Veg Paneer Puffs are delightful savory pastries filled with a flavorful mixture of crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese), sautéed onions, tomatoes, and boiled green peas, seasoned with aromatic spices like garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The filling is encased in a buttery, flaky pastry crust and baked until golden brown and crisp. These bite-sized treats are perfect as a snack or appetizer, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that appeal to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
Here’s a recipe for Veg Paneer Puffs:
Ingredients:
For the pastry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Cold water, as needed
For the filling:
- 200 grams paneer (Indian cottage cheese), crumbled
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green peas, boiled
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil for cooking
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pastry:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Add the chilled, cubed butter into the flour mixture.
- Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, and knead until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to over-knead.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
- Add crumbled paneer, boiled green peas, green chili (if using), and all the spices – turmeric powder, garam masala powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves on top and mix well. Remove from heat and let the filling cool down completely.
- Assemble the Puffs:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Take out the chilled dough from the refrigerator and divide it into equal-sized portions.
- Roll out each portion of the dough into a thin rectangular sheet on a floured surface.
- Cut each rectangular sheet into smaller squares or rectangles, depending on the size of puffs you desire.
- Place a spoonful of the prepared paneer filling in the center of each square.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
- Place the assembled puffs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Puffs:
- Brush the tops of the puffs with a little milk or beaten egg for a shiny finish (optional).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the puffs turn golden brown and crisp.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite sauce or chutney.
Enjoy your delicious Veg Paneer Puffs!
