Dal Fry with Pan Fried Paneer
Golden pan fried paneer on a rich tomato and garlic dal fry. A high protein vegetarian dinner.
Made with Tarka dal base. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time30 mins
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £0.97 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non stick pan over a medium high heat. Fry the paneer for 6 minutes, turning, until golden. Set aside.
6 min - 2
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Cook the onion for 8 minutes until golden, then add the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
13 min - 3
Stir in your ready made tarka dal base (see the base recipe) and simmer for 8 minutes.
8 min - 4
Heat the last oil in a small pan. Fry the cumin and garlic until the garlic is golden, then add the chilli powder and pour over.
1 min - 5
Spoon the dal into bowls, top with paneer and coriander.
Tips
- Dry the paneer before frying so it browns.
- Fry the paneer at the last minute so it stays soft.
- Tofu works the same if you want a vegan version.
Storing and freezing
Cool quickly and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Paneer goes firm when frozen, so freeze only the dal. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Can I use halloumi?
Yes, though it is saltier, so add less salt to the dal.
What is dal fry?
Dal fry is dal finished with a tarka of fried onions, tomatoes and spices.
Is it vegan?
No, paneer is dairy. Use tofu to make it vegan.
More made with tarka dal base
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.