Crispy Masala Fried Paneer: Authentic Bengali Recipe
30 minutes
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About Crispy Masala Fried Paneer: Authentic Bengali Recipe
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Masala Fried Paneer, a beloved Bengali dish perfect as a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal. Succulent paneer cubes are marinated in a vibrant blend of yogurt, spices, and aromatic pastes, then coated in a crispy chickpea flour batter and shallow fried to golden perfection.This recipe delivers a delightful contrast of textures – the soft, melt-in-your-mouth paneer inside a crunchy, flavorful exterior. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and is guaranteed to impress your family and friends.Whether you're hosting a get-together or simply craving a delicious vegetarian treat, this Masala Fried Paneer recipe is a must-try. The fragrant spices and satisfying crunch make it an unforgettable culinary experience.
Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Paneer Marinade:
- 250 gm Cottage Cheese indian cottage cheese. ensure it's firm.
- 1/2 cup Yogurt plain yogurt or curd
- 2 tbsp Onion paste
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tsp Chili Powder adjust to your spice preference., red
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric haldi
- 1 tsp Cumin jeera powder
- 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
For the Batter:
- 1/2 cup Gram Flour besan, roasted lightly for enhanced flavor
- 2 tbsp Rice Flour roasted lightly
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds jeera, roasted and ground
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder adjust to taste, red
- 1/2 tsp Salt to taste
- Water Water as needed to make a smooth batter
For Frying:
- Vegetable Oil for shallow frying
Instructions
Prepare the Paneer
- Cut the paneer into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, combine the paneer with yogurt, onion paste, tomato paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure the paneer is evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a more intense flavor.
Make the Batter
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the roasted chickpea flour, roasted rice flour, roasted and ground cumin seeds, red chili powder, and salt. Gradually add water, mixing until you achieve a smooth, pourable batter, similar in consistency to pancake batter.
Fry the Paneer
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Dip each marinated paneer cube into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Carefully place the battered paneer into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Shallow fry the paneer, turning occasionally, until it's golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Serve
- Remove the fried paneer from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Masala Fried Paneer:
- For extra crispy paneer, ensure your batter isn't too thin. A thicker batter creates a crispier coating.
- Don't overcrowd the pan while frying; this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy paneer.
- Lightly roasting the chickpea and rice flours before adding them to the batter enhances their flavor and creates a more complex taste profile.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more red chili powder to both the marinade and batter. You can also add a pinch of garam masala for added depth of flavor.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 139kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 10gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.9gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.8gSodium: 855mgSugar: 4g
4 Comments
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Looks so flavorful! Thanks for posting.
Such a tasty dish! Thanks for the recipe.
I’m excited to make this at home!
Such a lovely dish! Thanks for sharing.