Garlic Paneer is a quick, flavorful, and easy appetizer made by tossing paneer in a spicy and hot homemade garlic sauce. This dry, savory dish is perfect as a starter or a side in your meal. You can also use it in wraps, kathi rolls, burgers, or sandwiches. The garlic sauce adds a delightful heat and flavor, making this paneer dish irresistible and perfect for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups paneer, cubed

• 6 large garlic cloves

• 5–6 dried red chilies (seeds removed, or 1 tsp chili powder or flakes)

• 1 tsp sugar

• ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 2 tbsp oil

• ½ tsp cumin seeds (optional)

• ½ cup finely chopped onions (or spring onions)

• 1 tsp vinegar (white or apple cider)

• 1 tsp soya sauce (optional)

• 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves or celery (for garnish)

Directions

1. Blend garlic, dried red chilies, sugar, salt, and vinegar with 2–3 tbsp water to form a smooth or coarse paste.

2. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds (optional), and let them sizzle. Then, add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden.

3. Add the ground garlic-chili paste to the pan and sauté until the mixture starts releasing oil and becomes fragrant.

4. Taste and adjust salt and vinegar. You may also add soya sauce at this stage.

5. Add the diced paneer and toss gently to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, splash a little water (about 1 tbsp).

6. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.

7. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves or celery. Serve hot as an appetizer, side dish, or with fried rice, noodles, or in wraps.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 334

• Fat: 28g

• Saturated Fat: 14g

• Cholesterol: 61mg

• Sodium: 524mg

• Potassium: 38mg

• Carbohydrates: 6g

• Sugar: 2g

• Protein: 13g

• Vitamin C: 2.6mg

• Calcium: 460mg

• Iron: 0.2mg

Why Choose Garlic Paneer?

Garlic Paneer is the ideal dish for those who love bold flavors with a touch of heat. It’s simple to make, requiring only a few key ingredients, but it delivers a punch of flavor that will impress your taste buds. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer for a party or enjoy it as a side dish to complement your main meal. If you’re a fan of paneer, this recipe offers a new twist by introducing a spicy garlic sauce that enhances the paneer’s natural creaminess.

The combination of garlic, dried red chilies (or chili flakes), vinegar, and soy sauce creates a tangy, spicy sauce that elevates the paneer to new heights. Plus, the addition of sugar balances the heat, ensuring that the flavor is well-rounded and not overpowering. Whether you’re serving it at a casual family dinner or a formal gathering, Garlic Paneer is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

At the heart of this dish is the garlic sauce, which is the perfect balance of heat, spice, and tang. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

• Garlic: The star of the dish, garlic provides a deep, savory flavor and aroma. It’s sautéed to release its natural oils, which enhances its fragrance and flavor.

• Dried Red Chilies: These give the dish its heat and spiciness. You can adjust the amount depending on your heat tolerance. For those who prefer a milder dish, chili flakes or chili powder can be used as an alternative.

• Sugar: The addition of sugar balances the heat from the chilies and enhances the overall flavor profile, creating a more harmonious taste.

• Vinegar: Vinegar adds a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the paneer and spices, giving the sauce a well-rounded, sharp flavor.

• Soy Sauce: While optional, soy sauce adds a savory, umami flavor that complements the spiciness of the garlic and chilies, making the dish even more flavorful.

Simple Cooking Process

Making Garlic Paneer is easy, and the process is straightforward. Here’s how the dish comes together:

1. Prepare the Garlic-Chili Paste: Blend garlic, dried red chilies, sugar, salt, and vinegar with a little water to form a smooth or coarse paste. This mixture is the base of the flavorful sauce that will coat the paneer.

2. Cook the Onion: In a hot pan with oil, add cumin seeds (optional), followed by finely chopped onions (or spring onions). Sauté the onions until they turn golden brown, adding sweetness and depth to the dish.

3. Add the Garlic-Chili Paste: Once the onions are golden, stir in the garlic-chili paste and cook until the mixture releases oil and becomes fragrant. This step ensures that the spices are fully incorporated into the oil, enhancing the flavors.

4. Toss the Paneer: Add the diced paneer to the pan and toss it gently to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, splash in a little water to loosen it up. Let the paneer cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.

5. Garnish: Finish the dish by garnishing with chopped coriander leaves or celery. This adds a fresh, green note that contrasts nicely with the spiciness of the dish.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Paneer

Garlic Paneer is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few ideas for serving it:

As an Appetizer: Serve Garlic Paneer as a starter at your next dinner party or gathering. Its bold flavors will get everyone excited for the main course.

With Fried Rice or Noodles: Garlic Paneer pairs wonderfully with fried rice or noodles. The spicy, garlicky paneer complements the flavors of the rice and noodles, creating a balanced meal.

In Wraps or Kathi Rolls: For a quick and satisfying meal, use Garlic Paneer as a filling in wraps or kathi rolls. Add some fresh salad ingredients, and you have a flavorful and portable dish.

On Burgers or Sandwiches: Add a spicy twist to your regular burger or sandwich by incorporating Garlic Paneer as the main filling. The paneer adds richness and flavor, while the garlic sauce gives it a delightful kick.

As a Side Dish: Garlic Paneer works as a side dish to accompany a variety of main courses, such as curry, dal, or grilled meats. It adds a spicy, savory note that enhances the overall meal.

Nutritional Profile of Garlic Paneer

Garlic Paneer is a rich and hearty dish that provides a good amount of protein from the paneer. Each serving contains approximately 334 calories, with 28 grams of fat, including 14 grams of saturated fat. While this makes it a bit indulgent, the paneer also provides valuable nutrients like calcium, which is essential for bone health.

The dish contains 6 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of sugar, making it relatively low in carbs. It also provides 13 grams of protein, which helps make it filling and satisfying. While the sodium content is around 524 mg per serving, it’s a good idea to adjust the amount of soy sauce and salt based on your dietary preferences.

Customization Options

Garlic Paneer is highly customizable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:

• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer dried red chilies or chili flakes. For a milder version, use less chili and more garlic, and for extra heat, increase the chili content.

• Herbs: If you don’t have coriander leaves, you can use celery for garnish, or you can opt for fresh mint for a different flavor profile.

• Vegan Option: To make the dish vegan, simply replace the paneer with tofu. Tofu will absorb the sauce in a similar way, offering a vegan alternative while still maintaining the dish’s heartiness.

• Soy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding soy, simply omit the soy sauce and increase the amount of vinegar or add a splash of lemon juice for acidity and flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Garlic Paneer is a bold and flavorful dish that combines the richness of paneer with a spicy, garlicky sauce. It’s a quick and easy appetizer that can be customized to suit any occasion or meal. Whether you serve it as a standalone appetizer, add it to wraps or sandwiches, or pair it with rice or noodles, Garlic Paneer is sure to impress with its irresistible flavor and heat. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.