Name: Jain Paneer & Pomegranate Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 150 g Paneer, cut into very small cubes; ½ cup Pomegranate Seeds, anar dana; 1 Cucumber, peeled and finely diced; ½ Green Bell Pepper, finely diced; 2 tbsp Mint Leaves, finely chopped; 1 tbsp Lemon Juice; ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper, freshly cracked; ½ tsp Chaat Masala; 1 tsp Ghee, for tossing paneer; ½ tsp Salt, to taste

20 mintotal

Prep 15 min · Cook 5 min

Serves: 2
Difficulty: Easy
Spice: Mild

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Method

Heat the ghee in a pan. Add the paneer cubes and lightly toss them for 2 minutes until they are slightly warm and soft. Do not brown them. Remove from heat and let cool.
2 min
In a mixing bowl, combine the finely diced cucumber, capsicum, and fresh pomegranate seeds.
Add the cooled paneer cubes to the bowl.
Add the chopped mint leaves.
Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and chaat masala.
Drizzle lemon juice over the mixture and gently toss everything together.
Serve immediately for the best texture.

How to tell it's done

Pillowy soft paneer contrasted with the explosive, juicy crunch of pomegranate seeds.

Getting it right

Tip

Tossing the paneer briefly in ghee removes its raw, rubbery edge and makes it incredibly soft, acting like a sponge for the lemon juice.

What to serve it with

A refreshing, sweet, and savory side dish perfect for a rich Jain lunch.

Common mistakes

The paneer is rubbery.: Two minutes in the ghee, no colour, and then off the heat. Paneer browned or left in a hot pan tightens and goes squeaky, which is the opposite of what this salad wants.
The salad turns pink and watery.: Add the pomegranate last and toss once. Crushed seeds bleed into the paneer and cucumber, and the juice thins the dressing.

Substitutions

Crumbled feta works if you want it saltier, though it changes the character considerably.
Orange segments can stand in for the pomegranate when it is out of season.

Storing and reheating

Serve within the hour. Cucumber, capsicum and pomegranate can be prepared a few hours ahead and kept separately; the paneer is best warmed just before assembly.

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