Red Harissa + Paneer: Delicious Fusion Recipe

Welcome back to the Red Harissa Paneer blog, your one-stop shop for all things fiery and flavourful! Today, we're embarking on a culinary adventure, fusing the comforting creaminess of paneer with the vibrant heat of Chilzo’s Red Harissa. This dish is a culinary love child, born from the passionate embrace of Indian and North African traditions. Imagine the robust symphony of Indian spices meeting the zesty dance of North African chilli pastes – that's what awaits you on your plate!

Paneer: The Jack of All Trades

In the vibrant tapestry of Indian cuisine, few ingredients shine as brightly as paneer. This fresh, non-aged cheese, also known as "ponir" with a soft "ni" sound, is a staple enjoyed across the subcontinent. Made from full-fat buffalo or cow milk curdled with natural acids like lemon juice, paneer boasts a delightful spongy texture and a mild, milky flavour. Unlike many cheeses, it melts minimally and holds its shape, making it perfect for countless culinary creations.

But paneer's charm goes beyond the plate. This naturally low-fat and low-calorie wonder is a guilt-free indulgence, allowing you to savour its deliciousness without sacrificing your health goals.

Interestingly, some scholars like Arthur Berriedale Keith have proposed possible references to cheese in the ancient Rigveda, a revered Hindu scripture. However, others like Otto Schrader argue that these references point towards "sour milk," not cheese in its usual form.

Whether its ancient origins are definitively confirmed or not, one thing is certain: paneer has established itself as a cornerstone of Indian cuisine. Its versatility, deliciousness, and health benefits make it a true gem, waiting to be discovered and savoured by food lovers around the world.

The Epic Journey of Harissa

The term "Harissa" finds its linguistic roots in the Arabic verb 'harasa,' meaning 'to pound' or 'to break into pieces,' a nod to the traditional method of preparing the condiment by pounding chilies. Originating from the Maghreb region, Harissa is a fiery chilli pepper paste renowned for its bold flavours. Apart from being loved all across the region, it has even secured itself a spot on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list!

Its core components include meticulously roasted red peppers, Baklouti peppers, and a symphony of aromatic spices and herbs, featuring garlic paste, caraway seeds, coriander seeds, cumin, all harmoniously blended with olive oil to carry and enhance the oil-soluble flavours. This complex amalgamation creates a versatile and robust condiment that adds depth and spice to a myriad of culinary creations.

Love spicy food? Take your cooking game to another level and make these delicious Rose Red Harissa Kebabs for your next house party!

The Best a Chef Can Get!

While there are multiple variations of this in the market, Chilzo’s Red Harissa takes the crown. Made with the finest sun-dried chillies and a touch of natural ingredients, Chilzo’s Harissa strikes the perfect balance between fiery heat and complex flavours. Its rich, complex flavour profile adds a new dimension to the paneer, making it the perfect partner in this fusion fiesta.

Onto the Recipe!

Ingredients you will need to make Red Harissa Paneer:

• 1 cup paneer (cut bite-sized)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Coriander leaves
• 1 cup Chilzo’s Red Harissa
• 1 carrot
• 1 cucumber
• 2 tablespoon of curd
• 1 teaspoon lemon

Follow these simple steps to make your Red Harissa Paneer:

1. Sprinkle your cubed paneer with salt and pepper.
2. Drizzle them with olive oil, a magical elixir that makes everything taste better. Then, sprinkle on the shredded cheese and coriander leaves, like confetti for a flavour party!
3. Now, open the jar of Chilzo’s Red Harissa . Take a moment to appreciate its vibrant red hue, the promise of delicious heat within. Gently coat your paneer cubes with this fiery sauce, making sure everyone gets a fair share of the heatwave. ️
4. Time to call in the veggie reinforcements! Chop up some coriander leaves, slice your carrot into sunshine sticks, and shred the cucumber. Toss them all together in a bowl, like a crunchy, colourful salad party.
5. Season your veggie with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Add the creamy curd, like a cool wave washing over the fiery spices. Mix it all up to create a refreshing slaw, ready to balance the heat.
6. Heat up some oil in a pan and gently fry your paneer cubes until they're golden brown and sizzling.
7. Now for the grand finale! Plate your veggies like a bed of vibrant emerald jewels. Nestle your golden paneer heroes on top, like fiery suns warming the cool earth.
8. Garnish with a sprinkle of coriander leaves for an extra touch of freshness. And voila! Your Red Harissa Paneer masterpiece is complete, ready to tantalise your taste buds and set your senses ablaze.

Remember, have fun with it! Crank up some music, get creative with your plating, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious journey of making this dish.