Paneer Bhurji

Name: Paneer Bhurji
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: punjabi
Ingredients: 400 g paneer (crumbled or grated); 1 pcs onion (medium, finely chopped); 2 pcs tomato (medium, finely chopped); 2 pcs green chili (finely chopped); 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste; 2 tsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 0.5 tsp turmeric powder; 0.5 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste); 0.5 tsp garam masala; 0.25 tsp salt; 2 tbsp coriander leaves (chopped, for garnish)

RATING

4.6/5(157)

TASTE SCORE

9/10

A quick and flavorful North Indian scramble of crumbled cottage cheese, onions, tomatoes, and spices. This high-protein dish comes together in minutes, perfect for a hearty breakfast or a light lunch.

PREP

COOK

10m

SERVES

1 KATORI

371 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 5 STEPS

prep
Prepare the ingredients.
Gently crumble the paneer with your hands or grate it. Finely chop the onion, tomatoes, and green chilies. Keep all your spices ready.
TIPUsing fresh, soft paneer will give you the best texture. If your paneer is hard, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes before crumbling.
temper
Sauté the aromatics.
1.Heat oil in a non-stick pan or kadai over medium heat.
2.Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for about 30 seconds.
3.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn soft and translucent, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
saute
Cook the masala base.
1.Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
2.Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
3.Mix well and cook until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy, and the oil starts to separate from the masala. This will take about 3-4 minutes.
TIPPress the tomatoes with the back of your spatula to help them break down faster and create a smooth base.
mix
Add paneer and cook.
Add the crumbled paneer to the pan. Mix gently to coat it evenly with the masala. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the paneer is heated through. Avoid overcooking, as it can make the paneer chewy.
garnish
Garnish and serve.
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the garam masala and chopped coriander leaves over the bhurji. Give it a final mix and serve hot with roti, paratha, or bread.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
For a creamier bhurji, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream along with the paneer.
2
Do not overcook the paneer after adding it to the pan, as it will become rubbery.
3
You can add other vegetables like finely chopped bell peppers or green peas for extra nutrition and crunch.
4
For a tangy twist, squeeze a bit of lemon juice at the end.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

vegan

Vegan

Replace the paneer with crumbled firm tofu. Ensure you press the tofu well to remove excess water before crumbling.

high protein

High protein

Add 1/4 cup of boiled green peas along with the paneer for an extra boost of protein and fiber.

kid friendly

Kid friendly

Omit the green chilies and reduce the red chili powder to a pinch. You can also add a little tomato ketchup to make it sweeter.

jain

Jain

Skip the onion and ginger-garlic paste. Use a pinch of asafoetida (hing) in the tempering and add grated raw banana or cabbage for texture.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

muscle

Excellent Source of Protein

Paneer is a high-quality protein source, crucial for muscle building, cell repair, and overall body function.

bone

Rich in Calcium

Being a dairy product, paneer is packed with calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

satiety

Promotes Satiety

The combination of protein and fat in paneer helps you feel full and satisfied for longer, reducing overall calorie intake.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Paneer Bhurji is a healthy dish. It's rich in protein and calcium from paneer. To keep it healthy, use minimal oil and pair it with whole-wheat roti.

PAIRS WELL WITH