CHILLY CHEESE: THE INDO – CHINESE CONNECTION

What chicken is to non vegetarians, cottage cheese (Paneer) is to vegetarians. Chilly cheese requires a cooking style that originated from China. However, over the years, Indians have tried their hand at it and have added their own taste to it; which personally is the way I like my Chilly Cheese. While it may look like a difficult task to prepare and cook but it is probably one of the easiest dishes. It has become immensely popular and has even found its way into the kitchens of many restaurants across India. This recipe is sure to be a hit among the kids!

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 10-12 minutes

Ingredients:

2-3 big onions (coarsely chopped)

400gm Cottage Cheese (Paneer, cut into cubes)

6-7 capsicums (coarsely chopped)

1 tomato (pureed)

3 tablespoon oil

3-4 cloves of garlic

2 tablespoon tomato ketchup

1 tablespoon soya sauce

1 ½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon Pepper

½ teaspoon red chili powder

½ teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon Oregano

½ teaspoon Ajinomoto

¾ teaspoon sugar

Serves: 3-4

Method

In a wok, pour oil and when it’s warm, add the chopped garlic cloves. Now before the garlic turns brown, add onions and sauté till they turn pink. Toss in the coarsely chopped capsicum.

Now pour in the tomato puree, tomato ketchup, soya sauce, salt, pepper, red chili powder, garam masala, oregano, Ajinomoto, sugar and let it cook for 2-3 minutes till the tomato puree cooks. Now finally add the Cottage Cheese (Paneer) cubes and mix well.  Simmer the flame and keep the dish covered for another 3-4 minutes.

Note: After adding the Paneer, make sure you mix carefully. Cottage Cheese is soft and becomes softer upon cooking. You’d want the cubes to remain intact instead of forming lumps.

Your home style chilly cheese is ready! Serve hot with some Butter Naan!