Chandigarh 20 march 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): We’ve all seen those headlines about the questionable quality of paneer in fast food chains, with rumours of starch and additives sneaking into what should be a wholesome ingredient. But before you go testing every block of paneer with iodine strips, let’s talk about the real solution: making your own delicious paneer dishes at home. Why rely on these fast food chains when you can create something even better, fresh and tailored to your taste right in your own kitchen?
Today, we’re diving into how to make a decadent, heartwarming tamarind-paneer hot dog from scratch. The crisp, golden paneer, the tangy chutney, the cool and creamy relish, and the fresh kick of lime and spices will make you and your family fall in love with this twist on a classic. Sure, it’s not the quickest meal to prepare, but the end result is absolutely worth it. It’s perfect for a weekend gathering or a cosy family dinner.
Ingredients: 4 tbsp tamarind chutney, ½ tsp cumin seeds, ¼ tsp coarse ground black pepper, 1 tsp finely grated ginger, 1 pack paneer, patted dry and sliced into 8 fingers, 1 small onion, finely sliced, 1 large garlic clove, 1 green chilli, deseeded and finely diced, 1 lime, zested and juiced, 1 cucumber, peeled and coarsely grated, juice reserved, 75g yoghurt, 1 handful fresh coriander, finely chopped, ½ tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil, 4 brioche hot dog buns
Recipe: Start by making the marinade for the paneer. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tbsps of tamarind chutney, cumin seeds, black pepper, and finely grated ginger. This mixture will coat your paneer, adding a flavorful and tangy base. Brush the marinade generously over the paneer fingers, ensuring they are well-coated. Set the paneer aside to let the flavours meld together. While the paneer is marinating, prepare the red onion mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the finely sliced red onion with half the garlic and chilli. Add the lime zest and juice to the mixture, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper. The tang from the lime and the heat from the chilli will bring a zesty crunch to your hot dog, so set it aside to let the flavours infuse.
Summary: Skip the artificial paneer in fast food and make a delicious, crispy Imli-Paneer Hot Dog at home with this easy and flavorful recipe.