Crispy & Spicy Paneer Starter Recipe
Delightful and bursting with flavor, the Crispy & Spicy Paneer Starter is a quintessential Indian appetizer that brings together the rich creaminess of paneer with the zesty notes of spices and herbs. Perfect for a gathering or a cozy evening snack, this dish is sure to impress your guests and family alike. The balance of textures and flavors, combined with the aromatic spices, makes this dish a must-try for any paneer lover.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 500 grams |
| Achari masala | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Papads (Urad dal & pepper) | 12 pieces |
| Corn flour | ½ cup |
| Water | As required |
| Sunflower oil | For frying |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 6 teaspoons |
| Methi seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 2 teaspoons |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 2 teaspoons |
| Red chili powder | 4 teaspoons |
| Mustard seeds | 2 teaspoons |
| Kalonji (Onion Nigella Seeds) | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 3 teaspoons |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 350-400 kcal |
| Protein | 20 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 30 grams |
| Fat | 20 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | Varies based on salt used |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 60 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 100 minutes |
Servings
| Servings |
|---|
| 4 |
Instructions
To embark on your culinary adventure with the Crispy & Spicy Paneer Starter, start by gathering all your ingredients, ensuring that you have everything at hand for a smooth cooking experience.
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Prepare the Achari Masala: In a mixer-grinder, pulse the fennel seeds, methi seeds, mustard seeds, kalonji, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt until you achieve a coarse texture suitable for a spicy pickle mix.
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Prepare the Paneer: Gently wash and pat dry the paneer, then cut it into cubes measuring approximately ½ inch thick and 2 inches long. With 500 grams of paneer, you will yield about 24 pieces, perfect for sharing.
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Marinate the Paneer: In a bowl, combine the cubed paneer with 1 tablespoon of the freshly made achar masala, the juice of half a lemon, and salt (add salt only if needed). Let it marinate for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Prepare the Papads: While the paneer is marinating, spread the urad dal papads on a clean kitchen towel and place them under the sun or in front of a fan for 45 minutes to an hour, ensuring they dry completely. This step is crucial for achieving the desired crispiness.
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Grind the Papads: Once the papads are adequately dried, place them in the mixer-grinder and pulse them into a coarse powder that will serve as the crunchy coating for your paneer.
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Make the Corn Flour Paste: In a separate bowl, mix the corn flour with a pinch of salt and enough water to create a thick batter. This paste will help the papad coating adhere to the paneer pieces.
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Heat the Oil: In a deep-bottomed pan, heat sunflower oil over medium heat. Ensure the oil is sufficiently hot before frying to achieve that perfect golden brown color.
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Coat and Fry the Paneer: Dip each marinated paneer piece into the corn flour paste, ensuring it is well coated. Then roll the coated paneer in the papad powder until fully covered. Carefully place 5-6 pieces in the hot oil at a time, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
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Drain and Serve: Once fried, remove the paneer from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Crispy & Spicy Paneer Starter hot and crispy, alongside a delightful roasted tomato sauce or a refreshing Dhaniya Pudina Chutney for dipping. This dish pairs wonderfully with a cup of Masala Chai, an aromatic Indian spiced tea, making it a fantastic choice for get-togethers or as a comforting monsoon snack during tea time.
Enjoy your culinary creation, and revel in the deliciously crispy and spicy flavors that make this paneer starter an irresistible treat!
