| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 421 | 21g | 11g | 38g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 3g | 16g | 1.50g |
Why I Love Indian Paneer Jalfrezi Paratha
There’s something magical about an Indian recipe like the Paneer Jalfrezi Paratha that always brings a sense of excitement to the kitchen. The way the fragrant aromas of the spices fill the room as you mix the dough, finely chop the peppers, and sauté the paneer – it truly is an experience for the senses. As a Southern belle who’s grown accustomed to the staples of fried chicken and biscuits, this Indian dish offers a much-needed breath of exotic and bold flavors.
The Fusion of Flavors
The interplay of flavors in a Paneer Jalfrezi Paratha is delightful. It reminds me very much of stuffed parathas – a popular dish I once tasted at a street food stand in Mumbai. Surely, this dish stands out for its versatility – it’s wonderful on its own, but equally gratifying with a touch of raita or a sprinkle of mango pickle.
The Inspiration
The inspiration behind this dish certainly owes much to the wisdom of Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, a celebrated Indian chef whose passion for food is simply infectious. His ability to present Indian cuisine in a contemporary and easy-to-follow style is something I’ve tried to imbibe in my own cooking journey. I’m grateful for his influence on this dish.
Even though my roots lie in traditional Southern cooking, I have found a genuine love for exploring different global cuisines. And Paneer Jalfrezi Paratha with its aromatic Indian spices and colorful vegetables, truly tantalizes the taste buds in a new and exciting way. One could say it brings the vibrant streets of Mumbai or the lush green fields of Punjab right on your dinner table, making for a truly tasty and scenic culinary journey – one that I am excited to share with you.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 cups Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese)
- 1 cup Finely Chopped Bell Peppers (Green, Yellow and Red)
- 1/2 cup Chopped Onions
- 2 Green Chilies, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 2 teaspoons Turmeric Powder
- 2 teaspoons Red Chili Powder
- 2 teaspoons Garam Masala
- 2 teaspoons Cumin Seeds
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 6 tablespoons Ghee (Clarified Butter)
- Salt, to taste
- Water, as needed
- Fresh Cilantro leaves, for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the dough for the parathas. Take a large bowl, add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water and knead into a smooth dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Step Two
While the dough is resting, prepare the filling for the parathas. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them crackle.
Step Three
Add the chopped onions to the pan and saute until they turn translucent. Now, add the green chilies and ginger-garlic paste. Cook until the raw smell of the garlic goes away.
Step Four
Next, add the bell peppers and sauté until they become soft. Add the tomato paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step Five
Finally, add the paneer to the pan, mix it well with the other ingredients and cook for 5-10 minutes until everything is well combined. Season with salt, according to taste. Remove the filling from heat and let it cool.
Step Six
Now, divide the dough into equal portions. Take one portion of the dough and roll it out into a small circle. Place a spoonful of the paneer filling in the center, fold the edges of the dough to seal the filling inside and again roll it out into a circle.
Step Seven
Heat a tawa or skillet and place the paratha on it. Cook the paratha on both sides until it turns golden brown, remember to apply ghee while cooking. Do the same with the rest of the dough and filling.
Step Eight
Garnish the hot Paneer Jalfrezi Paratha with fresh cilantro leaves just before serving. Enjoy the delicious parathas with a side of yogurt or pickle.
