1 cup paneer
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 2 small onions (see prep section below)
- 2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
- ½ cup tomato puree
- 1 cup bell peppers chopped
- ¼-½ teaspoon salt (adjust as per taste)
- 1 tablespoon cilantro
- 1 cup water
Spices:
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ¾-1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
Instructions
Prep:
- Cut the paneer into medium-sized cubes.
- Cut one onion into big chunks and separate the petals. Dice the bell peppers and place them with the onion petals.
- Finely chop the second onion.
Frying the paneer:
- Heat a frying pan or kadhai on medium heat and add one tablespoon of oil.
- Place the paneer cubes and shallow fry until they are golden.
- Take them out and place them in hot water.
Making the sabzi:
- In the same pan, add one tablespoon of oil. Once it heats, add cumin seeds.
- Next, add finely chopped onions and saute for 3 minutes (until they begin to soften).
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and saute for one more minute.
- Add tomatoes, ground coriander, turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the onion petals and bell peppers. Mix well and saute on high for 2 minutes.
- Add one cup of water and bring it to a boil. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the fried paneer cubes. Toss everything well and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Increase the heat and let the moisture evaporate.
- Top with cilantro and garam masala. Mix well and serve hot.
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