Introduction

 

Paneer Shawarma! Just the mention of it takes me back to my college days when I stumbled upon this delightful fusion dish during a food festival on campus. As a vegetarian, finding exciting and flavorful options sometimes felt like a challenge, but that day, everything changed. The aroma of spices wafting from the shawarma stall drew me in, and I decided to give it a try. That first bite was a revelation – the tender paneer infused with aromatic spices, wrapped in warm pita bread, and topped with creamy garlic sauce – it was love at first taste. Since then, Paneer Shawarma has been a regular indulgence, and I'm excited to share my take on this beloved recipe with you.

 

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Recipe of Paneer Shawarma Recipe

 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 220 calories per serving

 

 

Ingredients:

 

• 1 block firm tofu, drained and cubed
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup snap peas
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

 

 

Recipe:

 

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cubed tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add the sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, sliced carrots, mushrooms, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

4. Return the cooked tofu to the skillet and toss everything together.

5. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili flakes. Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until everything is heated through and well combined.

7. Serve the spicy veggie stir-fry hot over cooked rice or noodles.

 

Enjoy your Spicy Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu!

 

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About the Recipe

 

Paneer Shawarma is a vegetarian twist on the traditional Middle Eastern street food, typically made with grilled meat. In this recipe, succulent cubes of paneer are marinated in a blend of spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic, then grilled or roasted to perfection. The paneer is then wrapped in soft pita bread along with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, and drizzled with a creamy garlic sauce for an extra burst of flavor. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that brings together the best of Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

1. Marinate the Paneer: Allow the paneer to marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour to absorb the flavors fully.
2. Grill or Roast: You can either grill the marinated paneer cubes on skewers or roast them in the oven until golden brown.
3. Warm the Pita Bread: Warm the pita bread before assembling the shawarma to make it more pliable and easier to wrap.
4. Customize Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings according to your preference, such as adding pickles, olives, or jalapenos.
5. Creamy Garlic Sauce: Prepare a creamy garlic sauce using yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs like parsley or dill for an authentic touch.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

 

• Hummus and Pita Chips: Serve Paneer Shawarma with a side of creamy hummus and crispy pita chips for a satisfying appetizer or snack.
• Tabbouleh Salad: Pair with a refreshing tabbouleh salad made with parsley, tomatoes, bulgur, and lemon dressing.
• Mint Chutney: Enjoy with a tangy mint chutney for an extra kick of flavor.
• Fries or Potato Wedges: Serve with crispy fries or seasoned potato wedges for a comforting meal.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Paneer Shawarma

 

1. What is Paneer Shawarma?
   • Paneer Shawarma is a vegetarian version of the traditional Middle Eastern street food, typically made with grilled paneer wrapped in pita bread.
2. How do you make Paneer Shawarma at home?
   • Paneer Shawarma is made by marinating paneer cubes in spices, grilling or roasting them, then wrapping them in warm pita bread along with vegetables and sauce.
3. What spices are used in Paneer Shawarma marinade?
   • Common spices used in the marinade include cumin, paprika, garlic powder, coriander, and turmeric.
4. Can I use tofu instead of paneer for Shawarma?
   • Yes, tofu can be used as a substitute for paneer in Paneer Shawarma for a vegan version of the dish.
5. What sauce is typically served with Paneer Shawarma?
   • A creamy garlic sauce or tahini sauce is often served with Paneer Shawarma for added flavor and creaminess.
6. Can I prepare Paneer Shawarma ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the marinated paneer and sauce ahead of time and assemble the shawarmas when ready to serve.
7. Can I grill Paneer Shawarma indoors?
   • Yes, you can grill the marinated paneer cubes on a stovetop grill pan or in a skillet indoors if you don't have access to an outdoor grill.
8. Is Paneer Shawarma spicy?
   • The level of spiciness in Paneer Shawarma can be adjusted according to personal preference by varying the amount of chili powder or omitting it altogether.
9. What vegetables can I use in Paneer Shawarma?
   • Common vegetables used in Paneer Shawarma include lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers, but you can customize the toppings to your liking.
10. Is Paneer Shawarma suitable for vegetarians?
    • Yes, Paneer Shawarma is a vegetarian dish made with paneer, vegetables, and bread, making it suitable for vegetarians.

 

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