This is a spicy and tasty Paneer 65 recipe from the Hyderabadi cuisine. The recipe makes for a crispy version where batter coated and fried paneer cubes are tossed in a savory spiced mixture of onions, herbs and spices.
Take rice flour, gram flour and cornstarch in a mixing bowl.
Add the following spices & herbs - green chili paste, garlic paste, ginger paste, red chili powder, garam masala powder and lemon juice. Also add salt as required.
Add 4 tablespoons water. Whisk to a smooth paste. You can also add a few drops of natural color. I have used orange natural color extract.
Add the paneer cubes.
Gently mix the paneer cubes with the batter. Cover and allow to marinate for about 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature.
Frying paneer
Heat 5 tablespoons oil in a pan. The oil should be medium-hot. Coat the paneer cubes with the batter evenly and add them to the hot oil.
Keep some space between the paneer cubes so that they don't stick.
Once the base is done, flip and fry the other side.
Flip for a couple of times all the paneer cubes and fry till the outsides become crisp and golden. Remember not to over fry the paneer cubes as then they become dense.If you prefer, you can opt to deep fry the batter coated paneer cubes.
Place the fried paneer cubes on kitchen paper towels to remove excess oil.
Making paneer 65
In the same pan, heat 2 teaspoons oil on medium-low heat. But note that if there is any extra oil left in the pan from frying the paneer, then there is no need to add this 2 teaspoons of oil.
Add the mustard seeds and let them crackle.
After the mustard seeds, crackle, add chopped ginger, chopped garlic, green chilies chopped diagonally, dry red chilies and curry leaves. Stir and mix well.
Then add 3 tablespoons of chopped onions. Stir and sauté the onions till they turn translucent and soften.
Add salt and ¼ teaspoon sugar. You can skip sugar if you want. I added a bit of sugar as then the paneer dish tastes good.
Stir to combine well. Add the fried paneer cubes.
Mix and toss the paneer cubes with the rest of the sautéed ingredients. Check the taste and add more salt or green chilies if required. Switch off the the heat.
Lastly add chopped coriander leaves. Stir and mix.
Serve paneer 65 hot as a starter with a chutney or dipping sauce or with some roti, naan or bread.
Notes
Make sure to make this recipe with fresh paneer. Homemade is always better but if buying packaged paneer, make sure it is fresh and within its shelf-period.
For a more spicy taste, increase the red chilli powder, red chillies and green chillies.
Opt to deep fry the paneer cubes if you prefer.
Skip mustard seeds if you do not have these.
Sugar can also be skipped, if you do not prefer it.
The recipe can be scaled to make for a larger serving or a smaller serving.