Peri peri paneer bites is a hot & tangy indian fusion appetizer that brings together the rich and creamy texture of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with the bold and spicy flavors of peri peri sauce.
Served over soft & pillowy pieces of naan, this paneer appetizer is perfect to serve at your next party. This is a quick, semi homemade recipe since I use store bought peri peri marinade. Ready in under 30 minutes and a crowd pleaser!
If you ask me, there is no limit to paneer starter recipes one can have up their sleeve! Right? Few of my favorites include traditional recipes such as tandoori paneer tikka or achari paneer tikka. We also love the indian fusion paneer recipes such as bang bang paneer or schezwan paneer tart.
My Recipe
Paneer has a mild taste and it instantly absorbs any kind of flavor added to it. I especially love combining it with hot sauces such as hot garlic sauce to make paneer in hot garlic sauce, schewzan sauce or peri peri sauce. The peri peri marinade infuses the paneer with a zesty and slightly tangy taste while adding a kick of heat.
While creating this peri peri paneer appetizer recipe, I utilized a store-bought peri peri marinade. Not going to lie, but after I tasted the marinade, though it was super tangy & hot, I sensed it needed an extra kick.
So, I took a step further by combining it with aromatics like minced garlic, finely chopped scallions, black pepper powder, and a hint of sugar to balance the tanginess. After tossing the small diced paneer in this lively mix, I finished off with a tablespoon of cream.
The result is a delightful fusion of spicy, tangy, and creamy notes, making this peri peri paneer a stand-alone culinary delight. I served it atop butter toasted naan with a slice of cucumber(for freshness) and few pomegranate arils that not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a burst of sweetness to contrast the heat of peri peri!
The result is a delightful fusion of spicy, tangy, and creamy notes, making this peri peri paneer a stand-alone culinary delight. I served it atop butter-toasted naan, accompanied by a slice of cucumber for freshness, and a sprinkle of pomegranate arils that not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute a burst of sweetness for a well-rounded taste!
WHAT MAKES THIS RECIPE SO AMAZING
These peri peri paneer naan bites
- Are perfect finger food for serving at a party.
- Pack a punch of spicy and tangy flavors
- Can be made in 20-25 minutes.
- Are vegetarian friendly and can be served to anyone(almost!)
Ingredients
How To Make
- Warm up cooking oil(I use avocado oil) in a pan.
- Add minced garlic and chopped scallion white parts to the hot oil. Fry for 40-50 seconds so that the raw smell and taste goes away.
- Add the paneer. If you want, you can let paneer crisp up to golden, we like it softer.
- Drizzle the peri peri sauce along with black pepper powder & sugar. TIP- At this stage, you could add small diced colorful bell peppers as well if you wish.
- Using a spatula, toss the paneer gently such that its coated ver well. The paneer will be soft so be careful that it does not break.
- Taste and adjust the salt if needed. Finish with heavy cream and lemon juice. .
- Cook for 1 minute such that the paneer is coated well. You could keep it saucy or cook longer to dry out as per your liking. Mix in the scallion green parts.
- Toast mini naan or pieces of naan until warmed and slightly crispy.
- Place a cucumber slice on each naan. Top with a tablespoon of the peri peri paneer. Add few pomegrante arils. Serve!
Recipe Tips
- Highly recommend using Nandos brand peri peri sauce. Unfortunately, I could not find it at my grocery store. I used the trader joes brand.
- If you have time at hand, marinate the paneer for 20-30 minutes in the peri peri sauce before pan frying it.
- You could brown the paneer before adding the sauce, we just like softer creamier texture in this paneer appetizer.
- If you do not get ready to use naan bites, simply cut up a regular naan into pieces. Or use crisped cocktail papad or nacho chips to serve (adds a crispy bite too).
Peri Peri Paneer Bites (Easy Paneer Appetizer)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1.5 teaspoon garlic minced
- 2 scallions finely chopped (white & green parts separate)
- 100 g (~4 oz) paneer small diced
- ¼ teaspoon salt or as needed
- 2 tablespoon peri peri sauce
- ⅛ teapsoon black pepper powder
- 2 pinch sugar
- 1.5 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon lime juice optional
- 12 naan bites or regular naan cut in small pieces, toasted, to serve
- 12 cucumber slices
- pomegranate arils as needed
Instructions
- Warm up cooking oil(I use avocado oil) in a pan.
- Add minced garlic and chopped scallion white parts to the hot oil. Fry for 40-50 seconds so that the raw smell and taste goes away.
- Add the paneer. If you want, you can let paneer crisp up to golden, we like it softer.
- Drizzle the peri peri sauce along with black pepper powder & sugar. TIP- At this stage, you could add small diced colorful bell peppers as well if you wish.
- Using a spatula, toss the paneer gently such that its coated very well. The paneer will be soft so be careful that it does not break. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
- Finish with heavy cream and lemon juice. Cook for 1 minute such that the paneer is coated well. You could keep it saucy or cook longer to dry out as per your liking. Mix in the scallion green parts.
- Toast mini naan or pieces of naan until warmed and slightly crispy. Place a cucumber slice on each naan. Top with a tablespoon of the peri peri paneer. Add few pomegrante arils. Serve!
Notes
-
- Highly recommend using Nandos brand peri peri sauce. Unfortunately, I could not find it at my grocery store. I used the trader joes brand.
- Please adjust the salt and lime juice levels in this recipe as per your taste and how your peri peri sauce tastes like.
- If you have time at hand, marinate the paneer for 20-30 minutes in the peri peri sauce before pan frying it.
- You could golden brown the paneer before adding the sauce, we just like softer creamier texture in this paneer appetizer.
- If you do not get ready to use naan bites, simply cut up a regular naan into pieces. Or use crisped cocktail papad or nacho chips to serve (adds a crispy bite too).
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