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Chili Cheese Paneer with Herb Rice

Chili Cheese Paneer with Herb Rice
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Chili Cheese Paneer with Herb Rice is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish combining spicy, tangy chili-infused paneer topped with melted cheese alongside fragrant herb rice. It offers a perfect balance of bold spices and fresh herbs, making it a quick, satisfying meal ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Paneer and Cheese

  • 200g paneer, cut into cubes
  • 100g grated mozzarella or processed cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2–3 fresh green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Herb Rice

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves
  • 1 teaspoon butter or oil
  • Pinch of salt

Other Ingredients and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for sautéing)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Herb Rice: Rinse 1 cup basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add the rice, chopped cilantro and mint, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon butter or oil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is fluffy and fragrant. Fluff gently with a fork before serving.
  2. Cube and Sauté the Paneer: Cut paneer into even cubes. Heat 1 tablespoon butter or oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté paneer cubes until golden on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes, creating a pleasant texture contrast.
  3. Prepare the Chili Cheese Paneer Sauce: In the same pan, add finely chopped green chilies, diced bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup and season with salt and pepper. Add a splash of water if needed to make a light sauce.
  4. Combine Paneer with Sauce and Cheese: Return the sautéed paneer to the pan, tossing gently to coat all pieces with the chili sauce evenly. Sprinkle a generous layer of grated mozzarella or processed cheese over the paneer. Cover and let the cheese melt on low heat until gooey and melted.
  5. Final Touch and Serve: Once the cheese is melted, stir gently to combine everything. Serve the hot chili cheese paneer immediately alongside the fragrant herb rice for a perfectly balanced meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh paneer for better flavor absorption and a softer texture.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing paneer to ensure even browning.
  • Adjust green chilies and chili powder to customize the spice level.
  • Let the cooked herb rice rest covered for a few minutes to enhance fluffiness.
  • Choose mild cheeses like mozzarella for smooth melting; sharper cheeses can be experimented with for varied flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili cheese paneer, herb rice, spicy paneer recipe, Indian cheese dish, vegetarian main course, quick paneer recipe

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/chili-cheese-paneer-with-herb-rice/