Potato Puff Pastry Recipe
Description:
Potato Puff Pastry is a delightful and crispy pastry, made with layers of dough that puff up beautifully during baking, creating airy pockets inside. This deceptively simple recipe brings you a quick and easy way to prepare delicious puff pastry with a savory potato stuffing. Perfect for tea time, this North Indian snack is not only tasty but also light, making it an ideal companion for your afternoon chai or even as a packed snack for kids.
Ingredients
For the Stuffing:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo), boiled | 2 (medium-sized) |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese), small cubes | 1/2 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 (medium-sized) |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, finely chopped | 2 sprigs |
| Ginger, grated | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chaat masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Seeds, crushed | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies, crushed | 2 |
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 cups |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida), for dusting | As required |
| Butter (Unsalted), chilled | 250 grams |
| Chilled Water | 1/4 cup |
| White Vinegar (or lemon juice) | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Serving Size: 9 pieces
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Begin by sifting the all-purpose flour with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and white vinegar (or lemon juice) into a mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Add 60 grams of chilled butter to the flour and rub it between your palms until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Gradually add chilled water, a little at a time, and knead to form a smooth dough. Knead for approximately 7 minutes without adding more water.
- Once the dough is ready, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 20 minutes to let it rest.
2. Prepare the Butter Sheet:
- Take 250 grams of chilled butter (cut into small cubes) and place it on a piece of cling film. Using a rolling pin, roll it into a rectangular sheet, approximately 12 inches wide and 14 inches long.
- Refrigerate the butter sheet for 20 minutes to ensure it stays firm and cold.
3. Roll the Dough:
- Once the dough has rested, dust a working surface with all-purpose flour. Roll the dough into a large sheet.
- Place the cold butter sheet in the center of the dough, remove the cling film, and fold the dough around the butter, sealing the edges completely.
- Lightly dust the dough with more flour and roll it out into an even sheet again.
- Fold the dough from the left to the center and then from the right to the center, overlapping the two edges. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for another 20 minutes.
- Repeat the folding and refrigerating process three more times to ensure the dough becomes layered and flaky.
4. Prepare the Stuffing:
- Heat oil in a wide pan on medium heat. Add cumin seeds, crushed coriander seeds, chopped ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add finely chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent.
- Add red chili powder, garam masala powder, chaat masala powder, and stir everything together.
- Gently mix in the small cubes of paneer, salt, and crushed boiled potatoes. Stir until the potatoes are evenly mixed in. Add chopped coriander leaves and turn off the heat.
5. Assemble the Puffs:
- Once the dough has been folded and refrigerated several times, remove it from the fridge and dust your work surface with more flour. Roll the dough sheet into an even, thin rectangle.
- Trim the edges of the dough with a knife or pizza cutter to create a neat square or rectangle shape.
- Cut the dough into nine equal pieces.
- Take one piece and place 1 tablespoon of the potato stuffing in the center. Fold the top right corner over to meet the bottom left corner, pinching the edges together to seal the pastry.
- Arrange the filled pastries on a baking tray.
6. Bake the Puffs:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the puff pastries in the oven and bake for 6 minutes at this high temperature.
- Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 14 minutes until the pastries are golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve:
- After baking, remove the puffs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve your Potato Puff Pastries warm with a cup of masala chai for a delightful tea-time snack. These pastries can also be packed into your kid’s snack box for a tasty treat on-the-go.
Allergen Information
- Dairy: This recipe contains butter and paneer (homemade cottage cheese), which are sources of dairy.
- Gluten: The dough is made with all-purpose flour (maida), which contains gluten.
- Spices: Some spices like cumin, coriander, and chili powder are included in this recipe. Although they are not common allergens, those sensitive to certain spices should proceed with caution.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: This recipe is entirely vegetarian, with no meat or poultry ingredients.
- Nut-Free: The recipe does not contain any nuts, making it suitable for those with nut allergies.
- Egg-Free: No eggs are used in this recipe, so it is appropriate for those avoiding eggs.
Tips for Success
- Keep Butter Cold: To achieve the perfect flaky layers, ensure the butter stays cold throughout the entire process. If the butter softens, it won’t create the desired layers in the dough.
- Use Cold Water: Chilled water helps keep the dough firm, which is crucial for achieving the right texture.
- Don’t Overstuff: While the filling is delicious, be careful not to overstuff the puff pastries as it may cause them to break while baking.
- Rest the Dough: Refrigerating the dough after each folding session is essential to give it the time it needs to rest and ensure the layers stay intact.
Conclusion
Potato Puff Pastry is a wonderful addition to your snack repertoire, perfect for both casual tea-time gatherings and packed lunches. Its flaky, golden exterior contrasts beautifully with the soft, spiced potato stuffing inside. Despite the multiple steps, this recipe is relatively simple to follow and yields excellent results. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it with your family, this snack will surely become a favorite. Happy baking!
