Paneer Kali Mirch Recipe -Paneer Pepper Masala
Paneer Kali mirch recipe also known as Paneer pepper masala recipe. You can make this easy paneer recipe in 20 minutes. That makes it one of the quick Paneer recipe for Indian weeknight dinner, especially when you are short on time.

I am hoping that, with my step-by-step instructions, key tips, FAQs and common variations of pepper paneer masala you will be able to make paneer kali mirch at home effortlessly. Whether you prefer a restaurant-style paneer kali mirch with a creamy gravy or a quick, lighter version, this recipe highlights the bold taste of freshly ground black pepper (kali mirch) in a creamy gravy
You really do not need much pre-prep, as it is one of simplest 20 Minutes Indian cottage cheese recipe.
Ingredients For Paneer Pepper Masala
- Paneer/ Indian cottage cheese (homemade or store bought)
- Spices and Seasonings: Turmeric Powder, Kashmiri Lal Mirch Powder, Salt, Cumin Seeds, Cinnamon, Pepper Powder, Coriander Powder
- Fresh: Ginger-garlic paste, Lime Juice, Onion, Green Chilies, Curry Leaves, Coriander Leaves
- Vegetable Oil/ canola oil
How to Make Paneer Kali Mirch
I have used two main ingredients to add flavours to this paneer recipe. The warm taste of Kali mirch or black pepper and curry leaves. So if you are not a great fan of a tomato-based paneer gravy or want a change this is paneer recipe for you.
How To Make It? Stepwise Method

- Cut paneer into cubes. Then take a bowl and put the paneer cubes in it. [photo 1]
- Add ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder, half a teaspoon of Kashmiri Lal Mirch powder and a teaspoon of ginger garlic paste, lime juice. Add salt to taste and mix them well. [photo 2,3]
- After mixing all the ingredients, refrigerate for an hour. (however this is optional) you can make it directly if you are in a hurry. [photo 4]
- To make pepper gravy for paneer, heat oil in a pan. When the oil starts to heat add cumin seeds, cinnamon and cubed red onions. [photo5,6 ]

- Then add chopped green chilies and some curry leaves on it. Saute’ till the onion becomes soft and changes its color to golden brown. [photo1 ]
- When the onions are soft add freshly cracked pepper powder and coriander powder. [photo2]
- Now, take out the refrigerated paneer cubes and add it in the pan. Now, mix the paneer with the ingredients and cook it for a minute. [photo 3]
- Add 4 tablespoons of water and mix it well. Cover the pan with a lid and then cook it for another 3-4 minutes. [photo 4, 5 ]
- add coriander leaves and cook all the ingredients for another minute. [photo 6]
- Switch off the heat and serve the paneer pepper masala hot.
Tips for the Best Paneer Pepper Masala
- Use Freshly Cracked Pepper: Kali mirch is the star here; freshly ground black pepper will give you the most robust flavor.
- Adjust the Creaminess: Want a creamy gravy? Add some cream and ground cashews. Prefer a lighter sauce? Use low-fat yogurt instead.
- Experiment with Variations: Try a low-oil Paneer Kali Mirch version by reducing the ghee or oil. Or go for a vegan pepper curry by swapping paneer with tofu.
- Soft homemade paneer is always the best.
- Always marinate the paneer for more flavour and soft texture
What to Serve with Paneer Kali Mirch
You can serve it with laccha paratha or a Malabar parrota or dosa with equal ease. It tastes absolutely delicious any which way. Maybe even make a sandwich filling out of it if you have extra! I have even made cutlets with it as a central ingredient
Q: How do I make Paneer Kali Mirch with gravy?
You can blend together some soaked cashews or almonds and add the paste along with fresh cream to the gravy.
Can I make a vegan version of Paneer Pepper Masala?
Yes! Substitute paneer with firm tofu and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of dairy.
Is Paneer Kali Mirch spicy?
It does have a peppery kick. If you’re spice-sensitive, reduce the amount of freshly ground black pepper. You can always add more cream to tone down the heat.
Additional Recipe Variations
- No Cream Paneer Kali Mirch: Use thick yogurt and skip cream for a lighter version.
- Extra Spicy Paneer Pepper Masala: Add crushed green chilies for a fiery kick.
- Healthy Pepper Paneer Curry: Opt for low-oil cooking and use low-fat yogurt to cut down calories.
More Such Recipes
- Palak Paneer Recipe (Healthier Version)
- Amritsari Paneer Bhurji
- Kadai Paneer Recipe
- Paneer Butter Masala
- Matar Paneer Recipe
- Paneer Ghee Roast
- Paneer Vegetable Keema
Paneer Pepper Masala Recipe Video
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Paneer Pepper Masala | Paneer Kali Mirch
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- ½ inch Cinnamon
- ¼ cup Onion chopped
- 2 Green Chilies chopped
- 1 Sprig Curry Leaves
- 1 teaspoon Pepper Powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
- 4 tablespoon Water
- Coriander Leaves
For Marinated Paneer
- 200 gas Paneer Cubes
- ¼ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- ½ tsp Kashmiri Lal Mirch Powder
- 1 teaspoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 2 teaspoon Lime Juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
How To Marinate Paneer
- Cut 200 gms of paneer in square cubes. Then take a bowl and put the paneer cubes in it.
- Add ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder, half a teaspoon of Kashmiri Lal Mirch powder and a teaspoon of ginger garlic paste.
- Squeeze around 2 teaspoons of lime juice in a small bowl and then pour them in the bowl. You can directly squeeze the lime on the cottage cheese/paneer as well.
- Add salt to taste and mix them well. After mixing all the ingredients refrigerate for an hour.
How To Make The Gravy
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. When the oil starts to heat add a teaspoon of cumin seeds, half an inch of cinnamon and ¼ cup of cubed red onions.
- Then add chopped green chilies and some curry leaves on it.
- Saute till the onion becomes soft and changes its color to golden brown.
- When the onions are soft add a teaspoon of pepper powder and a teaspoon of coriander powder respectively.
- Now, take out the refrigerated paneer cubes and add it in the pan. Now, mix the paneer with the ingredients and cook it for a minute.
- Add 4 tablespoons of water and mix it well. When the ingredients are mixed well cover the pan with a lid and then cook it for another 3-4 minutes.
- Now, sprinkle some green coriander leaves for flavors and cook all the ingredients for another minute.
- Switch off the heat and serve the paneer pepper masala hot with jeera rice.

Paneer Recipes are the best.
I am going to cook this recipe tonight, hope it turns out great.
I love this website, all the recipes are so simple and easy to cook. Paneer is my favorite.
Rekha Kakkar, it is very thoughtful of you to share this recipe here. It is a simple recipe and suits vegetarians and non-vegetarians equally. I also loved the images you have shared alongwith the post. Keep penning most such recipes and share it with readers to inspire them to cook.