Paneer Bhurji
A classic North Indian scramble made with soft, crumbled paneer, sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. This savory and protein-rich dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick breakfast or a light meal with rotis.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Heat ghee in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- b.Add cumin seeds and let them splutter for about 30 seconds.
- c.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- d.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
TIPIf the onions start to stick, add a splash of water to prevent burning. - 2
Step 2
- a.Add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook for 5-6 minutes, mashing them with a spoon until they turn soft and pulpy.
- b.Add the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
- c.Sauté the masala for 1-2 minutes until it thickens and the ghee begins to separate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Reduce the heat to low. Add the crumbled paneer and crushed kasuri methi.
- b.Gently mix everything together, ensuring the paneer is evenly coated with the masala.
- c.Cook for just 1-2 minutes to heat the paneer through.
TIPDon't overcook the paneer, as it can get tough. Just heat it through. - 4
Step 4
- a.Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala and fresh lemon juice.
- b.Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
- c.Serve hot with roti, paratha, or whole wheat bread.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use fresh, homemade paneer for the best texture. If using store-bought, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes to soften it.
- 2Finely chopping the onions and tomatoes is key to achieving the right texture for the bhurji.
- 3To add creaminess, whisk a tablespoon of yogurt and add it at the end, cooking for just a minute.
- 4Crush the kasuri methi between your palms before adding it to release its maximum aroma.
- 5This bhurji makes an excellent filling for whole wheat sandwiches, wraps, or even dosas.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace paneer with crumbled firm tofu and use a neutral oil instead of ghee.
jainJain
Omit the onion and ginger-garlic paste. Use grated cabbage or raw banana for texture and add a pinch of asafoetida (hing).
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the paneer to 300g and stir in 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt at the end for extra creaminess and protein.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Skip the green chilies and reduce the chili powder to a pinch for a milder flavor that kids will love.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Paneer is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, cell growth, and overall body function.
Good Source of Calcium
This dish provides a significant amount of calcium, vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and for proper nerve function.
Boosts Metabolism
The spices like cumin and turmeric used in the dish contain compounds that can help boost metabolism and aid in digestion.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Paneer Bhurji is a healthy dish. It's a great source of protein and calcium from paneer. To make it even healthier, you can control the amount of ghee used and pair it with whole wheat rotis.