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Paneer Bhurji

Paneer bhurji is a quick, flavorful Indian scramble made with crumbled paneer, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It’s cooked until fragrant and slightly thickened, resulting in a soft, spicy, and cheesy dish with a hearty, rustic appearance. Perfect for busy mornings, it’s customizable and comforting, resembling a warm, cheesy scramble on a plate.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: North Indian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g paneer fresh and soft, crumbled
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes ripe, chopped
  • 1 green green chili finely chopped, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds for tempering
  • 1 tablespoon oil vegetable or mustard oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed, optional
  • a handful cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Non-stick pan
  • Spatula
  • Chopping board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Gather all your ingredients: crumble the paneer, chop the onions, tomatoes, green chili, and cilantro, and measure out your spices.
  2. Heat the oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat until it shimmers, then add cumin seeds. Let them crackle and release their aroma for about 10 seconds.
  3. Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté, stirring often, until they turn golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This develops their sweetness and flavor.
  4. Stir in the finely chopped green chili and chopped tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and start to release their juices, filling the kitchen with a spicy, tangy aroma.
  5. Sprinkle in the turmeric and garam masala, then cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their full aroma. The mixture should smell fragrant and slightly bubbling.
  6. Crumble the paneer directly into the pan, breaking it apart with your spatula. Mix well, allowing the paneer to absorb the spices and heat through for about 2 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust the salt if needed. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture, then stir to combine, brightening the flavors.
  8. Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, herbal finish. Give it a gentle stir to distribute the herbs evenly.
  9. Transfer the paneer bhurji to a serving bowl. Serve hot with chapatis, bread, or your favorite flatbread for a comforting, hearty breakfast or meal.