Paneer Bhurji

Get ready to enjoy my creamy Paneer Bhurji! This delicious Indian side dish is an easy one pan meal, made with scrambled paneer, onion, tomato, pepper and spices. Plus it can be enjoyed for any meal of the day! Learn how to make my 20 minutes Paneer Bhurji recipe in just a few simple steps.

About my simple paneer bhurji recipe

When it comes to quick and easy meals, one of my go-to recipe is always Paneer Bhurji. It is a popular NothIndian dish made with scrambled paneer. This is a street-style dish, meaning it's quite simple to make and takes only about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or even an instant breakfast.

 I make it by cooking the crumbled paneer with spices and other fresh salad ingredients such as onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers. 

This protein packed dish is perfect for breakfast with ladi pav (homemade dinner rolls) or toasted sourdough bread. Pair with Indian flatbreads like roti or paratha for lunch / dinner . It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed in many ways.

For a vegan option, try our Tofu Bhurji!

Ingredients

• Paneer: You can use homemade or store-bought paneer. Simply crumble it or use a fork to break it into chunks. In the UK, you can find it at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Morrisons, ASDA, or Asian stores.
• Spices: I use cumin seeds, turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and garam masala in my bhurji.
• Onion: I use white onion for its delicate flavour, but red onion works too.
• Tomato: You can use fresh tomatoes or tomato paste.
• Ginger and Garlic: I use fresh, minced garlic cloves and ginger in the bhurji. You can substitute with ginger-garlic paste for convenience.
• Pepper: Diced mixed bell peppers added with the paneer will give it a nice crunch.
• Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste.
• Lemon or Lime Juice: For a zesty touch.
• Oil: Any neutral-flavored oil will work.
• Coriander leaves and green chili: These are optional, but I recommend them for extra flavor.

Preparing Paneer for the Bhurji - How to rehydrate the paneer?

Rehydrating paneer is an additional step, but it helps achieve a softer, creamier texture in your Paneer Bhurji.

Place the paneer in a bowl. Add enough hot water covering the paneer and set it aside for at least 15-20 minutes. Drain the water, gently squeeze the paneer to remove exta moisture.

Now check the texture of paneer - it should be soft and not firm. While this is an optional step - If you have never tried, you will see the difference! 

How to make Paneer Bhurji?: Step by Step instructions

• First step is to coarsely crumble the paneer with hand or use a fork to break it up. Not to fine crumble or grate it. Chop the salad vegetables – onion, tomato and green pepper.
• Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of cumin seeds and allow it sizzle.
• Add the onion, ginger, ginger, garlic and green chillies. Saute for 2-3 minutes until translucent. 
• Next add the tomatoes, salt to taste, spice powders and cook until the tomatoes are soft - about 2-3 minutes. You don't have to cook it until mushy until they turn into a masala. 
• Now add the bell peppers and saute for a further 2 minutes.
• Finally add the crumbled paneer, stir into the mixture and sauté for a minute or two. 
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve this dry paneer bhurji with bread, pav or flatbread.

Tips to make the Best Paneer Bhurji

• Rehydrate store-bought paneer. See how to do it in my notes above.
• Chop vegetables for texture. Chop the onion, tomato, and pepper into small pieces, but not too fine. You want them to retain a bit of bite, not melt into the dish entirely. This tip is a great takeaway from street vendors!
• Don't overcook the paneer. Add the paneer towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming tough.
• Spice it up (or down). Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less green chilies.
• Boost nutrition with extra veggies. Feel free to add other vegetables like green peas or grated carrots for additional nutrients and texture.

Variations

Paneer Bhurji gravy style

This paneer bhurji is more of a dry dish, you can make dhaba style paneer bhurji gravy too. For this make an spicer Onion Tomato masala and then add paneer crumbles to it. Alternatively, use 1 cube for my onion tomato masala cube and ½ - ¾ cup of water, bring it to a boil.Then add the crumbled paneer and cook briefly. This will save you time and the dish will be ready in under 10 minutes. Finish with lemon juice and chopped fresh coriander leaves.

Vary the Spices and vegetables

I like to vary the spices in my Bhurji for a different flavour profile sometimes. I use 1 tablespoon of pav bhaji masala instead of coriander powder and garam masala.  Along with it, I add crushed kasuri methi. 

I do like to add green peas, sweet corn or grated carrots for a variation.

For a richer taste, I like to add cardamom powder and whole spices like bay leaf and cinnamon stick.

Serving Suggestions

Main course:

• Enjoy Paneer Bhurji as a main course with roti, naan bread, or plain paratha.
• For a protein packed meal, serve with dal tarka and steamed rice or quinoa.
• For a delicious Indian feast, serve it as a side dish with dal makhani or chana masala, yellow rice and  raita 

Breakfast or Brunch:

Top crispy toasts or homemade dinner rolls with paneer ki bhurji for a quick breakfast or brunch.

Stuffing/ filling:

• Use Paneer Burji as a stuffing for sandwiches or wraps. Stuff it inside paratha and make a delicious stuffed paneer paratha just like aloo paratha and gobi paratha.
• Take your samosas, kachoris or dosa to next level by filling them with leftover paneer bhurji.
• Enjoy street style kathi roll, by wrap it in a warm and wraps along with some green chutney.

Have got plenty of Paneer in the fridge – what can I make?

There are many Paneer recipes you can make with Paneer. Some of them inlude

• Paneer Curry
• Restaurant style paneer butter masala
• Palak paneer
• Matar Paneer
• Paneer Sandwich
• Easy Paneer Biryani
• Paneer Paratha

What are the Paneer substitutes for Paneer Bhurji?

Tofu or Egg are a good substitution for Paneer in this Paneer Bhurji recipe. By substituting, you will have egg bhurji or tofu bhurji recipe - both the dishes have similar texture but with a different flavour.

Where can I buy Paneer in the UK?

Paneer can be found in most Indian grocery stores, Costco and supermarkets in the UK. Some supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons carry paneer in their international or frozen section.

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