Paneer Tikka Kathi Roll Recipe
The Paneer Tikka Kathi Roll is a quintessential street food, originating from the vibrant streets of North India and finding its unique interpretation in Kolkata as the beloved Egg Roll. This delightful snack, a perfect combination of crispy, smokey paneer wrapped in a soft paratha, is bound to become a favorite whether you’re serving it at home, at a party, or as a quick snack. Here’s how you can recreate this flavor-packed dish in your own kitchen.
Cuisine: Bengali Recipes
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Paratha Dough
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee | For cooking |
For the Paneer Tikka
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon (for cooking) |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 200 grams, thinly sliced |
| Hung Curd (Greek Yogurt) | 1/4 cup |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1 tablespoon |
| Ginger | 1 inch, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 tablespoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chaat Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 1/4 cup, finely chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coal | 1 piece (for smoked flavor) |
Other Kathi Roll Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, thinly sliced |
| Onion | 2, thinly sliced |
| Lemon | 1/2, juice extracted |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Instructions
1. Preparing the Paneer Tikka
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Prep the Paneer Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the hung curd (Greek yogurt), gram flour, finely chopped ginger and garlic, kasuri methi, turmeric powder, chaat masala, garam masala, chopped mint leaves, and salt. Stir everything together to form a smooth marinade.
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-
Marinate the Paneer: Add the thinly sliced paneer to the marinade and gently toss to coat. Let the paneer sit for about 5 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
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Cook the Paneer: Heat a tablespoon of ghee in a wok or skillet on medium-high heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the marinated paneer and sauté for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the paneer is cooked through and the marinade has thickened, creating a nice coating over the paneer.
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Smoky Flavor: To give the paneer a smoky aroma, place a small bowl (katori) in the center of the pan. Heat a piece of coal on the gas flame until it turns red hot. Place the hot coal in the katori and spoon a little ghee over it. It will start to smoke. Cover the pan and allow the smoke to infuse into the paneer for about 30 seconds. Remove the coal and set the paneer aside.
2. Preparing the Paratha
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Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, add the whole wheat flour and salt. Mix them together using your fingers. Gradually add water and knead the dough until it becomes smooth. Add a teaspoon of ghee to the dough and continue kneading for another 2–3 minutes to give it a flaky texture.
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Roll the Parathas: Divide the dough into 5 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and dust lightly with flour. Roll out each portion into a large circle.
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Cook the Parathas: Preheat a skillet or tawa over medium heat. Place the rolled-out dough onto the hot pan and cook each side for 1–2 minutes. Smear ghee on both sides as it cooks to give the paratha a crisp texture. Once golden and slightly crispy, remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Assembling the Kathi Rolls
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Prepare the Veggies: In a small mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced onions, green bell pepper (capsicum), chopped mint leaves, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss them well to mix.
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Assemble the Roll: Lay a cooked paratha flat on a surface. Place a portion of the paneer tikka in the center of the paratha. Top with the onion-capsicum mixture and, if desired, a sprinkle of extra chaat masala for added flavor. Roll up the paratha tightly around the filling to form a wrap.
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Serve: Serve the Paneer Tikka Kathi Rolls warm as a snack for tea time, an appetizer at a party, or even pack them into your kid’s lunch box for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
These Paneer Tikka Kathi Rolls make for a great snack when paired with a refreshing Mint Chutney or a cooling Raita. They also go wonderfully with a side of Mumbai Style Tawa Pulao or Nawabi Kofta Curry for a full meal experience.
Pro Tips:
- If you’re short on time, store-bought paneer works just as well as homemade.
- For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a touch of green chutney or tamarind chutney before rolling.
- Make these rolls more kid-friendly by reducing the spice levels and adding a bit of cheese for a creamy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Enjoy these Paneer Tikka Kathi Rolls as a delightful addition to your recipe repertoire, bringing the bold flavors of Indian street food into your home kitchen with ease and satisfaction.
