Crispy Spinach and Paneer Samosas with Homemade Filling

Samosas with Spinach & Cottage Cheese Filling

Samosas are a beloved snack in Indian cuisine, known for their crispy exterior and flavorful filling. This particular recipe features a nutritious and delicious filling of spinach and homemade cottage cheese (paneer), offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon tea, these Samosas with Spinach & Cottage Cheese Filling are sure to delight your guests. Serve them alongside tangy green mint chutney and sweet date tamarind chutney to elevate the taste even further.

Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, semolina (sooji), ajwain (carom seeds), and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together, ensuring they are well incorporated. Add ghee and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingers until it forms coarse crumbs. Gradually add water, a little at a time, kneading continuously to form a soft yet firm dough. Knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes until smooth. Cover the dough with a moist muslin cloth and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes.

2. Prepare the Stuffing:
   Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and sauté the chopped green chillies for a minute. Add the spinach and cook it until it wilts and releases its water. Continue to cook until the excess water evaporates, leaving a dry spinach mixture. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly. In a separate bowl, crumble the homemade paneer and add the sautéed spinach to it. Add garam masala powder, chaat masala powder, and salt to the mixture and mix thoroughly to combine.

3. Shape the Samosas:
   Once the dough has rested, divide it into small, equal portions and roll each portion into a smooth ball. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a thin oval or circle (approximately 5 inches in diameter). Cut the circle in half to form two semi-circles. Gently shape each semi-circle into a cone by folding it into a cone shape, sealing the edge with a little water. Fill the cone with a generous amount of the spinach and paneer stuffing, pressing it lightly to compact the filling. Seal the top by pinching the open edge together, forming a triangle shape.

4. Cook the Samosas:
   For Deep Frying: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently slide the prepared samosas into the oil, ensuring they don’t stick to each other. Fry the samosas in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

   For Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the samosas with a little oil on both sides and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden and crisp, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning.

5. Serve:
   Serve these crispy, golden samosas hot with a side of green mint chutney and date tamarind chutney. They make for an ideal tea-time snack or appetizer for any occasion.

Tips:

• Homemade Paneer: If you’re using homemade paneer, make sure it’s freshly made and crumbled finely for a smoother filling.
• Spinach: Be sure to cook the spinach thoroughly to remove any excess moisture, as this can make the filling soggy.
• Customizing the Filling: You can also add other ingredients like boiled potatoes or raisins to the stuffing for extra texture and sweetness.

These samosas are packed with flavor and nutrition, making them a perfect choice for any vegetarian feast. Enjoy the crispy crunch paired with the savory filling that is both hearty and healthy.