Kanthari Paneer

Description

Kanthari Paneer is a spicy South Indian fusion dish featuring paneer cubes tossed in a fiery green chili masala made from kanthari mulaku, Kerala’s native bird’s eye chili. Known for its sharp heat and fresh flavor, this dish brings together the softness of paneer with the punch of Kerala-style seasoning.

Paneer cubes are lightly sautéed or pan-fried, then coated in a green paste made from crushed kanthari chilies, garlic, curry leaves, and coconut oil. The masala is quickly stir-fried on high heat to preserve the chili’s raw heat while developing a fragrant, bold coating. The result is a semi-dry dish that is intense, herbal, and uniquely regional in taste.

Kanthari Paneer is served as a starter or dry side dish in Kerala-style restaurants and is gaining popularity among spicy food lovers in Kochi, Kottayam, and Thiruvananthapuram, as well as in Indian homes across Mississauga, Scarborough, and Brampton.