• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Veg Buffet
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • Subscribe
  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • About Me
  • Follow Us-

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Reddit
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • Subscribe
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • About Me
  • Follow Us-

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Reddit
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Main Course » Vegetables

    Best Paneer Jalfrezi (Easy Restaurant Style Recipe)

    Published: Apr 15, 2022 · Modified: Feb 27, 2025 by Deepti · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Sharing is caring!

    6 shares
    • Facebook
    • X
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Easy Paneer Jalfrezi Recipe is a spicy flavor-packed stir fry with paneer chunks dunked in pumpkin, pepper, and tomato semi-dry curry. This recipe of Paneer Jalfrezi is a gentle twist to the classic Kadai Paneer!

    Paneer Jalfrezi final dish

    Paneer Jalfrezi Recipe is an Indian recipe of paneer blended with vegetables like peppers, pumpkin, carrots, and broccoli by simmering them in onion and tomato gravy. A homemade paneer recipe that tastes just like the restaurant-styled one. 

    For Vegetarians, Paneer or Indian cottage Cheese has always been the first choice, and being one, I have always put it topmost on my menu items for any celebration at home. Paneer helps me create quick and high-protein recipes. That's why it's always available in my refrigerator for any last-minute meal prep ideas. 

    Paneer dishes are no doubt the pride of Indian Cuisine. This recipe of Veg Paneer Jalfrezi is an amazing Indian main dish and goes well with Paratha and rice.

    If you love paneer, then you might also like my collection of Paneer Recipes, Shahi Paneer, Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe, Palak Paneer, Air Fryer Paneer Tikka, and Paneer Rolls / Wrap.

    Find amazing Broccoli Recipes: Air Fryer Broccoli, Keto Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole.

    Jump to:
    • What Is Jalfrezi?
    • Ingredients
    • How To Make Paneer Jalfrezi
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Expert Tips
    • Stories From Kitchen
    • Best Paneer Jalfrezi Recipe-Restaurant Style

    What Is Jalfrezi?

    Jalfrezi is a popular Indian curry dish known for its bold and spicy flavors. The word "jalfrezi" is derived from the Bengali word "jhal," which means spicy or hot, and "frezi," which means stir-fry. This dish typically consists of marinated pieces of meat, such as chicken, lamb, or shrimp, cooked with a combination of vegetables in a spicy tomato-based sauce. It's a great way to use up leftover meats and vegetables, as it often incorporates various ingredients.

    This Restaurant-style Paneer Jalfrezi is a vegetarian twist to classic Jalfrezi and is an assortment of vibrant-colored vegetables, sauteed slowly over a stove top using Indian spices.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients of Paneer Jalfrezi
    • Paneer: Fresh paneer is the main ingredient of this dish. For vegans, I suggest using firm tofu in this recipe without making any changes to it. I use the store-bought paneer (Mother Dairy), and it is locally available here. Whenever I can, I use homemade paneer as it tastes amazing. You may procure any local brand from Indian stores or make your own paneer at home. While a few recipes use fried paneer, I prefer using fresh and soft paneer.
    • Broccoli: The green vibrant color comes from broccoli and it adds the perfect depth to this veggie Jalfrezi. You may use cauliflower or cabbage as well.
    • Carrot: I love the spicy vegetables with carrots as they add mild sweetness to the dish. You may use zucchini or any other vegetable of your choice too.
    • Onion: Red onion works best with this recipe. When I make this Jalfrezi in winter, I also add spring onions as they are crispy and mildly sweet. 
    • Pumpkin: The green skin pumpkin is perfect for savory dishes. Its earthy sweet flavor mixed with crispy peppers is a great addition to this Jalfrezi recipe. Being rich in Vitamin A, it is definitely creating a subtle balance of nutrition.
    • Bell Peppers: I have used green bell pepper. You may use red or yellow peppers as well. They add the perfect color to this dish. The crunchy and mild spicy flavor that comes from pepper takes this recipe to another level.
    • Tomato: A paneer dish is boring if it's not simmered slowly in tomato gravy. One may use canned tomato or tomato puree. My recipe always uses freshly chopped or grated tomatoes. The aroma of the fresh tomatoes adds a great texture and natural thickness to this semi-gravy paneer dish. You may add tomato paste as well.
    • Garlic: The aromatic partner of onion, freshly chopped garlic is my choice. You may use ginger garlic paste as well.
    • Desi Ghee: Desi Ghee is the best for any vegetable or curry dish. Those who can't procure it or want to make Vegan Jalfrezi may use any other vegetable or vegan oil.
    • Spices: A combination of whole and ground spices is key to an Indian authentic recipe. I have used fresh green chilies, Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves), Turmeric powder, Red chili powder, Dhaniya/ coriander Powder, Cumin seeds, Garam Masala, Amchur or lemon juice.
    Paneer jalfrezi easy recipe

    How To Make Paneer Jalfrezi

    Step 1. Wash, Dry and Chop Veggies

    Gather all the vegetables. Wash them under a tap. Chop them as desired. Jalfrezi is best served with crunchy and long, thick thick-striped cut veggies. For tomatoes, I prefer both chopped tomatoes and freshly grated tomato puree. Paneer chunks in large pieces are ideal for Jalfrezi. Feel Free to chop them as desired.

    vegetables for jalfrezi
    chopped vegetables

    Step 2. Temper Veggies

    In a heavy-bottomed Kadai or wok, add Ghee and let it heat. Add Cumin seeds, garlic and green chilies. Once Jeera cracks, add onion and saute for 1-2 min on simmer.

