Chilli paneer

Name: Chilli paneer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 226 g block paneer, cut into 2cm cubes; ½ tsp Szechuan peppercorns, coarsely crushed (optional); ½ tsp black peppercorns, coarsely crushed; ½ tsp fine sea salt; 50 g plain flour; 1 tbsp cornflour; 75 ml soda water, chilled; 750 ml vegetable oil, for deep frying; 1 bunch salad onions, sliced on the diagonal; 1 red Thai chilli, finely sliced; 1 green Thai chilli, finely sliced; 5 clove/s garlic, very finely sliced; 1 lime, cut into wedges, to serve

Ravinder Bhogal's version takes inspiration from the perennially popular salt-and-pepper fried dishes often found in Chinese restaurants.

3.5 out of 5 stars(2) Rate this recipe

Vegetarian

Serves4
CourseStarter
Prepare10 mins
Cook25 mins
Total time35 mins

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Ingredients

226g block paneer, cut into 2cm cubes
½ tsp Szechuan peppercorns, coarsely crushed (optional)
½ tsp black peppercorns, coarsely crushed
½ tsp fine sea salt
50g plain flour
1 tbsp cornflour
75ml soda water, chilled
750ml vegetable oil, for deep frying
1 bunch salad onions, sliced on the diagonal
1 red Thai chilli, finely sliced
1 green Thai chilli, finely sliced
5 clove/s garlic, very finely sliced
1 lime, cut into wedges, to serve

Method

Bring a pan of water to the boil and add the paneer; simmer for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside. (This makes the paneer yielding and soft.)
Heat a dry frying pan over a medium heat, then toast the crushed Szechuan, if using, and crushed black peppercorns until aromatic (1-2 minutes). Transfer to a pestle and mortar along with the salt and crush to a coarse powder. Tip into a bowl and mix with the flours. Stir in the cold soda water to make a batter, taking care not to overbeat.
Heat the oil in a deep pan over a high heat until shimmering and line a plate with kitchen paper. Tip the paneer into the batter and stir to coat evenly. Working in batches, use tongs to carefully lower the paneer into the hot oil and deep fry until golden brown (5-8 minutes). Carefully remove and transfer to the lined plate.
Reserve 1 tbsp oil in the pan, then carefully pour the rest into a heatproof container (discard the used oil once cool). Put the pan back on the heat and fry the salad onions, chillies and garlic for 1 minute until the garlic is just turning golden. Take out of the pan with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Transfer to a large bowl, add the fried paneer and a pinch of salt, then toss together. Serve with the lime wedges.