Vegetable Paneer Jalfrezi is a simple Indian vegetarian curry made with vegetables, paneer and Indian spices.This stir fry is low carb and keto recipe too. It tastes best paired with warm rotis or paratha.
Start by heating oil in a nonstick pan on medium heat.
Once warm, add in cumin seeds and hing.
Now add in the minced ginger & garlic to the oil.
Sautee it for 20 seconds.
Now add in green chilies, all the veggies mentioned and salt.
Cook them on a high heat for 2 minutes until barely tender.
You may choose to cover and cook it. Stirring occasionally in between.
Add in the masalas, give it a mix.
Let it cook for 1 minute.
Add in the tomatoes, tomato puree, and ketchup.
Cover and cook for 2 minutes.
Now add in the kasoori methi and sliced Paneer.
Give it a mix until the masala is well coated with paneer.
Lower the heat to medium.
Cook covered for 2 minutes. This will make Paneer really soft.
Give a taste check and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Add in cilantro.
Now cook without the lid for a minute.
Notes
I use mustard oil in this recipe for an authentic taste of North Indian cuisine. If you do not have it swap it with preferred cooking oil.The spice level of this curry is 4 o 5, 5 being hot.Adjust the heat according to your taste.Use 4-5 cups of sliced vegetables.You may increase the quantity of paneer and reduce the veggies or vice versa.You may skip Paneer and make it as Vegetable Jalfrezi or add tofu instead.Other vegetables that go well in this curry -Potatoes, baby corn, mushrooms, green beans, cauliflower.
Helpful tips to make restaurant-style Veg Paneer Jalfrezi -
All vegetables and Paneer are cut lengthwise to make Jalfrezi and not cubes as it’s done for Kadai Paneer.
Do not overcook the veggies or else it will get mushy.
Jalfrezi is just stir-frying them on high heat to cook.
Do not fry the paneer separately. In Paneer Jalfrezi, it should have a soft texture.
Substitute tomato puree and ketchup with 1 tablespoon store-bought tomato paste and 3-4 tablespoons water. Plus add ½ teaspoon of sugar for a hint of sweetness.
Can you make this paneer curry ahead of time?Yes, you can do it two ways-• Slice the vegetables and paneer and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days in advanceOR• Make the curry and store it in the fridge for 2 days ahead of time.Can you freeze Veg Paneer Jalfrezi?• Yes, you can freeze this sabzi for up to 3 months.• Thaw overnight in the fridge or 2-3 hours at room temperature.• Then reheat in a microwave or stovetop pan until piping hot.• Do not refreeze the leftovers.