High Protein Paneer Bhurji
Quick & Easy High Protein Paneer Bhurji: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner
RECIPES
10/15/20262 min read
Looking for an easy vegetarian high protein, high fiber meal? I got exactly what you are looking for paneer bhurji. Simple, fast, and easy to throw together, this Indian style paneer scramble is about to become your new weeknight go to. The longest part is letting the tomatoes cook down into a rich, flavorful base.
The main characters are the spices, paneer, and edamame. Personally, my kids LOVE edamame, so for me, it was a no brainer to include it in the paneer bhurji. It adds a great amount of protein and fiber to the meal. It also helped me add a familiar food into a not too familiar meal for them. It was like a gateway to getting them to try the new meal. I love adding in components that are familiar to allow them to be more open to trying new things. Think about it: you as an adult wouldn’t want to try something completely new to you. However, if you knew some of the components, you would be open to trying the new meal too. That’s exactly how kids feel.
Giving kids familiar options is all about easing the pressure and that philosophy applies to the rest of the ingredients, too. That’s why I love versatile meals. Use whatever you have on hand, favorite foods your child enjoys or skip things they don't. Don’t have tomatoes? Use half a cup of pasta sauce or 3 tablespoons of tomato paste. Don’t have onions? Skip them. Don’t have garlic? Use garlic powder. The options and swaps are limitless.
This healthy twist on paneer bhurji is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with bakris, rotis, or parathas, or wrapped into a tortilla for a quick and easy breakfast or lunch burrito.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
Lightning Fast: Once your tomatoes and veggies are cooked down, this quick weeknight dinner comes together in minutes.
Naturally Vegetarian & Protein Packed: Paneer and edamame are incredible powerhouses for vegetarian protein sources without needing complicated meat substitutes.
Fridge Clearing Friendly: Seriously, toss in whatever greens, peppers, or leftover veggies are staring at you when you open the fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
16 oz Paneer (1 pack), crumbled
1 tbsp oil
1/3 stick of cinnamon
½ star anise
3 whole cloves
3 whole peppercorns
1 medium onion, diced
2 tbsp ginger garlic paste (or 3 garlic cloves and 1 inch of ginger, grated)
2 carrots, diced
2 jalapeños, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 cup edamame (shelled)
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp dhanna jeeru (cumin and coriander powder)
1 tsp chaat masala
1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder)
1 tsp tandoori powder
1/2 tsp laal mirch (red chili powder)
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/4 cup water
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies: In a deep pan or pot heat up the oil, add in the whole spices and let cook until fragrant. Cook down your onions, jalapeños, and carrots for 5 minutes. Then, add in your ginger and garlic and mix until well incorporated, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
Build the Tomato & Masala base: Add your chopped tomatoes, edamame, spices, and water. Let them cook down covered for 5-10 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft enough to mash with the back of the mixing spoon. Give it a few mashes, this is optional.
Scramble the Paneer: Stir in your crumbled paneer, mix it all together until heated through, and serve.
**Pro Tips
Don't rush the tomatoes: Letting them break down completely builds incredible depth of flavor as they cook down.
If your paneer is on the drier side, a tiny splash of water can keep things juicy when tossing it into the pan. This also helps when reheating leftovers!