Paneer Stuffed Millet Patties Recipe: A Healthy, Sattvic Appetizer
If you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious snack that combines the goodness of wholesome ingredients, the Paneer Stuffed Millet Patties are a perfect choice. Also known as paneer cutlets, these patties are a simple, healthy, and quick recipe ideal for kids’ lunchboxes or as a delightful tea-time snack for the entire family. Packed with the goodness of boiled potatoes, homemade paneer, steamed green peas, and foxtail millet, this recipe uses minimal spices to retain its sattvic, light, and healthy appeal.
Whether you’re new to millet or looking to experiment with vegetarian options, this recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy a wholesome snack without compromising on flavor. Let’s dive into the details of making these healthy millet patties, which will surely be a hit at your next gathering or family meal.
Ingredients for Paneer Stuffed Millet Patties:
For the Patties:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo), boiled, peeled, and mashed | 3 large potatoes |
| Butter (Salted), softened | 2 tablespoons |
| Foxtail Millet, cooked until soft and mushy | ½ cup |
| Green peas (Matar), steamed with salt | ½ cup |
| Cumin powder (Jeera), roasted | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies, finely chopped | 2 small chilies |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, chopped | 1 large bunch |
| Salt, to taste | As needed |
For the Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese), crumbled | 200 grams |
For Coating:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Bread crumbs | As required |
| Oil for shallow frying | 2–3 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150-180 kcal |
| Protein | ~6-8g |
| Carbohydrates | ~20-25g |
| Fat | ~5-7g |
| Fiber | ~3-5g |
| Sodium | ~100-150mg |
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 10 patties
Instructions for Making Paneer Stuffed Millet Patties:
-
Cook the Foxtail Millet:
Start by cooking the foxtail millet. You can cook it similarly to rice or dals. For every cup of foxtail millet, add 1-1/2 cups of water. Pressure cook it for 2-3 whistles, or until the millet is soft and mushy. If you prefer, you can cook it in a saucepan by adding the water and letting the millet simmer until it absorbs all the water and becomes soft. Once cooked, allow it to cool slightly. -
Prepare the Patty Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the boiled and mashed potatoes, softened butter, cooked foxtail millet, steamed green peas, roasted cumin powder, chopped green chilies, coriander leaves, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined, resembling a dough-like consistency. Make sure the mixture is neither too dry nor too wet, as it needs to hold its shape when forming patties. -
Make the Paneer Filling:
Crumble the homemade paneer in a separate bowl. Add a pinch of salt to taste and mix it gently to combine. -
Shape the Patties:
Divide the potato millet mixture into 10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and keep them aside. Similarly, divide the crumbled paneer into 10 equal portions and shape them into small balls. -
Stuff and Shape the Patties:
Smear a little oil on your palms to prevent the mixture from sticking. Take one potato millet ball, flatten it slightly in the center of your palm, and make a small well. Place a ball of paneer inside the well and then carefully fold the edges of the potato mixture around the paneer, sealing it inside. Shape it into a round patty. Repeat this step with the remaining balls of potato mixture and paneer. -
Coat the Patties:
Place some whole wheat breadcrumbs in a shallow plate. Gently roll each stuffed patty in the breadcrumbs, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides. -
Shallow Fry the Patties:
Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add about 2-3 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, gently place the patties on the skillet. Fry them in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.Tip: For a crispier texture, use an iron skillet, which helps cook the patties evenly and adds a delightful crunch.
-
Serve:
Once the patties are golden brown and crispy on both sides, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.Serve the Paneer Stuffed Millet Patties hot with a side of Coriander Mint Chutney and a warm cup of Adrak Chai (ginger tea). These patties make a delicious and healthy tea-time snack, perfect for family gatherings, parties, or even a wholesome lunch.
Tips and Variations:
- Add Spices: If you want to spice up the patties, feel free to add other spices like garam masala, red chili powder, or dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) to enhance the flavor.
- Use Other Millets: If you don’t have foxtail millet, you can substitute it with other types of millet like pearl millet (bajra) or little millet.
- Make Ahead: These patties can be prepped in advance. After shaping them, freeze the patties for up to a month. When ready to cook, just take them out and fry them straight from the freezer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
The Paneer Stuffed Millet Patties are an incredibly versatile dish that balances the rich flavors of paneer and the mildness of millet. The addition of simple ingredients like potatoes, green peas, and cumin makes it a wholesome, sattvic dish that is light on the stomach but full of nutrition. Perfect for those who are following a vegetarian or sattvic diet, this recipe is both satisfying and nourishing.
This healthy alternative to traditional deep-fried snacks is not only delicious but also packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins from the millet and paneer. The whole wheat bread crumbs provide an added crunch, making these patties irresistibly tasty.
Serving Suggestions:
- Tea-Time Snack: These millet patties make a fantastic healthy snack to serve alongside chai or a fresh fruit juice.
- Party Appetizer: Serve them as an appetizer at parties, paired with an assortment of chutneys or dipping sauces.
- Lunch Box Delight: These patties are an excellent choice for kids’ lunch boxes or as a quick snack between meals.
- Accompanying Dips: Pair these patties with Mint Yogurt Dip, Tamarind Chutney, or Garlic Sauce for a diverse flavor experience.
Enjoy these healthy, crispy Paneer Stuffed Millet Patties that combine the richness of paneer with the nourishing power of millet, offering both taste and nutrition in every bite.
