Paneer Jalfrezi is probably one of the most popular restaurant dishes of all times! Paneer Jalfrezi is a spicy smoky stir fry prepared with paneer, peppers, tomatoes and onions in a spiced tomato base.
Jalfrezi (also known as jhalfrezi, zalfrezi, zalfraizi, jaffrazi) is believed to be originated in Calcutta or Kolkata in India as the word ‘Jalfrezi’ is the colloquial Bengali word jhālpharezī. In Bengali, ‘jhāl’ means spicy food and in Urdu/Persian, ‘parhezī’ means suitable for everyone as it is a versatile recipe.
Paneer Jhalfrezi is one of those nutritious, comforting, simple recipes which can be concocted quickly, making it perfect for a busy weekday. When you want to treat yourself to something delicious and healthy but don’t want to sweat it out then this recipe is the perfect ‘to go to’ recipe! My other ‘to go to’ recipes during the busy week are Vegetable Jalfrezi, Palak Paneer, Mixed Vegetable Dal, Bhindi do Pyaza, Matar Paneer amongst others. What I love about this recipe is that it is really forgiving. Prepare the base of the curry and then add the paneer, peppers and onions and that’s it! Moreover, this recipe is cooked without cream, butter or milk making it lighter and healthier.
Jalfrezi is usually a dry curry, but if you want more gravy, add half a cup of water or vegetable stock. Flexible but still tasty!