    Ghee in kadai with jeera
    onion garlic green chilly in ghee

    Step 3 Cook on Slow Flame

    Once onions are transparent, add capsicum, broccoli, pumpkin and carrot. Cover with lid and let the veggies cooked in steam for 3-5 min. Keep sauteing in between. Adding little salt at this step helps vegetables cook faster. Once veggies are done, add tomato both chopped and freshly grated. Cook on simmer and add spices and salt.

    Pumpkin and tomatoes would leave water so no need to add any extra water.

    capsicum with onion in kadai
    adding all other veggies to cooked onion
    adding tomatoes and tomato puree to cooked veggies

    Step 4 Spice It

    Once tomatoes are cooked and make a semi dry gravy, add paneer chunks and cook for 1-2 min. Add Garam Masala and Amchur or lemon juice at the last. Cover it and let it sit for about 10 min before serving.

    semi dry gravy for jalfrezi
    add paneer to semi dry tomato gravy
    mix well paneer with cooked vegetables

    Step 5. Serve Paneer Jalfrezi

    The easy and delish Paneer Jalfrezi is ready. Serve with paratha or Jeera rice.

    best paneer jalfrezi

    Recipe FAQs

    What does Jalfrezi mean?

    Jalfrezi means "hot-fry." It consists of a main ingredient such as paneer or vegetables, stir-fried and served in a thick spicy sauce that includes green chilly peppers. Common further ingredients include bell peppers, onions and tomatoes. Source: [1]

    What is Paneer Jalfrezi made of?

    The main ingredients of Paneer Jalfrezi are Paneer, bell peppers, onion, garlic and tomatoes. I have also added carrots, broccoli and pumpkin.

    How many calories are in Paneer Jalfrezi?

    This recipe of Paneer Jalfrezi is of 165 kcal.

    Expert Tips

    • Use a heavy-bottomed Kadai to make any vegetable. Iron wok works best. I have used Steel Kadai with a heavy base. 
    • Cook on a slow flame to avoid any veggies sticking to the base of the wok. 
    • Pumpkin and paneer both leave water. So there is no need to add any additional water in this recipe as this water helps them cook faster and make a semi-dry vegetable.
    • Let veggies be a little crunchy to have the flavor of stir fry.

    Stories From Kitchen

    As a kid, I have always loved paneer dishes. As I grew up, I realized that they are super easy to make and experiment with. Everyone in the family loves Paneer and I enjoy cooking it. The best thing is I learnt cooking post marriage. Sounds Late??

    Yes, but I got to learn from the perfect person: my mother-in-law and it was easy peasy to cook thereafter!


    You may also Like:

    More Indian Recipes:

    • mushroom stir fry recipe
      20-Minute Easy Mushroom Stir Fry With Peas
    • gluten free Indian recipes
      40+ Best Gluten Free Indian Recipes
    • aloo methi
      Aloo Methi
    • indian style avocado amla chutney
      Amla Avocado Dip- Indian Style
    • best amla candy recipe
      Amla Candy Recipe
    • amla chutney recipe Indian gooseberry chutney
      Amla Chutney Recipe- Indian Gooseberry Chutney

    Don't forget to subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter for a free Recipe!

    best paneer jalfrezi

    Best Paneer Jalfrezi Recipe-Restaurant Style

    Paneer Jalfrezi is an Indian recipe of paneer blended with vegetables like peppers, pumpkin, carrots and broccoli by simmering them in onion and tomato gravy. A homemade paneer recipe that resembles the restaurant-styled one.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Vegetables
    Cuisine Indian, indian traditional
    Servings 5
    Calories 165 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 Wok kadai heavy bottomed

    Ingredients
      

    • 200 gm Raw and Fresh paneer
    • 1 small Broccoli
    • 1 medium Carrot
    • 100 gm Pumpkin Green skin
    • 2 large Onions
    • 1 medium tomato chopped
    • 2 small tomatoes freshly grated
    • 1 large capsicum
    • 3-4 cloves garlic
    • 1 small green chilly
    • 2 teaspoon Red Chilly powder can adjust
    • 1 small dried red chilly optional
    • 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
    • 1 tsp Kasoori Methi dried fenugreek leaves
    • 1 teaspoon Amchur or 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon Cumin Jeera
    • 1 teaspoon Dhaniya Powder coriander powder
    • 1.5 tablespoon Desi Ghee May use any other vegetable oil
    • salt as per taste

