Paneer Stuffed Bread Fritters Recipe: A Delightful Indian Snack
Paneer Stuffed Bread Fritters are a delightful Indian snack, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a warm cup of chai, these crispy, golden fritters are bound to be the star of the gathering. Stuffed with a flavorful paneer bhurji, they offer a blend of textures and taste thatโs both satisfying and irresistible. These fritters are an easy-to-make party appetizer or tea-time snack that will leave your guests asking for more. When served with a refreshing Pudina Chutney or paired with a steaming cup of Ginger Cardamom Chai, these fritters are sure to elevate any occasion.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 12-14 fritters
Ingredients
For the Paneer Bhurji:
- 200 grams Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese)
- 1 Potato (Aloo), boiled, peeled, and mashed
- 2 Green Chillies, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds (Jeera)
- 1 teaspoon Amchur (Dry Mango Powder)
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala powder
- 1 tablespoon Oil
- Salt, to taste
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, finely chopped
For the Fritters:
- 12 Whole Wheat Brown Bread slices (edges trimmed)
- ยฝ liter Milk
- 4 tablespoons Sooji (Semolina/Rava)
- Oil, for deep frying
Allergen Information
- Contains Dairy: The recipe contains paneer (cottage cheese), which is made from milk, so it is not suitable for those with dairy allergies.
- Contains Gluten: Whole wheat bread is used, which contains gluten, making it unsuitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Contains Potatoes: Potatoes are included, which is important for individuals with nightshade sensitivities to note.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is completely vegetarian, making it a great option for those following a vegetarian diet.
- Can Be Adapted for Vegan Diets: By substituting the paneer with a plant-based cheese and using non-dairy milk, this recipe can be adapted for vegans.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: To make this dish gluten-free, you can use gluten-free bread.
Instructions
-
Prepare the Paneer Bhurji:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
- Add the chopped green chillies to the pan, followed by the crumbled paneer. Mix well.
- Sprinkle in the amchur powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Stir to combine all the spices evenly with the paneer.
- Let the mixture cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
- Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped onions, mashed potato, and coriander leaves. Knead the mixture thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small lemon-sized balls (approximately 12-14 balls).
-
Prepare the Bread:
- In a shallow plate, pour the milk. Dip the bread slices, one at a time, into the milk. Allow each slice to soak for a few seconds, then gently press the bread between your palms to remove excess milk. This ensures the bread remains flat and doesn’t break.
- Take each soaked bread slice and place a paneer mixture ball in the center.
- Gently fold the bread slice around the mixture to encase it completely. Roll the fritter between your palms to form a smooth ball.
- Coat the fritter with semolina by rolling it in a plate of semolina or sprinkling it over the ball for a crispy texture when fried.
-
Fry the Fritters:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadai over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the fritters into the oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the fritters until they are golden brown and crisp on all sides. This should take around 5-7 minutes per batch.
- Remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
-
Serve:
- Serve the Paneer Stuffed Bread Fritters hot with Pudina Chutney or pair them with Ginger Cardamom Chai for a perfect tea-time experience.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick: You can add a pinch of red chilli powder or finely chopped green chillies to the paneer mixture for extra heat.
- Make them ahead: You can prepare the paneer bhurji and bread stuffing ahead of time. Simply assemble and fry the fritters just before serving.
- Air Frying Option: For a healthier alternative, you can air-fry the fritters instead of deep frying. Simply spray with a little oil and cook at 180ยฐC (350ยฐF) for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 180-220 kcal (depending on size and frying method)
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Conclusion
Paneer Stuffed Bread Fritters are an irresistible snack that combines the crispy goodness of deep-fried bread with a flavorful paneer filling. The light, tangy paneer bhurji inside adds a layer of taste, making this dish perfect for both parties and casual tea times. Serve these fritters with a mint chutney or a cup of chai for the ultimate experience. Whether youโre planning a get-together or simply indulging in a cozy snack, these fritters will add a delightful twist to your culinary repertoire.
