Cheesy & Spicy Pull-Apart Bread Recipe with Indian Spices
This Cheesy & Spicy Pull-Apart Bread with a unique blend of Indian spices is a mouthwatering fusion snack that combines the classic concept of pull-apart bread with bold, aromatic Indian flavors. It’s perfect as a party appetizer, a side dish for a flavorful meal, or even as a standalone treat for an indulgent snack. Soft, fluffy dough filled with a spicy, savory filling of seasoned vegetables and soy nuggets, topped with melted cheese – this bread is an absolute delight.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 3 cups |
| Wheat Bran | 2 tablespoons |
| Flax Seed Powder (Flax Meal) | 1 tablespoon |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Lukewarm Water | 1 cup |
| Potatoes (Aloo), diced small | 2 |
| Baby Corn, finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum), finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Green Chilies, finely chopped | 2 |
| Soy Chunks (Nuggets) | 15 pieces |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil | For cooking (as needed) |
| Salt (for filling) | To taste |
| Cheese, grated (for topping) | As needed for sprinkling |
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 100 minutes
Total Time: 110 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour (maida), wheat bran, flax seed powder, active dry yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Gradually add the lukewarm water to the dry ingredients, a little at a time, and knead the mixture into a smooth dough.
- Once the dough comes together, add the extra virgin olive oil and knead for another 3 to 4 minutes until the dough becomes soft and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and leave it in a warm place for about 2 hours, allowing it to rise and double in size.
2. Prepare the Soy Nuggets:
- While the dough is rising, cook the soy chunks (nuggets) in a pot of hot boiling water for 5-7 minutes or until they become soft and spongy.
- Drain the water from the soy chunks, then gently squeeze out any excess moisture.
- Mince the soy chunks and set them aside for later use.
3. Prepare the Spicy Filling:
- Heat sunflower oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and sauté them until they begin to splutter.
- Add the finely chopped onion and green chilies to the pan, sautéing until the onions turn translucent.
- Next, add the diced potatoes, chopped bell pepper, and chopped baby corn. Stir-fry the vegetables until the potatoes are tender and the veggies are well cooked.
- Sprinkle in the garam masala powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.
- Add the minced soy nuggets to the pan and mix everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the salt or spices as necessary. Once satisfied with the seasoning, set the spicy filling aside to cool.
4. Shape the Bread:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any trapped air. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out into a large disc about 1/2 inch thick.
- Using a cookie cutter or a glass, cut medium-sized round discs from the dough.
- Place a generous spoonful of the prepared spicy filling in the center of each disc.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape (similar to a calzone or gujiya). Pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside.
5. Assemble the Pull-Apart Bread:
- Grease a round springform baking pan with a little oil. Arrange the stuffed dough pieces in the pan, placing them close together but not touching. The bread should resemble a stack of stuffed half-moons.
- Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 1 hour in a warm place. This will allow the dough to rise again.
6. Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 165°C (330°F).
- Sprinkle grated cheese generously over the top of the assembled bread.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
7. Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Cheesy & Spicy Pull-Apart Bread warm as a snack or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with a bowl of Roasted Cherry Tomato Soup or Pasta Primavera with Fresh Basil for a complete meal.
- For an extra indulgent treat, serve alongside a tangy dipping sauce or chutney.
Tips for Success:
- Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too dry while kneading, add a bit more warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth and elastic consistency.
- Filling Variations: You can customize the filling by adding other vegetables, such as peas, carrots, or mushrooms, for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar cheese works wonderfully in this recipe, you can experiment with other melting cheeses such as mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for a richer topping.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Cholesterol | 10 mg |
This Cheesy & Spicy Pull-Apart Bread with Indian spices is a fun, flavorful twist on traditional bread, offering a delightful mix of spices, cheese, and soft, fluffy texture. Whether you enjoy it as a quick snack or as part of a more elaborate dinner, this recipe will surely leave everyone craving for more!