    Instructions
     

    • Gather all the vegetables. Wash them under tap. Chop them as desired. Jalfrezi is best served with crunchy and long not so thick striped cut veggies. For tomatoes, I prefer both chopped tomatoes and freshly grated tomato puree. Paneer chunks in large pieces are ideal for Jalfrezi. Feel Free to chop them as desired.
    • Take a heavy bottomed Kadai or wok. Add Ghee and let it heat. Add Cumin, garlic and green chilies. Once Jeera cracks, add onion and saute for 1-2 min on simmer.
    • 3. Once onions are transparent, add capsicum, broccoli, pumpkin and carrot. Cover with lid and let the veggies cooked in steam for 3-5 min. Keep sauteing in between. Adding little salt at this step helps vegetables cook faster. Once veggies are done, add tomato both chopped and freshly grated. Cook on simmer and add all the spices (except Garm masala and Amchur) and salt.
      Pumpkin and tomatoes would leave water so no need to add any extra water.
    • 4. Once tomatoes are cooked and make a semi dry gravy, add paneer chunks and cook for 1-2 min. Add Kasoori Methi and Amchur or lemon juice at the last. Cover it and let it sit for about 10 min before serving.
    • 5. The easy and delish Paneer Jalfrezi is ready. Serve with paratha or rice.

    Notes

    • Use a heavy bottomed Kadai to make any vegetable. Iron wok works best. I have used Steel Kadai with heavy base.
    • Cook on slow flame to avoid any veggie sticking to the base of the wok.
    • Pumpkin and paneer both leave water. So there is no need to add any additional water in this recipe as this water helps them cook faster and make a semi-dry vegetable.
    • Let veggies be little crunchy to have flavor of stir fry. Adding little salt after onions are cooked, helped cook vegetables faster.
    Nutrition Facts
    Serving size: 1 bowl
    Servings: 5
    Amount per serving  
    Calories 165
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 11.5g 15%
    Saturated Fat 1.8g 9%
    Cholesterol 5mg 2%
    Sodium 53mg 2%
    Total Carbohydrate 8.5g 3%
    Dietary Fiber 1.7g 6%
    Total Sugars 2.4g  
    Protein 14.7g  
    Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
    Calcium 34mg 3%
    Iron 1mg 3%
    Potassium 257mg 5%
    *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
    Keyword Mix vegetable with Paneer, paneer jalfrezi, paneer with vegetables

    More Vegetables

    • aloo bathua saag recipe
      Bathua Aloo Ki Sabji - Potato Bathua Saag Recipe
    • vegan gluten free meatballs with gravy
      Easy Lentil Meatballs (Vegan + Gluten Free)
    • mushroom stir fry recipe
      20-Minute Easy Mushroom Stir Fry With Peas
    • The best palak paneer recipe
      Palak Paneer Recipe Without Cream- One Pot

    Sharing is caring!

    6 shares
    • Facebook
    • X
    • Email

    About Deepti

    Warm Welcome to my blog!
    This blog is created by a former Assistant Professor, mother, and Netflix Binge watcher who is passionate about food! This blog is my collection of homemade vegetarian (egg-free too) recipes that are tested and approved by my family before they are finally posted here. A variety of Indian and World recipes that are made in a simple way!
    I am so glad to have you as a part of my journey in this online world.
    Thanks for stopping by!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Payal Sharma says

      June 03, 2022 at 6:46 am

      5 stars
      Looks perfect! I am definitely going to make this recipe soon. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Deepti says

        June 09, 2022 at 3:22 pm

        Thanks Payal for the kind words!

        Reply

    Share your Views Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Deepti!

    Warm Welcome to my blog!
    This blog is created by a former Assistant Professor, mother, and Netflix Binge watcher who is passionate about food! Here, I am sharing homemade Effortless Recipes for Every Day which are vegetarian (egg-free too) and that are tested and approved by my family before they are finally posted.

    Thanks for stopping by!

    More about me →

    Easy Desserts

    • best vegan avocado chocolate mousse
      Vegan Avocado Chocolate Mousse
    • the best strawberry cheesecake bites
      Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
    See more Desserts →

    Sharing is Caring!

    • Facebook
    • Veg Buffet
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Mail

    Indian Recipes

    • best idli podi recipe
      Idli Podi Recipe
    • best idli sambar tiffin sambar
      Idli Sambar Recipe (Tiffin Sambar)
    • how to make paneer
      How To Make Paneer (Indian Fresh Cheese)
    • indian style avocado amla chutney
      Amla Avocado Dip- Indian Style
    See more Indian Recipes →

    Appearances

    msn logo
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • Email
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    More Info

    Privacy Policy

    About VegBuffet

    Disclaimer

    Work With VegBuffet

    Get Recipes Right in Your Inbox

    Subscribe

    Any Queries?

    Reach me at [email protected]

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Veg Buffet