Achari Paneer Mini Bread Bowl with Cheesy Twist Recipe
Overview
Achari Paneer Mini Bread Bowls with a cheesy twist combine the irresistible flavors of Indian pickled spices with a creamy cheese filling, all nestled in a soft, warm bread bowl. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal, this dish offers a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. The savory filling, made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), is infused with a medley of spices, including the tangy, aromatic achari masala and kasuri methi. This is topped with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, which melts beautifully to add a creamy and indulgent texture. Ideal for serving during tea time or as a party appetizer, these mini bread bowls are sure to impress your guests.
Recipe at a Glance
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Indian
- Course: Appetizer
- Diet: High Protein, Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Soup buns (mini bread bowls) | 4 |
| Paneer (homemade cottage cheese) | 1/2 cup |
| Onions (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Tomato (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum, chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Green Chilies (adjustable) | 2 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tbsp |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 tbsp |
| Red Chili Powder | 1/2 tbsp |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1/2 tbsp |
| Achari Masala | 1/2 tbsp |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1/2 tbsp |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/4 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Cheese Spread | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~380 kcal |
| Protein | ~18 g |
| Fat | ~20 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sodium | ~560 mg |
| Cholesterol | ~30 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Instructions
-
Prepare the Bread Bowls:
- Start by carefully cutting the tops off the soup buns. Scoop out the center of each bun to create a hollow bowl, leaving about 1/2 inch of the bread along the edges to form a sturdy “pot.” Set the hollowed-out buns aside.
-
Prepare the Achari Paneer Filling:
- Cut the paneer (cottage cheese) into rough chunks or small cubes, depending on your preference.
- Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped green chilies and onions, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until the onions soften.
- Add the ginger garlic paste and cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes fragrant and the onions are golden.
-
Spice It Up:
- In a small bowl, combine the red chili powder, coriander powder, achari masala, and garam masala. Add 1 tablespoon of water to the bowl and mix everything into a smooth paste.
- Add this spice paste to the pan with the onions and chilies. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
-
Add Vegetables and Paneer:
- Add the chopped green bell pepper (capsicum) and cook for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Next, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes soften and become mushy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the paneer to the pan and gently stir everything to combine. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Sprinkle in the kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and season with salt to taste. Mix everything well and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Your flavorful Achari Paneer filling is now ready!
-
Assemble the Mini Bread Bowls:
- Take the hollowed-out soup buns and generously spread cheese spread inside each bowl, about 1 tablespoon per bowl.
- Next, spoon the prepared Achari Paneer filling into each bread bowl until they are filled to the top.
- Top each filled bread bowl with a good amount of shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure it covers the filling entirely.
-
Bake the Bread Bowls:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for convection baking.
- Place the filled bread bowls on a baking tray and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is slightly toasted on the edges.
-
Final Touch:
- Once baked, remove the bread bowls from the oven. Sprinkle a little oregano on top of each bread bowl for an added burst of flavor.
- Serve the Achari Paneer Mini Bread Bowls hot and fresh, perfect for a cozy tea time or party appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
These Achari Paneer Mini Bread Bowls with Cheesy Twist make a fantastic appetizer or snack. They pair wonderfully with Masala Chai for an authentic Indian tea-time experience. For a complete meal, serve them alongside Linzer Cookies for a sweet finish. These mini bread bowls also make a great addition to any potluck or dinner party, offering a unique and flavorful twist on traditional bread-based snacks.
Tips for Success
- Adjust Spice Levels: The amount of green chilies can be adjusted based on your spice tolerance. For a milder version, reduce the number of chilies or remove their seeds.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
- Bread Choice: If soup buns are not available, you can substitute with small round bread rolls or even pita bread, although the hollowing out process may be different.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the Achari Paneer filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Assemble the bread bowls just before baking for a quick and easy snack.
Conclusion
The Achari Paneer Mini Bread Bowl with Cheesy Twist is a perfect fusion of Indian flavors with a comforting, cheesy touch. This delicious appetizer is bound to be a crowd-pleaser, with its combination of spicy, tangy paneer filling and gooey mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re hosting a weekend tea party or enjoying a casual snack, these bread bowls will surely add a special touch to your menu.
