Chilli Paneer Gravy Recipe Veg: Easy & Delicious Guide

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crave a delicious Indian-inspired dish that’s both hearty and vegetarian, this Chilli Paneer Gravy recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines the soft, spongy texture of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with a spicy, tangy, and savory gravy that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, the vibrant flavors of this gravy pair wonderfully with steamed rice or naan, creating a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

What makes this recipe stand out is its balance of heat and tanginess, infused with the freshness of bell peppers, onions, and aromatic spices. Whether you are a seasoned paneer lover or new to vegetarian Indian cuisine, this recipe is straightforward to make and yields restaurant-quality results at home.

Keep reading to discover why this Chilli Paneer Gravy will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chilli Paneer Gravy recipe offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will excite your palate. The paneer stays soft and succulent, soaking up the rich, spicy gravy that’s made with fresh vegetables and a hint of soy sauce for an Indo-Chinese twist.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s vegan-friendly if you substitute paneer with tofu, and it’s packed with protein and nutrients.

Additionally, this dish is incredibly versatile — easily adjustable in spice levels, and perfect for meal prepping. The gravy keeps well and tastes even better the next day, making it a practical and flavorful choice for busy cooks.

If you enjoy dishes like Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or want to explore more vegetarian delights, Chilli Paneer Gravy is a must-try!

Ingredients

• 250 grams paneer, cut into cubes
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium capsicum (bell pepper), diced
• 2-3 green chilies, slit or chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or mustard oil preferred)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• 1 teaspoon red chili sauce (optional for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup water or as needed
• 1 tablespoon cornflour mixed in 3 tablespoons water (for slurry)
• Salt, to taste
• Spring onions, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Non-stick frying pan or wok
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Small bowl for cornflour slurry

Instructions

1. Prepare the paneer: Cut the paneer into bite-sized cubes. If you prefer, lightly fry the paneer cubes in a non-stick pan with a teaspoon of oil until golden on all sides. This step gives paneer a nice texture but can be skipped for a softer result.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or pan over medium heat. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped onions and green chilies, cooking until the onions turn translucent.
3. Add vegetables: Toss in the diced capsicum and cook for 2-3 minutes. The bell pepper should still retain some crunch, adding texture to the dish.
4. Build the gravy base: Add tomato ketchup, soy sauce, red chili sauce, chili powder, black pepper, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine all the flavors, letting the mixture cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add water and thicken: Pour in about 1/2 cup water and bring to a gentle boil. Slowly add the cornflour slurry while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Combine paneer and gravy: Add the paneer cubes and toss gently to coat them evenly with the gravy. Cook for 2-3 minutes on low heat so the paneer absorbs the flavors.
7. Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped spring onions for a burst of freshness and color.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan version, substitute paneer with firm tofu and use vegan sauces where necessary.

Adjust the heat by varying the number of green chilies and chili powder.

For extra crunch, add diced carrots or baby corn along with the capsicum.

If you want a smoky flavor, lightly char the capsicum over an open flame before adding it to the gravy.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This spicy and flavorful Chilli Paneer Gravy pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice for a wholesome meal. You can also serve it with Indian breads like naan, paratha, or roti, which help soak up the delicious gravy.

For a complete dining experience, serve alongside a fresh cucumber raita or a simple green salad. If you enjoy exploring different flavors, check out our Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe for a tangy side that complements the heat of the gravy wonderfully.

Conclusion

Chilli Paneer Gravy is a fantastic dish that perfectly blends Indian and Chinese flavors, creating a delightful culinary experience that is both comforting and exciting. Its rich, spicy gravy combined with the soft, protein-rich paneer makes it an ideal choice for vegetarians and anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet.

This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. The ability to customize the spice level and vegetables makes it versatile and adaptable to your preferences.

If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy dishes like the tasty Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese for dessert or the nourishing Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe for a hearty protein option.

Give this Chilli Paneer Gravy a try and bring a burst of flavor to your vegetarian meals that everyone will rave about!

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