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5 from 3 votes

Paneer Tacos with Creamy Chipotle Sauce

Indian Fusion Paneer Tacos with Creamy Chipotle Sauce are delicious, juicy, and packed with flavor. Easy weeknight meal that's perfect for meal-prepping!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian Fusion, Mexican
Servings: 8 tacos
Author: Nisha Kapur

Equipment

Ingredients

for paneer mixture

  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 3-4 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 cup onion chopped
  • 1 cup tomatoes chopped
  • 2 tsp taco seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp haldi
  • 1/2 tsp kashmiri lal mirch or paprika
  • 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce chopped
  • salt to taste
  • 225 grams paneer crumbled
  • 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

for chipotle sauce

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • pinch of black pepper
  • 1 tbsp water optional

to assemble each taco (makes 8)

  • 1 taco shell you'll need 8 shells total
  • 2 spoonfuls of paneer mixture
  • 3 tbsp cheddar cheese, shredded you'll need 1 1/2 cups total
  • 1/3-1/2 cup romaine lettuce, shredded you'll need 4 cups total
  • 1 tbsp chipotle sauce
  • few cilantro leaves
  • few chopped onions

Instructions

Step 1 - Cook Spicy Paneer Mixture

  • Heat up a Dutch castiron or large skillet on medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add oil and allow it to heat up. Then add cumin seeds. Cook for 30 seconds and the cumin seeds will sizzle.
  • Add onions and season with a little salt. Saute for 2-3 minutes or until the onions are translucent.
  • Now add the tomatoes and again season with a little salt. Cook for a minute.
  • Add the chopped chipotle peppers, taco seasoning, garam masala, turmeric powder, and Kashmiri red chili powder. Saute for 30 seconds.
  • TIP: Use canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. You can easily find canned chipotle peppers at Whole Foods or any regular grocery store. I love the La Costena brand for chipotle peppers.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of water to prevent the spices from burning. Cook for another 3 minutes.
  • Now cover and cook the onion-tomato mixture for 3-4 minutes until you have a paste-like consistency.
  • This is what you should have.
  • Add the crumbled paneer. Saute for a couple of minutes and break down the paneer until it's all incorporated into the onion-tomato mixture.
  • TIP: If using store-bought paneer, make sure you soak it in boiling hot water for 20 minutes. This will result in super soft paneer. Then crumble it. DO NOT overcook the paneer!
  • Break down the paneer just like that.
  • Add fresh cilantro and turn off the stove.
  • You may need a tablespoon of water to deglaze the pan.
  • Your paneer filling is ready!

Step 2 - Make Creamy Chipotle Sauce

  • In a small food processor, combine all the ingredients - sour cream, garlic, cilantro, fresh lime juice, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, salt, and black pepper.
  • Pulse the ingredients for a few seconds until smooth and creamy. This is what you should have.
  • TIP: Water is optional! Add 1 tablespoon of water only if you want to dilute the sauce slightly, otherwise, you don't need water.

Step 3 - Assemble the Paneer Tacos with Spicy Chipotle Sauce

  • Grab a taco shell. Add a couple of spoonfuls of the paneer filling.
  • Add about 3-4 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Bake the taco in a toaster oven for 4-5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.
  • Now top shredded lettuce over melted cheese
  • Drizzle some of that creamy sauce.
  • Garnish with onions and fr

Notes

  1. Soak the paneer if using store-bought: Make sure you soak the paneer in hot boiling water for 20 minutes before using.
  2. Do NOT overcook the paneer: Once you add it to the pan, cook the paneer for 2-3 minutes max to avoid a rubbery texture.
  3. For creamy chipotle sauce: Do NOT add additional water. If you want slightly more runny sauce, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time.
  4. Vegan: Rplace paneer with tofu. Additionally, for the creamy chipotle sauce and cheese, use non-dairy alternatives.

Nutrition

Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 232mg | Potassium: 209mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2552IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 330mg | Iron: 1mg