Paneer Vegetable Jalfrezi

🕒 Cook Time

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes

🍽 Servings: 4

Categories: Vegetarian

Freezer-friendly?: Yes

Watch Full Video in Youtube:

📝 Ingredients

Wet & Spice Mix

1. 2 tbsp oil (avocado oil or any neutral oil)

2. 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)

3. Pinch of asafoetida (hing), optional

4. 1 tbsp garlic paste (or minced garlic)

5. 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)

6. 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder

7. ½ tsp ground black pepper

8. ½ tsp turmeric powder

9. ½ tsp garam masala

10. Salt to taste

Vegetables & Paneer

1. 2 medium onions, sliced

2. ¼ cup bell peppers (any color), cut into strips

3. ¼ cup beans, cut into sticks

4. ¼ cup frozen green peas

5. ¼ cup carrots, cut into sticks

6. 2 tomatoes, sliced

7. 150 grams paneer strips (or tofu for vegan option)

Optional Extras

- 1 tsp kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

- Handful fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped — for garnish

- Optional: a dash of cream or yogurt (if desired for richness)

👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Prep: Slice the vegetables and paneer into strips to ensure even cooking and that classic jalfrezi texture.

2. Warm the oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds (and asafoetida, if using); let sizzle briefly.

3. Add onions and fry till translucent (about 2 minutes).

4. Stir in garlic—quickly sauté until fragrant (about 20 seconds).

5. Add bell peppers, beans, carrots, peas (and other optional veggies). Season lightly with salt. Cover and cook for ~2 minutes.

6. Gently stir in tomatoes and paneer.

7. Spice it up: Sprinkle in red chili, kashmiri red chilli, turmeric, garam masala and black pepper. Mix well and let the spices cook for ~1 minute.

8. Crumble in kasoori methi and gently saute.

9. Final touch: Uncover and let everything pan‑fry for ~1 minute to develop a slight char. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

10. Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with naan, roti, paratha, or rice.

💡 Notes & Tips

- Paneer alternatives: Use tofu for a vegan twist

- Want more richness? Add a splash of cream or yogurt near the end.

- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the paneer.