Namaste foodies! I’m Chef Chetan, and today I’m sharing one of my fusion favourites – Spinach Paneer Chilly.
If you’re a fan of Indo-Chinese cuisine, you already know how addictive Chilly Paneer can be. But as a chef who always loves to bring a healthy twist, I thought, why not give it a spinach makeover?
This recipe is a perfect balance of health and taste. Paneer gives you protein, spinach adds iron and fibber, while the Indo-Chinese sauces bring that restaurant-style punch. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or planning a catering menu, this dish always gets people talking.
Spinach Paneer Chilly Indian Chinese Fusion Recipe is a creative twist that blends the earthy freshness of spinach with the bold flavors of Indo-Chinese cuisine. As a chef with 10+ years of experience, I’ve crafted this dish to be both nutritious and delicious, making it a perfect star for family dinners, parties, or catering menus
Ingredients (For 4 Servings)
For the Paneer:
250g fresh paneer (cut into medium cubes)
2 tbsp cornflour
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 pinch salt
1 pinch black pepper
Oil for shallow frying
For Spinach Purée:
1 cup spinach leaves (blanched)
1 green chili
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp water
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp oil
1 onion (cut into cubes)
1 capsicum (green, cubed)
1 spring onion (for garnish)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
2 green chilies (slit)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp red chili sauce
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp tomato ketchup
1 tsp sugar (balances flavour)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tsp black pepper powder
2 tablespoons smooth cornflour slurry (blend 1 tsp cornflour in 2 tbsp water until lump-free)
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Step 1: Prep the Paneer
Mix cornflour with refined flour in a bowl, seasoning with a touch of salt and pepper to create a coating blend for the paneer.
Coat the paneer cubes lightly and shallow fry them until golden and crispy.
Keep them aside on tissue paper to absorb excess oil.
Step 2: Make Spinach Purée
Blanch spinach for 2 minutes, then transfer to ice water to keep the green colour and add little oil in it .
Blend the spinach with green chili and garlic until it transforms into a fine, lump-free purée
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Heat oil in a wok. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté until aromatic.
Add onion and capsicum cubes. Toss on high flame for 2 minutes – keep them crunchy.
Add the sauces one by one—soy, chili, vinegar, and ketchup—followed by sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir briskly to marry the flavors together.
Gently stir in the spinach purée cooking until the raw edge softens into a balanced flavor.”
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add fried paneer cubes to the spinach sauce.
Pour cornflour slurry to adjust the thickness of the gravy.
“Mix with care, letting the paneer absorb the flavour of the spices and sauce.”
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
“Add the final touch of spring onion greens and serve it immediately alongside fried rice or noodles.”
Chef Chetan’s Tips & Variations
Restaurant-style secret: Always cook Indo-Chinese dishes on high flame for that smoky wok flavour.
Healthier twist: Instead of frying, you can air-fry or pan-grill the paneer.
Extra punch: Add a handful of toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Variation: Try tofu instead of paneer if you want a vegan option.
Kids-friendly: Reduce chilies and make it creamier by adding a spoon of fresh cream.
Nutritional Value (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 220
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 12g
Fibber: 4g
Rich in calcium, iron, and antioxidants – this is a guilt-free Indo-Chinese indulgence.
Plating & Presentation Ideas
As a chef, I always say first eat with your eyes. For catering or special occasions, here’s how I plate it:
Serve in a deep black bowl to highlight the green spinach sauce.
Let a delicate trail of cream dance across the top, adding elegance and contrast to every glance
Place a chili carved into a flower as garnish.
Pair with steamed jasmine rice for premium catering menus.
Why This Recipe Works
Unique spinach twist on a classic Indo-Chinese favourite.
Balanced taste – spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Nutritious yet indulgent.
Versatile – works for home dinners, parties, or professional catering.
Conclusion
Spinach Paneer Chilly is more than just a recipe – it’s a statement of how you can merge health with flavor without compromising on taste.
If you’re looking to impress your guests, or just want to enjoy a comforting yet nutritious dish at home, this recipe is a must-try.
Share your feedback in the comments or tag me on Instagram when you recreate it.”
Stay hungry, stay creative – this is Chef Chetan signing off with a fusion twist.
Related: Affordable Birthday Catering in Patna That Guests Will Remember
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