Irresistible Paneer 65 Recipe: A Spicy Indian Delight

Introduction: 

Paneer 65 is a popular and spicy vegetarian appetizer that originated in South India. This dish features succulent cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated and deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. Follow this simple recipe to recreate the magic of Paneer 65 in your own kitchen and treat your taste buds to a burst of deliciousness.

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Ingredients:

250 grams paneer, cut into cubes

1/2 cup thick yogurt

3 tablespoons besan (gram flour)

2 tablespoons rice flour

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Oil for deep frying

For the tempering (optional):

1 tablespoon oil

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

Curry leaves

Instructions:

Marinate the Paneer:

In a bowl, combine yogurt, besan, rice flour, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt.

Mix the ingredients well to form a smooth and thick batter.

Add the paneer cubes to the batter, ensuring each cube is coated evenly. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Deep Fry the Paneer:

Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.

Carefully drop the marinated paneer cubes into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Remove the fried paneer cubes and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Prepare the Tempering (Optional):

In a small pan, heat oil for tempering.

Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. Allow them to splutter.

Toss Paneer in the Tempering (Optional):

If you choose to temper, add the fried paneer cubes to the tempering and toss them well to coat.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish the Paneer 65 with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve hot as an appetizer or snack, accompanied by mint chutney or your favorite sauce.

Tips:

For an extra kick, you can add finely chopped green chilies or a pinch of chaat masala to the marinade.

Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder.

Conclusion: 

Paneer 65 is a delightful dish that combines the richness of paneer with the bold flavors of Indian spices. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a savory snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the crispy goodness and aromatic spices of homemade Paneer 65 – a true Indian culinary delight!