Cricketing sensation Virat Kohli, known for his fitness and disciplined lifestyle, has been seen to make an interesting switch in his diet. The chef of Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), Sanjay Jha, recently revealed that the cricketing icon has switched from his once-favorite chicken chili to the vegetarian delight—chili paneer.
Speaking to The Indian Express, chef Sanjay Jha shared insights into Kohli’s meal choices during the Ranji Trophy match. “When he was younger, he loved chicken chili. But now, he met me after training and requested chili paneer for lunch,” Jha revealed.
Cook Chilli Paneer
Virat’s fondness for home-style comfort food was further evident when Jha added, “For the past two days, after practice sessions, he has been enjoying Kadhi Chawal.” This shift aligns with Kohli’s well-documented commitment to fitness and mindful eating habits.
If you, like Virat Kohli, enjoy chili paneer, here is an easy recipe inspired by chef Sanjeev Kapoor. This Indo-Chinese delight combines crispy paneer cubes with a flavorful, spicy sauce.
Recipe:
- 400g cottage cheese (paneer), cut into ½-inch pieces
- 1 tsp + 1 tbsp tomato chilli sauce
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tbsp refined flour (maida)
- 5-6 spring onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp oil
- ½ cup each of red, green, and yellow capsicum, chopped
- 3 dried red chillies
- Salt, to taste
Steps For Recipe:
Take Paneer cubes salt, ginger-garlic paste, refined flour, 1 tsp tomato chili sauce. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a nonstick wok. In another pan, heat oil for deep frying. Cut dried red chilies into small pieces, remove seeds, and add them to the wok. Sauté with chopped spring onions.
High-heat deep-fry the paneer cubes to get them golden brown. Then, add the capsicum, sprinkle salt on top, and sauté it for some minutes.
Mix 1 tbsp of tomato chili sauce well and then let it be cooked for about 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and strain the fried paneer pieces into the wok. And, serve it hot and relish!
Virat Kohli’s switching from chicken to paneer is an example of how even the top athletes prefer scrumptious yet mindful food. Why not get inspired by the cricket star and try this scrumptious recipe at home?