Looking for a rich and delicious North Indian-style sabji that pairs perfectly with rotis, parathas, or naan? This Capsicum Paneer Sabji with Gram Flour (Besan) is a must-try! Packed with the goodness of paneer, the crunch of capsicum, sweetness of onion and a creamy, aromatic gravy enhanced with besan, this dish will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Bursting with flavours from whole spices and fresh ingredients.
- Perfectly balanced creamy and spicy gravy with a unique twist of gram flour.
- Quick and easy to prepare for everyday meals or special occasions.
- A vegetarian delight packed with protein and nutrients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large Capsicum (Shimla Mirch) – diced
- 200 gm Paneer – cubed
- 2 Red Onions – 1 chopped into big petals/quarters, 1 finely chopped
For Paneer Marination:
- 1/2 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 Lemon Juice
For Tomato Puree:
- 2 Tomatoes/ 1/2 cup Tomato Puree
- 4-5 Garlic Cloves
- 1-inch Ginger
For Gravy:
- 1+2 tbsp Oil
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
- 1 Bay Leaf (Tej Patta)
- 2 Cloves (Laung)
- 2 Cardamoms (Elaichi)
- 1 small Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini)
- 1 finely chopped Onion
- 1 Tbsp Gram Flour (Besan)
- 1 tbsp Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tbsp Coriander Powder
- Prepared Tomato Puree
- Salt to taste
- 1 Green Chilli – slit or finely chopped
- 2 tsp Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Cream/Yogurt/Milk (optional)
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- Fresh Coriander Leaves – for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Paneer
In a bowl, mix paneer cubes with red chilli powder, salt and lemon juice. Let it marinate till you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Puree
Blend tomatoes, ginger and garlic into a smooth paste. Alternatively, you can use ready-made tomato puree and ginger-garlic paste.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Capsicum and Onion
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan.
- Add onion petals (quarters) and large diced (square) capsicum. To make onion petals, cut the onion in half, then halve each piece again. Gently separate the layers to form large petals. If the onions are too big, you can further chop them one more time to get those large square pieces.
- Stir-fry on high flame for 2 minutes till you see brown spots on the outer skin of Capsicum and Onion squares, take off the pan and keep aside.
Step 4: Lightly Fry the Paneer
- In the same pan, add marinated paneer.
- Fry on medium heat for 4-5 minutes, ensuring even cooking. Do not brown.
- Remove from heat and keep aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Aromatic Gravy
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in the same pan.
- Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves, cardamoms and cinnamon stick.
- Let them crackle for a few seconds.
- Add finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Mix in gram flour (besan) and stir well on low heat until you get that aromatic, nutty flavour.
- Now add coriander powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder and turmeric powder.
- If needed, add around 2-3 tbsp of water to prevent spices from burning.
- Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the prepared tomato puree and salt.
- Add slit green chilli and mix well.
- Cover and cook on medium-low flame for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
- Once the gravy is cooked, crush kasuri methi between your palms and add it for extra aroma.
- Stir in fresh cream (or milk/yogurt and mix well on low heat. This is completely optional and you can skip this.
- Add a little water for desired consistency an.
- Finally, add the stir-fried capsicum, onion and paneer.
- Sprinkle garam masala and mix well.
- Cover and cook for another 5-6 minutes on medium-low flame.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with rotis, parathas, naan or as a combo with jeera rice and dal for a delicious meal!
Tips for the Best Capsicum Paneer Sabji with Gram Flour
- Use fresh paneer for the best texture.
- Adjust oil, water, salt and spice levels as per preference.
- Always crush kasuri methi between your palms before adding for enhanced aroma.
This Capsicum Paneer Sabji with Gram Flour (Besan) is a true delight, bringing together spicy, creamy and tangy flavours in one dish. Try it today and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
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