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Paneer Bhurji

Paneer Bhurji is a quick, one-pan scramble where crumbled paneer mingles with a glossy onion-tomato base and warm spices. The dish cooks in a hot pan until the edges bronze and the paneer turns creamy and glossy. Finished with lemon and cilantro, it presents as a bright, soft scramble with pockets of richness.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

  • paneer (firm) crumbled
  • onion diced
  • tomato chopped
  • garlic minced
  • ginger minced
  • ground cumin
  • ground coriander
  • turmeric
  • chili powder
  • oil or ghee
  • lemon juice for finishing
  • cilantro chopped
  • salt

Equipment

  • 12-inch skillet
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing bowl
  • Plate

Method
 

  1. Dice onion, preparing small uniform pieces that will soften quickly.
  2. Crumble paneer into rough sand-like bits, so it melts into the tomato base.
  3. Chop tomato into small pieces to form a glossy base when cooked with onion.
  4. Heat the skillet until shimmering over medium heat.
  5. Swirl a thin coating of oil in the hot pan to carry the spices.
  6. Sauté onion until translucent and lightly copper at the edges.
  7. Add garlic and ginger and cook until their aromas bloom and edges color lightly.
  8. Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili until fragrant.
  9. Add tomato and simmer until oil glazes the pan.
  10. Fold in paneer until the mixture comes together and paneer gains a soft, glossy surface.
  11. Finish with lemon juice and cilantro, tasting and adjusting with salt as needed.
  12. Plate with naan or toast and serve hot, with a final breath of lemon if desired and enjoy.