Amritsari Paneer Bhurji (Cottage cheese)

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Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)
4.5
From 2 ratings

Amritsari Paneer Bhurji, a North Indian Specialty! 

It is a creamy and flavorful dish made with soft paneer, roasted gram flour, and a blend of aromatic spices that add a unique depth of flavour to the dish.

It is often served with bread and can be relished as a side dish or...

Amritsari Paneer Bhurji (Cottage cheese)  recipe
Prep Time
10min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
30min

Ingredients

3 Servings
  • Oil
    Oil
    1tbsp
  • Gram Flour (Besan)
    Gram Flour (Besan)
    1tbsp
  • Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder
    Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder
    1/4tsp

For Bhurji

  • Butter
    Butter
    30g
  • Oil
    Oil
    2tbsp
  • Cumin Seeds
    Cumin Seeds
    1/2tsp
  • Ginger (finely chopped)
    Ginger (finely chopped)
    1tsp
  • Garlic (finely chopped)
    Garlic (finely chopped)
    1tsp
  • medium-sized Onion (finely chopped)
    medium-sized Onion (finely chopped)
    1
  • Green Chillies (finely chopped)
    Green Chillies (finely chopped)
    3
  • Medium-sized Tomatoes (finely chopped)
    Medium-sized Tomatoes (finely chopped)
    2
  • Yogurt
    Yogurt
    2tbsp
  • Coriander Powder (Dhaniya)
    Coriander Powder (Dhaniya)
    1/2tbsp
  • Salt
    Salt
    1tsp
  • Red Chilli Powder
    Red Chilli Powder
    1/2tsp
  • Dried Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi)
    Dried Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi)
    1/2tbsp
  • Turmeric (Haldi)
    Turmeric (Haldi)
    1/4tsp
  • Water
    Water
    1cup
  • Cottage Cheese (Paneer)
    Cottage Cheese (Paneer)
    200g
  • Coriander Leaves for garnishing
    Coriander Leaves for garnishing

How to make Amritsari Paneer Bhurji (Cottage cheese)

  1. Step 1

    Warm 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over low-medium heat. Toast the gram flour until it turns golden brown, stirring constantly.

    Step 1.1: Warm 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over low-medium heat
    Step 1.2: Warm 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over low-medium heat
  2. Step 2

    Once golden, blend in the Kashmiri red chilli powder, mix well, and transfer the paste to a bowl. Set aside.

    Step 1.1: Once golden, blend in the Kashmiri red chilli powder, mix well, and transfer the paste to a bowl
    Step 1.2: Once golden, blend in the Kashmiri red chilli powder, mix well, and transfer the paste to a bowl
  3. Step 3

    Grate or crumble the cottage cheese (paneer) and set it aside.

    Step 1.1: Grate or crumble the cottage cheese (paneer) and set it aside
  4. Step 4

    In a skillet, melt butter with oil over medium-high heat. Add cumin seeds, ginger and garlic. Saute until slightly brown.

    Step 1.1: In a skillet, melt butter with oil over medium-high heat
  5. Step 5

    Add chopped onions and green chillies, saute until onions become translucent.

    Step 1.1: Add chopped onions and green chillies, saute until onions become translucent
    Step 1.2: Add chopped onions and green chillies, saute until onions become translucent
  6. Step 6

    Add tomatoes and salt. Cook until soft, then mix in yogurt.

    Step 1.1: Add tomatoes and salt
    Step 1.2: Add tomatoes and salt
  7. Step 7

    Add roasted gram flour paste, coriander powder, red chilli powder, fenugreek leaves and turmeric powder. Cook until oil leaves the sides.

    Step 1.1: Add roasted gram flour paste, coriander powder, red chilli powder, fenugreek leaves and turmeric powder
    Step 1.2: Add roasted gram flour paste, coriander powder, red chilli powder, fenugreek leaves and turmeric powder
    Step 1.3: Add roasted gram flour paste, coriander powder, red chilli powder, fenugreek leaves and turmeric powder
  8. Step 8

    Pour in water, and bring to a boil. Add the paneer, mix well and cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally.

    Step 1.1: Pour in water, and bring to a boil
  9. Step 9

    Adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and butter cubes (optional).

    Step 1.1: Adjust seasoning to taste
  10. Step 10

    Turn off the heat, cover and let the bhurji rest for a few minutes to enhance flavours.

  11. Step 11

    Pair the bhurji with bread, paratha or roti.

  12. Step 12

    Enjoy!

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

229.3kcal (11.47%)

Protein

12.2g (24.34%)

Carbs

12.2g (4.43%)

Sugars

2.8g (5.66%)

Healthy Fat

8.0g

Unhealthy Fat

10.2g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Roast gram flour on low heat to prevent burning.

  2. Adding gram flour gives a smooth texture to the gravy.

  3. Combining oil with butter helps prevent it from burning.

  4. Adjust spices according to your preference.

  5. This recipe yields 3-4 servings, depending on the portion size.

FAQS

  1. How can I make Amritsari Paneer Bhurji vegan or dairy-free?

    To make Amritsari Paneer Bhurji vegan, you can substitute the cottage cheese (paneer) with crumbled tofu or a plant-based cheese alternative. Additionally, replace the yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt made from almond or coconut milk. This way, you can still enjoy the creamy texture and rich flavors of the dish while keeping it dairy-free.

  2. What are some good side dishes to serve with Amritsari Paneer Bhurji?

    Amritsari Paneer Bhurji pairs wonderfully with various Indian breads such as naan, roti, or paratha. You can also serve it with a side of basmati rice or jeera rice for a complete meal. A fresh cucumber salad or raita can complement the dish nicely, adding a refreshing contrast to the spices.

  3. How should I store leftover Amritsari Paneer Bhurji?

    To store leftover Amritsari Paneer Bhurji, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.

  4. Can I use different spices or ingredients in Amritsari Paneer Bhurji?

    Absolutely! While the traditional spices give Amritsari Paneer Bhurji its unique flavor, you can experiment with other spices like garam masala or add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition. Just be mindful of the balance of flavors, and adjust the spices according to your taste.

  5. What is the cooking process for making Amritsari Paneer Bhurji from scratch?

    To make Amritsari Paneer Bhurji, start by toasting gram flour until golden brown. Then, sauté cumin seeds, ginger, garlic, onions, and green chilies in a pan. Add tomatoes and spices, followed by yogurt and the roasted gram flour paste. Finally, mix in crumbled paneer and cook for a few minutes. Let it rest before serving for enhanced flavors.

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Leena Kohli

(@leenakohli)

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