Tandoori Paneer Samosa Recipe – With Baked Option
Tandoori Paneer Samosa is a delightful Indian snack that beautifully marries the rich, spicy flavors of tandoori marinated paneer with a crispy outer shell. This recipe provides both frying and baking options, allowing you to choose your preferred method of preparation. Perfect as an appetizer or tea-time snack, these samosas are best enjoyed with tangy green chutney or sweet tamarind sauce. Dive into this scrumptious recipe that yields a perfect balance of spices and textures, and impress your guests with this flavorful treat!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
| Sunflower Oil | As needed |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum, finely chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| All Purpose Flour (for sealing) | 2 tablespoons |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese, cubed) | 250 grams |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 180 minutes (includes marinating time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 220 minutes
- Servings: 4
Instructions
1. Marinate the Paneer:
- Begin by marinating the paneer cubes. In a bowl, mix together the red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, and salt.
- Coat the paneer cubes in this spice mixture, ensuring they are evenly covered. Allow them to marinate for about 2 hours for the best flavor.
2. Prepare the Pastry:
- While the paneer is marinating, prepare the samosa pastry. In a mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour along with a pinch of salt. Drizzle in some sunflower oil and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Gradually add water to the flour, a little at a time, mixing until you form a firm yet smooth dough. Once combined, cover the dough with a damp cloth and set it aside to rest.
3. Make the Filling:
- After the marination time, heat a grilling pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Shallow fry the marinated paneer cubes until they are crisp and golden on all sides. Once cooked, drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil and set aside.
- In a separate pan, heat some oil, and once hot, add the cumin seeds. Allow them to crackle before adding the chopped onions. Sauté until the onions are translucent and glossy.
- Stir in the chopped green bell pepper and continue to cook for a couple of minutes. Add in 2 tablespoons of the leftover marinade from the paneer, along with additional red chili powder and salt if needed.
- Incorporate the grilled paneer cubes into the mixture, stirring gently until everything is well combined and the filling is cooked through, ensuring no moisture remains. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Samosas:
- To create a sealing paste, mix 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with enough water to form a thick paste.
- Take a lemon-sized ball of dough and roll it out into a thin circle, approximately 7 inches in diameter. Cut this circle in half to create two semi-circles.
- Take one semi-circular piece and form a cone by folding it over, sealing the edge with a little flour paste. Ensure the base is well-sealed to prevent any filling from escaping.
- Fill the cone with the prepared paneer filling and seal the open edge using the flour paste, applying gentle pressure to secure it.
5. Cooking Methods:
- Deep Frying: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium flame. Once the oil is hot, gently slide the samosas into the oil and fry until golden brown and crisp on all sides. Remove them using a slotted spoon and place them on absorbent paper to drain excess oil.
- Baking: For a healthier option, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the assembled samosas on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes, flip them over halfway through, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until they are golden brown and crisp.
6. Serving:
- Serve your Tandoori Paneer Samosas hot with a side of fresh green chutney, tangy tamarind chutney, and a drizzle of tomato sauce. Pair them with a steaming cup of masala chai for an authentic Indian snack experience.
Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in these Tandoori Paneer Samosas, perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home!
