Lemon Garlic Paneer
Lemon Garlic Paneer is a golden, tangy, and aromatic dish that brings together crisp paneer, the warmth of garlic, and the zest of lemon. The light soy–cornflour coating gives each cube a delicate crispness, while fresh herbs and spices add balance and brightness. Perfect as a light meal or nourishing snack, it brings a balance of warmth and freshness to your plate.
According to Ayurveda, this dish helps balance Kapha and Vata doshas, thanks to its warmth and stimulating spices. With a few small tweaks, it can also suit Pitta types, offering nourishment without excess heat.
Ayurvedic properties of key ingredients
Paneer (Cottage Cheese) → Heavy, cooling; pacifies Vata, increases Kapha if eaten in excess.
Garlic → Pungent, heating; balances Kapha and Vata, may aggravate Pitta if overused.
Lemon → Sour, light; stimulates digestion, balances Vata and Kapha, may increase Pitta.
Green Chili → Very heating; balances Kapha, increases Pitta.
Onion → Heating, grounding; balances Vata, can aggravate Pitta or Kapha when fried.
Butter → Oily; grounding for Vata, increases Kapha.
Soya Sauce → Salty, warming; adds umami, balances Vata, may increase Pitta and Kapha.
Preparation Time- 10 minutes
Cooking Time- 25minutes
Serving Size-2
Ingredients
300g paneer (cubed)
½ tbsp soya sauce
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp cornflour
Salt (to taste)
1 medium-sized onion (finely chopped)
1 green chili (sliced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp butter
¼ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Lemon juice (to taste)
Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Marinate Paneer: In a bowl, mix paneer cubes with soya sauce, black pepper, cornflour, and a pinch of salt. Coat evenly — no need to rest; you can sauté immediately.
Sauté Paneer: Heat butter in a pan over medium flame. Add the marinated paneer and sauté until golden brown and lightly crisp on the edges. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add minced garlic, sliced onion, and green chili. Sauté until the garlic turns fragrant and the onions soften slightly.
Combine: Add chili flakes and a pinch of cornflour (optional, to thicken slightly if needed). Return the sautéed paneer to the pan and toss gently until well-coated.
Finish with Lemon: Turn off the heat. Drizzle fresh lemon juice to taste and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
Dosha Tweaks
For Pitta 🔥
Reduce garlic, chili, and lemon.
Add cooling herbs like mint or cilantro generously.
For Kapha 💧
Use minimal butter or ghee.
Add a little extra chili or black pepper for stimulation.
Suggestions
Serve- perfect on its own as a snack or with rice as a wholesome meal.
Pair with lightly steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
