🧀 Easy Paneer Khurchan – Spicy, Flavorful, and Irresistibly Soft

paneer khurchan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from Indian food lovers and spice enthusiasts)
🌶️ Spicy | 🧄 Aromatic | 🧡 Quick & Delicious

If you’ve ever wanted a restaurant-style Indian paneer dish at home, Paneer Khurchan is your answer. Soft paneer cubes tossed in a bold, aromatic onion-tomato masala make this dish a showstopper. Perfect for weeknight dinners, festive meals, or when you just want something rich, flavorful, and comforting.

Why You’ll Love Paneer Khurchan

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Serves: 3–4
• Budget-Friendly: Around $8
• Flavor Profile: Spicy, tangy, aromatic
• Perfect For: Indian dinners, roti or naan nights, quick weeknight meals

Ingredients – Fresh and Flavorful

• 250g paneer, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1 large onion, finely sliced
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh cream (optional for richness)
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Paneer Khurchan

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Masala

Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until tomatoes soften and oil starts to separate from the masala.

Step 3: Add Paneer

Gently fold in paneer cubes and cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using, add fresh cream and mix well for a richer flavor.

Step 4: Finish with Spices

Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot.

Serving Ideas for Paneer Khurchan

• With butter naan, paratha, or chapati
• Over steamed basmati rice or jeera rice
• As a side dish in a festive Indian thali
• Great for meal prep—store in the fridge and reheat gently

What Everyone’s Saying About Paneer Khurchan

“Perfectly spiced and creamy. Reminds me of my favorite Indian restaurant!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Anjali P.

“Quick, flavorful, and everyone loved it with roti.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Rohan S.

“Soft paneer and rich masala—so satisfying. I’ll make this weekly!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Meera T.

Paneer Khurchan – A Spicy, Flavorful North Indian Paneer Stir-Fry

Paneer Khurchan is a popular North Indian dish from Punjab, featuring soft paneer sautéed with bell peppers, onions, and aromatic spices. Its slightly charred, smoky flavor and rich, colorful texture make it perfect as a side for roti, naan, or paratha. Quick, delicious, and visually stunning, Paneer Khurchan is a vegetarian delight you’ll want on repeat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 3 servings

Course: Main Dish, Side Dish

Cuisine: North Indian, Punjabi

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 250 g paneer cubed or crumbled
• 1 large onion thinly sliced
• 1 medium capsicum bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 –2 green chilies sliced (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Frying pan or skillet
• Spatula
• Knife and chopping board

Method

 

Prep the ingredients

1. Slice the onions, bell peppers, and green chilies. Cube or crumble the paneer and keep ready.

Sauté the aromatics

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, sauté until fragrant.

Cook the vegetables

1. Add sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry on medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes until they are slightly charred but still crisp.

Add spices

1. Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 1–2 minutes to roast the spices.

Add paneer

1. Add paneer cubes or crumbles and gently toss to coat with the spices and vegetables. Cook for 3–4 minutes until paneer is slightly golden on the edges.

Finish

1. Sprinkle garam masala and give a final toss. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) at the end.

Avoid overcooking paneer—it can become rubbery.

Paneer Khurchan pairs perfectly with roti, naan, paratha, or even steamed rice.

FAQ – Paneer Khurchan

If you love cheesy, comforting casseroles, be sure to try our Potato Ground Beef Casserole. Just like the Cheesy Tater Tot Meatloaf Casserole, it’s loaded with savory flavors, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep.