Crispy Paneer Bars Recipe (Crispy Cottage Cheese Bars)
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Description:
Crispy Paneer Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make snack that combines the soft texture of paneer (cottage cheese) with the crispy crunch of papad. The inside of each bar is flavored with a refreshing combination of green coriander-mint chutney and sweet tamarind chutney, which perfectly balances the mildness of the paneer. These bars are shallow-fried to a golden perfection and drizzled with tangy mustard sauce and roasted tomato pasta sauce for an extra zing. Perfect as an appetizer for any party, these Crispy Paneer Bars are a delicious vegetarian treat with high protein content!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 100 grams |
| Green Chutney (Coriander & Mint) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sweet Chutney (Date & Tamarind) | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole Wheat Flour (for slurry) | 1 teaspoon |
| Water (or milk, as required for slurry) | As needed |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1 teaspoon, finely chopped |
| Urad Dal Papad | 2 pieces |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for frying) | As required |
| English Mustard Sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Roasted Tomato Pasta Sauce | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 8 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 15 grams |
| Fat | 7 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 2-3 people
Instructions
-
Prepare the Paneer:
Start by cutting the paneer (homemade cottage cheese) into rectangular strips, each about 2–3 inches long. Make two vertical slits in each piece, maintaining a joint at the base to keep the piece intact. In one slit, stuff the green chutney (coriander and mint) and in the other slit, stuff the sweet chutney (date and tamarind). Set the prepared paneer aside. -
Make the Slurry:
In a shallow bowl, combine the whole wheat flour with a little water or milk to create a smooth, flowing slurry. Add salt and finely chopped fresh coriander leaves to the slurry to infuse extra flavor. -
Prepare the Papad Coating:
Take the urad dal papads and crush them into a fine powder using a grinder or mortar and pestle. Spread the crushed papad onto a flat plate. -
Coat the Paneer:
Dip each prepared paneer piece into the slurry, ensuring it is fully coated. Immediately roll the slurry-coated paneer into the crushed papad, pressing gently so that the crumbs stick well to the surface. Repeat this for all the pieces of paneer. -
Fry the Paneer Bars:
Heat some extra virgin olive oil in a shallow frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the papad-coated paneer pieces in the pan. Shallow fry the bars on both sides, turning occasionally, until they become golden brown and crispy. This should take about 4–5 minutes on each side. -
Plating and Serving:
Once the paneer bars are fried to perfection, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. For plating, drizzle the mustard sauce and roasted tomato pasta sauce on top for a tangy flavor boost.
You can also get creative by turning these into paneer pops! Simply skewer each paneer piece with a stick before frying. -
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Crispy Paneer Bars as an appetizer alongside a meal featuring Mushroom Biryani, Vegan Navratan Korma, and Dangar Pachadi with Grated Carrots for a delightful party spread. These bars are sure to be a hit, with their crispy exterior and flavorful, chutney-infused filling.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Paneer Bars:
- Homemade Paneer: Using fresh homemade paneer makes a huge difference in texture. If using store-bought paneer, ensure to soak it in warm water for about 10 minutes before preparing it, to soften it up.
- Chutney Variations: Feel free to experiment with other chutney flavors based on your preferences. Adding a little bit of garlic chutney or a spicy green chutney can bring an extra kick to the recipe.
- Frying Alternative: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the paneer bars in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.
Enjoy these delicious, crispy, and protein-packed paneer bars as a delightful snack for any occasion!
