Smokey Cottage Cheese with Sweet Pepper Sauce is a dish born out of sheer inspiration. One day, my boss walked into the restaurant with guests and asked me to create something Indian with a fusion twist that was vegetarian. With little time to think, this recipe came to mind, and I crafted it for the very first time. The result—a delightful blend of smoky cottage cheese and a rich, tangy sweet pepper sauce—was an instant hit, earning its place as one of my signature creations.
Smokey Cottage Cheese with Sweet Pepper Sauce
This gourmet dish combines the velvety texture of cottage cheese with the bold, smoky flavors of a sweet and tangy pepper sauce. Perfect for dinner parties or as a special treat, it balances bold and subtle flavors seamlessly, making it appealing to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Smokey Cottage Cheese with Sweet Pepper Sauce is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of Indian flavors infused with a global twist, offering a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Ingredients
For the Cottage Cheese Marinade
For the Sweet Pepper Sauce
Instructions
-
Marinate the Cottage Cheese
In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, lime juice, black pepper, and salt.
Add the paneer cubes and gently coat them with the marinade.
Let it rest for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Prepare the Sweet Pepper Sauce
Roast the red bell peppers and garlic cloves over an open flame or in an oven until charred. Peel and chop them.
Blend the roasted bell peppers and garlic into a smooth puree.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the blended puree, then stir in sugar (or honey), smoked paprika powder, and salt.
Cook the sauce on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until well combined and thickened.
-
Grill the Cottage Cheese
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
Cook the marinated paneer cubes for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a light char.
-
Assemble the Dish
Spread the sweet pepper sauce on a serving plate.
Place the grilled paneer cubes on top of the sauce.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of olive oil for an Indian touch.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 310kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 19g30%
- Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 14g29%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For an extra smoky flavor, consider using a charcoal smoking technique for the paneer after grilling.
Adjust the sweetness of the sauce based on your preference by adding more or less sugar or honey.
Serve with warm naan, paratha, or steamed rice for a complete meal.
The mint garnish not only adds freshness but also ties the dish to its Indian roots beautifully.
