Spicy Lemon Chilli Paneer Tart with Curry Leaves Recipe
Description:
A fusion masterpiece that blends the tangy and spicy flavors of paneer with the zesty punch of lemon and aromatic curry leaves. The Spicy Lemon Chilli Paneer Tart is a delightful open-baked tart filled with a savory paneer mix infused with mustard seeds, green chili sauce, and soy sauce for a South Indian-Chinese twist. Perfect for parties, this appetizer will dazzle your taste buds with its burst of flavors.
Recipe Details
| Cuisine | Fusion |
|---|---|
| Course | Appetizer |
| Diet | Eggetarian |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Ingredients
For the Tart Shell
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 300 grams |
| Butter (Unsalted), chilled | 200 grams |
| Icing Sugar | 100 grams |
| Whole Egg | 1 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
For the Chilli Lemon Paneer Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese), cubed | 200 grams |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum), diced into squares | 1/2 cup |
| Onion, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic, cut into strips | 8 cloves |
| Green Chilies, slit | 3 |
| Spring Onion Greens, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chili Sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Corn Flour | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | 4 teaspoons |
| Lemon, cut into wedges | 1 (8 wedges) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
| Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient quality and serving size. |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Shell
- Chill Butter: Cut butter into small cubes and freeze for about 2 hours until solid.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, icing sugar, and salt.
- Rub Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and rub them into the flour mixture using your fingers until it resembles sand.
- Form Dough: Add one whole egg to the mixture and bring it together to form a sticky dough.
- Refrigerate Dough: Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate overnight for best results.
- Roll Dough: Dust your work surface with flour, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1 cm, and place it over a 6-inch loose-bottom pie tin. Press it gently into the base and edges, leaving excess dough hanging over the sides.
- Freeze Tart: Place the prepared tin in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Trim & Dock: Remove the excess dough and prick the base with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.
- Bake Tart Shell: Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and bake the tart shell for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Chilli Lemon Paneer Filling
- Heat Oil: In a pan, heat oil over medium-high flame. Add mustard seeds and curry leaves, letting them crackle.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add garlic, green chilies, and onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions turn soft and pink.
- Add Vegetables & Paneer: Stir in capsicum, salt, turmeric, black pepper powder, green chili sauce, and paneer cubes. Mix thoroughly.
- Thicken Mixture: Make a slurry by mixing cornflour with water. Add this to the paneer mixture and stir continuously until thickened.
- Add Lemon & Greens: Squeeze lemon wedges over the mixture and drop the lemon skins into the pan. Add spring onion greens and mix well.
Step 3: Assemble & Serve
- Fill Tart Shells: Just before serving, spoon the Chilli Lemon Paneer Filling into the prepared tart shells.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with additional spring onion greens or a sprig of curry leaves for a fresh touch.
- Serve: Serve warm as a delightful party appetizer alongside Rose Buns with Stuffed Mushroom and Lebanese Spinach Triangle Pies.
Enjoy the Spicy Lemon Chilli Paneer Tart as a delicious fusion of bold flavors and diverse cuisines!
Let me know if you’d like a detailed recipe for the Rose Buns or Spinach Triangle Pies!
