Cashew Nut Stuffed Paneer Balls Recipe
Description:
Cashew Nut Stuffed Paneer Balls are a delightful and savory treat, perfect as a starter for any party or as a tasty tea-time snack. These golden, deep-fried balls are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, thanks to the softness of homemade paneer (cottage cheese). The magic lies in the deliciously crunchy roasted cashew nuts stuffed within each ball, offering a delightful nutty bite that balances the mild spiciness and soft texture of the paneer. The subtle, aromatic spices and the crispy bread coating elevate these balls to a delectable level, making them a crowd favorite. Serve them alongside your favorite dip or chutney for an irresistible experience.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 200 grams |
| Cashew nuts | 10 nuts |
| Whole Wheat Brown Bread | 4 slices |
| Ginger | 1/2 inch piece |
| Green Chilli | 2 |
| Buttermilk | 3 tbsp (adjust) |
| Whole Black Peppercorns (crushed) | 1/2 tsp |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1/2 tsp |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1/4 tsp |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1/4 tsp |
| Ghee | 1 tsp |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves (finely chopped) | 1 tbsp |
| Corn flour | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For deep frying |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
15 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Bread Crumbs:
Start by placing the slices of whole wheat brown bread into a grinder jar and pulse them to make fine bread crumbs. Set aside a quarter of the crumbs to use for coating the balls. Soak the remaining bread crumbs in buttermilk for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften. -
Grate and Season the Paneer:
Grate or crumble the paneer into a large mixing bowl. To this, add the crushed ginger, green chilies, and coriander leaves (which should be finely chopped and ground together). Mix well. -
Add the Spices:
Sprinkle in the crushed black peppercorns, roasted cumin powder, kasuri methi, and dry mango powder (amchur). Add salt to taste. Knead the mixture thoroughly to combine all the flavors. -
Incorporate the Soaked Bread Crumbs:
Add the soaked bread crumbs to the paneer mixture and knead it into a smooth, dough-like consistency. Ensure that everything is evenly combined. -
Roast the Cashew Nuts:
In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon of ghee over low heat. Add the chopped cashew nuts and roast them until golden and fragrant. Set them aside to cool. -
Shape the Paneer Balls:
Divide the prepared paneer dough into 10-12 equal portions. Roll each portion between your palms to form small, smooth balls. Next, flatten each ball into a small disc and place half a teaspoon of the roasted cashew nuts in the center. Carefully fold the edges over the cashews and roll it back into a ball, sealing the stuffing inside. -
Prepare the Corn Flour Coating:
In a small bowl, mix 3-4 tablespoons of water with corn flour to make a smooth paste. This will help the bread crumbs adhere to the balls during frying. -
Coat the Paneer Balls:
Dip each stuffed paneer ball into the corn flour paste, then roll them in the reserved bread crumbs to coat them evenly. -
Fry the Paneer Balls:
Heat oil in a wok or deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the paneer balls into the oil, a few at a time, and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Make sure to flip them gently to ensure even frying.For a healthier alternative, you can shallow fry the balls in a Kuzhi Paniyaram pan. Just ensure you flip them when they are golden and crispy.
-
Drain and Serve:
Once fried, remove the paneer balls from the oil and place them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil. Serve the Cashew Nut Stuffed Paneer Balls hot with a tangy green chutney, or pair them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
These Cashew Nut Stuffed Paneer Balls are perfect as a starter or snack for your next party. You can also serve them with dishes like Mushroom Biryani, Hyderabadi Bagara Baingan, or Gajar Ka Halwa (Indian Carrot Pudding) for a complete and flavorful meal. Their crunch and flavor will surely be a hit with your guests!
Enjoy these crispy, creamy, and nutty delights that bring the perfect balance of texture and taste to your dinner table!
