Cottage Cheese (Paneer) Parcels Recipe
Overview:
Enjoy the simplicity and burst of flavor with these Cottage Cheese (Paneer) Parcels, inspired by a recipe from the Gulf News Cookery book. This Asian delight is perfect for those craving an Indian-inspired dish in less than 15 minutes!
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: Not specified
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/2 | Paneer (Cottage Cheese) |
| 2 | Green Chilies |
| 1 | Bunch of Cilantro |
| 6 | Mint Leaves |
| 1 | Lemon |
| Ajwain | |
| Salt | |
| 3-5 | Aluminum Foil |
| Cooking Oil |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Paneer:
- Begin by cubing the paneer into bite-sized pieces. Ensure the paneer is fresh for the best taste and texture.
-
-
Prepare the Flavorful Paste:
- In a grinder, combine the green chilies, cilantro, and mint leaves (if using). Grind them to form a smooth paste.
- Mix the chili-coriander paste with freshly squeezed lemon juice and a pinch of ajwain.
- Season the mixture with salt to taste.
-
Coat the Paneer:
- Smear the paneer cubes evenly with the prepared mixture, ensuring each cube is well coated for maximum flavor.
-
Assemble the Parcels:
- Cut squares of aluminum foil, large enough to wrap around 4 paneer cubes.
- Place the paneer cubes in the center of each foil square.
-
Seal and Grill:
- Drizzle a bit of cooking oil over the paneer cubes.
- Carefully fold the aluminum foil squares to create sealed parcels, ensuring no moisture can escape during cooking.
- Preheat a barbecue grill to a moderate heat.
- Place the parcels on the grill and cook, turning once or twice, until the paneer is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Alternatively, if preferred, you can grill the paneer cubes directly on the grill, lightly cooking them on both sides until they develop a golden crust.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooked, carefully open the foil parcels and transfer the paneer cubes to a serving platter.
- Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and mint leaves if desired.
- Serve these delicious Cottage Cheese (Paneer) Parcels hot, alongside your favorite dipping sauce or chutney, and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 23.1
- Fat Content: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 5.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 5.8g
- Fiber Content: 0.9g
- Sugar Content: 2.7g
- Protein Content: 1.1g
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add more green chilies to the paste mixture.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Serve these parcels as an appetizer at your next gathering or as a flavorful addition to a meal.
- If grilling outdoors isn’t an option, you can also bake these parcels in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-12 minutes until the paneer is cooked through.
- Try adding diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes to the parcels for added flavor and texture.
- These parcels can also be enjoyed cold, making them a perfect addition to picnics or lunchboxes. Just prepare them ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to eat.
