Surti Paneer Ghotala – पनीर घोटाला

Surti paneer ghotala (सुरती पनीर घोटाला) is one of a kind recipe. Period.

We all know Gujarati hospitality, especially Surat city’s people. Yup, I am talking about the diamond city of Gujarat. There’s so much this city offers. Incredible food, culture, entertainment, & dodhiya. 🤣 🤣 🤣

Yeah, I am a big fan of surti dodhiya. Let me tell you, the surti style of Garba is called Dodhiya. Not only this, but it is one of the most challenging forms of Garba played in Gujarat. Okay, now back to the recipe.

First thing first, surti paneer ghotala is a paneer dish. Paneer is grated & cooked with the maslawala tadka. We use a series of spice mix & masala powders to make this authentic dish. On the other hand, we also have cheese & butter to enhance the typical taste. That’s the surti paneer ghotala.

One more thing in the native Gujarati language, this dish is called સુરતી પનીર ઘોટાળો.

Why does it have Such A Unique Name?

Surat city is the land of food. I mean, here people earn money, spend lavishly on a variety of food & मजा नी लाइफ. That’s the typical Surti lifestyle. Surat has a funny history behind naming food items.

For example, ghotala means scam. Who would imagine a word like a scam in a food name? But then it is surat. You never know the next item you will eat has a fun name.

A similar item is surti locho. Yes, you read it right. The word meaning of locho is a problem or say an issue. If I were to say it in the Surti language, then it is बवाल.  🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Now you know why Surti food has such unique & funny names.

Let’s discuss the item list we need to make Surti paneer ghotala. Here you go.

Watch Surti Paneer Ghotala Recipe Video

Ingredients of Surti Paneer Ghotala

• Dry Masala's

• Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp
• Coriander Powder - 1 tsp
• Red Chili Powder - 1 tbsp
• Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp
• Garam Masala - 1.5 tbsp
• Kasuri Methi - 1 tbsp

• Wet ingredients

• Ginger-Garlic Paste - 1 tbsp
• Capsicum - 1 pcs (large & chopped)
• Tomato - 2-3 pcs (medium & chopped)
• Tomato Sauce - 2 tbsp
• Coriander - 2-3 tbsp (chopped)

• Dairy Products

• Butter - 25 gms
• Paneer - 300 gms (shredded)
• Cheese - 3 cubes (to grate)

• Other Ingredients

• Oil - 3-4 tbsp
• Salt - As per taste
• Water - As needed

Steps for Surti Paneer Ghotala

• Heat cooking oil in a kadhai. Add cumin seeds, ginger-garlic paste, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala & salt. Saute until aromatic.
• Thereafter add chopped capsicum, tomato & kasuri methi. Mix well & cook until thick.
• Now add butter & cook until butter melts.
• Add tomato sauce, chopped coriander & shredded paneer. Mix everything well.
• Add a little water & mix again. (Note: add water only if needed or else skip.) If there's enough moisture, then don't add water. On the contrary, if your mixture is dry, add water gradually. Not to mention, too much water will spoil the taste & texture of the dish.
• Now grate cheese on the mixture & combine. Cover the lid & cook until the cheese melts completely. Melted cheese will give a greasy texture to our surti paneer ghotala. Moreover, the cheese will make the gravy thick. Now that's the exact consistency we want.
• Your Paneer Ghotala is ready. Serve hot with butter roti.

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