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The impact of international events and continuously rising inflation has now reached directly into our kitchens. Cooking oil prices are soaring day by day, affecting the budget of every household. In light of this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to citizens to minimize their oil consumption—a measure intended not only to improve personal health but also to strengthen the national economy.

In these changing times, it has become essential to incorporate dishes into our daily cooking that remain both delicious and nutritious, even when prepared with minimal or no oil. Today, Local 18 brings you just such a special recipe: *Oil-free Paneer Bhurji*. Mamta Jain, the creator of this unique dish, asserts that healthy eating is no longer a compromise, but rather a smart lifestyle choice. She explains that by skillfully utilizing spices and natural moisture, one can prepare meals that are every bit as flavorful as their oil-based counterparts.

**An Easy and Healthy Recipe for Oil-free Paneer Bhurji**

Homemaker Mamta Jain shares that she begins by thoroughly washing onions, garlic, green chilies, and tomatoes, and then giving them a coarse grind in a blender. This mixture forms the base of the dish. Next, she heats a *kadhai* (wok) on the stove and adds cumin seeds directly to the dry pan—without any oil. As soon as the cumin seeds begin to crackle lightly, she adds the prepared crushed spice mixture. This mixture is then cooked over medium heat, stirred continuously, until the onions turn a light golden color and the spices become aromatic.

**How to Prepare Paneer Bhurji in Just a Few Minutes**

Following this, the tomatoes are added and cooked until they soften completely, thicken into a rich consistency, and their moisture evaporates. This crucial step is what imparts the authentic flavor to the *bhurji*. Next, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt (to taste) are added and mixed thoroughly. Once the spices are well-roasted, fresh *paneer* (cottage cheese)—crumbled by hand—is added to the pan. The *paneer* is cooked for a few minutes while being mixed well with the spices, ensuring that the flavors are fully absorbed into every morsel.

This dish can be served even with plain roti.
If you wish to make this recipe even healthier, you can add vegetables of your choice—such as bell peppers, peas, or carrots. This will not only enhance its flavor but also double its nutritional value. The best part is that, despite being prepared without oil, this recipe is light, easy to digest, and perfect for people of all ages. You can serve it piping hot alongside Lachha Paratha, Tandoori Naan, or plain roti. Pairing it with these breads further elevates its taste, making for a truly perfect meal.

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