Paneer Cheese Puffs Recipe
Delight your taste buds with these exquisite Paneer Cheese Puffs, a perfect fusion appetizer that marries the delightful texture of flaky pastry with a savory filling of crumbled paneer and cheese, enhanced by the subtle sweetness of sautéed onions and the freshness of coriander. Ideal for tea time or as a starter for your gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. Let’s embark on this culinary journey and create a dish that embodies love and flavor.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2½ cups |
| Butter (cold) | 150 grams |
| Salt | As required |
| Chilled Water | As required |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 1 cup, crumbled |
| Cheese (of your choice) | ½ cup |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon, finely chopped |
| Milk | For brushing |
| Sesame Seeds (Til seeds) | For topping |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 220 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 50 minutes |
| Cooking | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 60 minutes |
Servings
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Cuisine
Fusion
Course
Appetizer
Diet
Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
To begin crafting the delightful Paneer Cheese Puffs, we first need to prepare the pastry. In a food processor, pulse together the all-purpose flour and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs, allowing for a perfect flaky texture once baked. If you prefer to do this by hand, simply rub the butter into the flour using your fingers until you achieve the same breadcrumb-like consistency.
Slowly add chilled water to the flour mixture, starting with a small amount. Gradually increase the water, pulsing the mixture at regular intervals rather than continuously, until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Once it is combined, wrap it tightly in cling film and chill in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes. If you are preparing the dough by hand, follow the same steps while being mindful to avoid over-kneading.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the pastry chills, it’s time to prepare the filling. Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent. Next, incorporate the crumbled paneer and your choice of cheese into the pan, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Once combined, remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Puffs
After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and allow it to heat for 10 minutes. Retrieve half of the chilled dough from the refrigerator, keeping the remaining portion cool. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Using a cookie cutter or a round object, cut out circles of dough.
Take one circle of dough and spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the cooled filling onto one half of the circle. Gently fold the other half over the filling, pressing down to seal the edges. To ensure a tight seal and add a decorative touch, use a fork to make impressions along the edges of the pastry.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Place the assembled puffs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Generously brush the tops with milk to promote a golden brown finish, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops turn a lovely golden brown.
Once baked, remove the Paneer Cheese Puffs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These delicious puffs are best enjoyed warm, served alongside refreshing Dhaniya Pudina Chutney and Tomato Garlic Chutney, making them an irresistible treat for your tea time or any gathering.
Enjoying Your Creation
With each bite of these Paneer Cheese Puffs, you will experience the delightful crunch of the pastry combined with the creamy, flavorful filling that speaks to the heart of fusion cuisine. They are a wonderful way to share love through cooking, bringing people together around the table to enjoy a delicious and memorable dish. Enjoy this culinary creation, and watch as it becomes a favorite among your family and friends!
