Paneer Bhurji

4.8(167 reviews)

Indian scrambled paneer — crumbled cheese sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and spices. The vegetarian alternative to scrambled eggs. Best with naan or roti for breakfast or quick dinner.

Prep Time

16 min

🔥

Cook Time

15 min

🍽

Servings

4

Calories

352 cal

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Paneer Bhurji — homemade International vegetarian recipe with paneer, onion, tomato, 4 servings, ready in 31 minutes
Vegetarian
Hard

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Smart Servings Scaler

servings
  • Paneer250 g
  • Onion1 medium
  • Tomato2 medium
  • Salt1 tsp
  • Black Pepper½ tsp
  • Cooking Oil1
  • Garlic3 cloves

All quantities scaled automatically from 4 servings.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust

  • Paneer250 g
  • Onion1 medium
  • Tomato2 medium
  • Salt1 tsp
  • Black Pepper0.5 tsp
  • Cooking Oil1
  • Garlic3 cloves

Instructions

  1. 1

    Crumble 14 oz of paneer into pea-sized pieces with your hands. Don't grate — crumbled gives the right texture.

  2. 2

    Heat 3 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a skillet over medium-high. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, sizzle 10 seconds. Add 1 chopped onion, cook 5 minutes until golden.

  3. 3

    Add 1 chopped green chili, 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste, cook 1 minute. Add 2 chopped tomatoes, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1.5 teaspoons salt. Cook 5 minutes until tomatoes break down.

  4. 4

    Add ½ chopped bell pepper. Cook 2 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add the crumbled paneer. Toss gently to coat in the masala. Cook 3-4 minutes — paneer is already cooked, just heat through.

  6. 6

    Finish with juice of half a lemon, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon kasoori methi (crushed). Serve with naan, roti, or paratha.

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💡 Expert Tips

  • 1.Crumble paneer, don't grate. Grated turns to powder.
  • 2.Don't overcook paneer. Just heat through.
  • 3.Kasoori methi at end. Defining Indian flavor.
  • 4.Lemon brightens.

🔬 Why It Works

Paneer bhurji is scrambled paneer in spiced tomato-onion base. The crumbled paneer absorbs the masala flavors. The brief cooking time keeps the paneer tender. Like Indian scrambled eggs but vegetarian and substantial enough for a meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where's paneer?
Indian groceries always have it. Most supermarkets carry it now. Or make at home.
What's kasoori methi?
Dried fenugreek leaves. Indian groceries. Crush between palms before adding to release aroma.
Best with what?
Naan, roti, paratha. Or roll into a wrap. Breakfast or quick dinner.
Vegan version?
Substitute paneer with crumbled extra-firm tofu (pressed). Different but works.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings)

Calories352kcal
Protein16g
Carbohydrates56g
Fat26g
Fiber7g
Sugar33g

* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.

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