Peri Peri Paneer
Photo: Anilsharma26 on Pixabay
Indian-Portuguese FusionVegetarianGluten-free

Peri Peri Paneer

पेरी पेरी पनीर

Peri Peri Paneer is Gen Z India's favourite fusion restaurant dish — the fiery, tangy, Portuguese-African peri peri sauce (popularised in India by Nando's and dozens of imitation chains) applied to paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Paneer cubes are marinated in a bold peri peri sauce of bird's eye chilli, garlic, lemon, and herbs, then grilled or pan-seared until caramelised at the edges and smoky. It is served in wraps, as a dry starter, in rice bowls, or on flatbreads. The combination of the fresh, milky quality of paneer with the sharpness and heat of peri peri is genuinely inspired — each element brings out the best in the other.

Total
45 min
Serves
3
Level
Easy

Prep 30 min · Cook 15 min

Ingredients

3 servings

Method

  1. Make peri peri marinade: Blend red chillies, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, lemon juice, vinegar, oil, and salt into a smooth sauce. Taste — it should be hot, tangy, and fragrant. Coat paneer cubes and capsicum pieces in the marinade. Marinate at least 30 minutes (1–2 hours for best results).

    About 30 min

    Tip: Blending the chillies raw gives maximum heat and brightness. If you prefer milder heat, roast the chillies first.

  2. Grill or pan-sear: Heat a cast iron griddle or grill pan until very hot. Brush with a little oil. Grill paneer cubes and capsicum 2–3 minutes per side until charred marks appear and the marinade caramelises beautifully. The edges of the paneer should be slightly crispy.

    About 10 min

    Tip: Press the paneer lightly onto the griddle for better contact and grill marks. Do not move it for the first 2 minutes.

  3. Brush remaining marinade over the grilled paneer for extra flavour. Serve immediately as a starter with mint raita, or in a wrap with shredded lettuce and coleslaw, or over rice in a bowl with peri peri sauce drizzled on top. Garnish with fresh coriander and lemon wedges.

    About 5 min

    Tip: Leftover marinade can be reduced in a pan with a splash of water to make a peri peri dipping sauce.

Nutrition per serving (estimate)

Calories
460
Protein
24 g
Carbs
12 g
Fat
36 g
Fibre
2 g
Sugar
3 g
Sodium
740 mg

Contains: dairy

All Fusion recipes

Recipe by Boon Tools.