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Creamy Paneer Scramble

This dish transforms soft paneer into a fluffy, scrambled texture that mimics eggs, achieved through sautéing, spicing, and gentle scrambling. The final dish is creamy with a golden hue, layered with smoky spices and brightened by lemon juice, offering a satisfying vegetarian breakfast or snack. Its tender texture and aromatic flavor make it both comforting and visually appealing.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g fresh paneer soft and fresh, can soak briefly in warm water to soften if firm
  • 1/2 onion finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric adds color and earthiness
  • 1/2 tsp cumin toasted lightly for aroma
  • 1/2 tsp coriander toasted lightly for depth
  • 1-2 tbsp oil or ghee enough to coat the pan
  • 1 squeeze lemon for fresh brightness, squeezed at the end
  • optional to taste fresh herbs cilantro or mint, chopped

Equipment

  • Non-stick skillet
  • Spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Dice the paneer into small cubes about 1 cm in size. If your paneer is firm, soak it briefly in warm water to soften before dicing.
  2. Finely chop half an onion and a clove of garlic, keeping them ready for sautéing. Measure out your spices so they’re close at hand.
  3. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant—listen for a gentle sizzle and watch for a slightly golden color.
  4. Stir in the turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Toast the spices gently for about 30 seconds until they release their aroma—your kitchen will fill with a warm, fragrant scent.
  5. Add the diced paneer to the skillet. Cook, stirring gently, for about 5 minutes until the paneer starts to turn golden and absorbs the flavors—listen for a slight sizzle and watch for a warm, golden hue.
  6. Increase the heat slightly to medium-high and push the paneer to one side of the skillet. Crack in an egg or two (if using) into the empty space and scramble quickly with your spatula—see it turn fluffy and creamy as it cooks, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Mix everything together gently until the scramble looks fluffy and creamy, with a golden hue from the turmeric. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the scramble to brighten the flavors. If desired, sprinkle with chopped herbs like cilantro or mint for a burst of freshness.
  9. Serve the fluffy paneer scramble hot, straight from the skillet, with an inviting aroma of spices and lemon—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal or snack.