Paneer Stuffed Kuzhi Paniyaram with Coconut Chutney

Paneer Stuffed Kuzhi Paniyaram Recipe

Paneer Stuffed Kuzhi Paniyaram is a delightful variation of the traditional South Indian dish, Paniyaram. The addition of a spicy and flavorful paneer filling in the center of the paniyaram creates a satisfying burst of taste with every bite. These soft, crispy paniyarams not only make for a wholesome breakfast but are also perfect for packing in school snack boxes, making them a versatile and popular choice for any occasion. When paired with a side of coconut chutney, these Paneer Stuffed Kuzhi Paniyarams are sure to win hearts at breakfast, snack time, or even dinner. Plus, with some idli-dosa batter readily available in your fridge, you can whip them up in no time.

This recipe highlights the magic of combining soft idli dosa batter with a spicy paneer stuffing, making it a delicious and fulfilling dish that promises to elevate your culinary experience. Let’s take a look at the ingredients and the easy-to-follow instructions that will bring this incredible dish to life.

Ingredients:

For the Idli Dosa Batter:

1 cup Idli Dosa Batter (preferably pre-prepared or store-bought)

For the Paneer Stuffing:

1/2 cup Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese), grated
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tomato, finely chopped
1-inch ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
2 green chilies, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
2 tablespoons oil
Salt to taste

For the Batter:

10-12 small onions (sambar onions), finely chopped
1 small bunch of coriander (dhania) leaves, finely chopped
Salt to taste

Preparation Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Paneer Stuffing

Begin by heating oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and allow them to crackle.
Add the finely chopped onions and green chilies, and sauté until the onions turn soft and light pink in color.
Add the grated ginger and chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook the mixture until the tomatoes soften.
Stir in the spice powders: red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix everything well to combine.
Finally, add the grated paneer to the mixture and stir it thoroughly to ensure the spices are well incorporated. Taste the mixture and adjust the salt or spice levels according to your preference.
Remove the paneer filling from the heat and set it aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Idli Dosa Batter

Add finely chopped onions and coriander leaves to the idli dosa batter. Stir everything well to combine. Taste the batter and adjust the salt as needed.

Step 3: Cooking the Paneer Stuffed Kuzhi Paniyaram

Heat a paniyaram pan over medium heat. Add a few drops of oil into each cavity to prevent the batter from sticking to the pan.
Pour a spoonful of the idli dosa batter into each cavity, filling it halfway.
Add a teaspoon of the prepared paneer filling on top of the batter in each cavity.
Cover the paneer filling with another layer of idli dosa batter.
Cover the paniyaram pan with a lid and allow the paniyarams to cook for about 7 to 10 minutes. You will notice the top of the paniyaram will begin to look steamed and cooked through.
Once the top appears cooked, carefully turn the paniyaram using a small spoon, and let the other side cook uncovered for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown and crisp.
Remove the paniyaram from the pan and repeat the process for the remaining batter and stuffing.

Step 4: Serving

Serve the hot, crispy Paneer Stuffed Kuzhi Paniyarams immediately with a side of coconut chutney or tomato chutney. Enjoy them as a delightful breakfast, tea-time snack, or even a satisfying dinner.

Allergen Information:

Contains Dairy: This recipe includes paneer (homemade cottage cheese), which is made from milk. It is not suitable for individuals who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy.
Contains Gluten: The batter used in this recipe is made from rice and lentils, which are gluten-free. However, ensure that the idli dosa batter used is free from any gluten-based additives.

Dietary Preferences:

Vegetarian: This recipe is entirely vegetarian, making it suitable for those following a plant-based diet.
Gluten-Free: The ingredients used in the idli dosa batter are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe option for individuals with gluten sensitivities.

Tips and Advice:

Paneer Variety: If you prefer a more flavorful or slightly tangy stuffing, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the paneer filling or use a flavored paneer variety.
Healthier Option: For a healthier version of this dish, you can opt for minimal oil for frying, or use a non-stick paniyaram pan to reduce the amount of oil required.
Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables like grated carrots, peas, or capsicum to the stuffing for added flavor and nutrition.
Make Ahead: If you want to save time, the paneer filling and the batter can be prepared ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Conclusion:

Paneer Stuffed Kuzhi Paniyaram is a delicious and healthy twist on the classic South Indian dish. With its savory filling of paneer and spices encased in a soft and crispy exterior, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, packing it for lunch, or enjoying it as a snack, these paniyarams are incredibly versatile and delightful. With the ease of preparation and the variety of flavors, it’s a perfect addition to your South Indian breakfast repertoire.

Enjoy the satisfaction of preparing this flavorful and wholesome dish, and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite chutney for an extra burst of flavor!