Peas, Corn & Paneer Savory Hand Pies Recipe
These delectable hand pies are a wonderful treat to serve during high tea or pack in a lunchbox. Combining the nutritious goodness of green peas, sweet corn, and paneer, they provide a healthy dose of vitamins, calcium, and minerals that are essential for growing children. Whether as an appetizer or snack, these savory hand pies bring a burst of flavors with every bite, making them perfect for any occasion.
Cuisine: Fusion
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green peas (Matar), boiled | 1/2 cup | Fresh or frozen peas can be used |
| Sweet corn, boiled | 1/2 cup | Use fresh, frozen, or canned corn |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese), finely grated | 1/2 cup | Freshly made paneer is preferred |
| Ginger, chopped | 1/2 inch piece | Adds a fragrant and slightly spicy flavor |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon | For sautéing |
| All Purpose Pie Crust | 1 pie crust | Ready-made or homemade pie crust |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon | Adds a warm, earthy flavor |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 pinch | Adds a pungent aroma, optional |
| Green Chutney (Coriander & Mint) | 2 teaspoons | A blend of coriander, mint, and green chilies |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon | Adds a mild citrusy flavor |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon | A blend of spices for warmth and depth |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon | For a subtle heat, adjust as per preference |
| Fennel Powder | 1 teaspoon | Adds a slight sweetness and licorice flavor |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1/2 teaspoon | Provides tanginess and balance to the dish |
| Black pepper powder | 1/2 teaspoon | For added spice |
| Salt | To taste | To bring all flavors together |
Preparation Time
35 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients
- Begin by boiling the green peas and sweet corn until tender. Chop the ginger into fine pieces and grate the paneer. Set all the ingredients aside, ready to use.
- Wrap the pie dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
-
Prepare the Filling
- In a hand mixer or food processor, coarsely grind the boiled peas, corn, chopped ginger, and green chutney (a mixture of coriander leaves and green chilies). This mixture should be somewhat chunky for texture.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds (jeera) and a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Allow them to sizzle and release their aroma.
- Add the ground peas and corn mixture to the skillet, stirring occasionally. Cook until the mixture becomes dry and thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the mixture has cooked down, add coriander powder, garam masala, red chili powder, fennel powder, amchur powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine and let the spices infuse the mixture for 2-3 minutes.
- Finally, add the grated paneer and mix well. Sauté for another 2 minutes until everything is combined. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool to room temperature.
-
Assemble the Hand Pies
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the pies from sticking.
- Roll out the refrigerated pie dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent it from sticking. Roll the dough evenly and then use a round cutter to make discs of the same size.
- Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of each dough disc, leaving the edges clean.
- Brush a little water along the edges of the dough, then place another disc of dough on top to seal the pie. Use a fork dipped in flour to press down the edges, creating a crimped seal.
- Make a small cross cut in the center of each pie to allow steam to escape while baking.
-
Bake the Hand Pies
- Place the assembled hand pies on the prepared baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes. Be sure to rotate the tray midway through the baking process for even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the pies as they bake, checking for golden-brown color on the crust. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
-
Serve
- Serve the Peas, Corn & Paneer Savory Hand Pies warm, with a side of low-fat vegetable dip with herbs or a spinach dates and banana smoothie for a nutritious, wholesome meal. These hand pies make a perfect addition to any evening snack or lunchbox!
Allergen Information
- Contains dairy (paneer)
- Contains gluten (pie crust, unless using gluten-free dough)
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian
- Can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free pie crust.
- Nut-free (check chutney ingredients for any hidden nuts)
Tips and Advice
- Freezing Tip: If you’re making these pies in advance, you can freeze the assembled, uncooked pies. Just place them on a baking tray in the freezer until firm, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
- Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your family’s preferences. If you’re looking for a milder version, reduce the amount of red chili powder and garam masala.
- Alternative Fillings: This recipe is quite flexible! If you don’t have paneer, you can substitute with cottage cheese or even mashed potatoes for a different texture. Adding other vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers will also work well.
Conclusion
These Peas, Corn & Paneer Savory Hand Pies are the perfect fusion of flavors, combining traditional Indian spices with a comforting, easy-to-eat hand pie form. With the goodness of peas, sweet corn, and paneer, they offer a wholesome, flavorful snack that’s loved by kids and adults alike. Whether you’re preparing for a tea party, a lunchbox snack, or a quick after-school treat, these savory hand pies make an excellent addition to your recipe repertoire. Enjoy every bite!
