Matar Paneer Galette Recipe: A Healthy Fusion Snack
Matar Paneer Galette is a unique and flavorful fusion dish that combines traditional Indian ingredients with a French culinary technique. This dish features a crispy, free-form crust filled with a spiced paneer mixture, complemented by the sweetness of green peas. Perfect as a snack or a light lunch, the galette offers a twist on conventional Indian roti/chapati served with paneer. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian delight or a high-protein option, this recipe delivers both taste and nutrition in every bite.
Cuisine: Fusion
Course: Snack
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| For the Pie Crust | For the Filling |
|---|---|
| 1 cup All Purpose Flour (Maida) or Wheat Flour | 350 grams Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese), grated |
| 3/4 cup Salted Butter, chilled and cut into small pieces | 1 cup Green peas (Matar), cooked |
| Water, as required | 1 Homemade tomato puree |
| 1 Onion, finely chopped | |
| 1 tablespoon Ginger Garlic Paste | |
| 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder (Dhania) | |
| 1 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder | |
| A pinch of Asafoetida (Hing) | |
| Salt, to taste | |
| 1 tablespoon Oil | |
| 1 tablespoon Fresh Cream | |
| 1 tablespoon Cheddar Cheese | |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves (Dhania), for garnish |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
(Estimated values, based on the provided ingredients and serving size)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 315 kcal |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fats | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 310mg |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour (or wheat flour) with the chilled butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add cold water to the flour-butter mixture and mix it together until you form a pliable dough. There is no need to knead the dough extensively—just bring it together gently.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp paper towel and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to chill. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Cook the Green Peas: In a small pot, cook the green peas with a pinch of salt and just enough water to cover them. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium flame. Add the asafoetida (hing), ginger garlic paste, and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions become soft and slightly golden.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Add the homemade tomato puree and cook until the tomato softens and becomes mushy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Spices: Stir in the red chilli powder and coriander powder. Cook the mixture for another 2 minutes to allow the spices to blend well.
- Combine the Paneer: Add the cooked peas and grated paneer into the tomato mixture. Stir well and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to let the flavors absorb. Once the filling is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Galette
- Preheat the Oven: While the filling cools, preheat your oven to 250°C (482°F).
- Divide the Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a round ball.
- Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a thick disk, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
- Place the Filling: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the rolled-out dough disks on it. Spoon the prepared paneer mixture onto the center of each disk, leaving a border around the edges.
- Fold the Edges: Gently fold the edges of the dough up and around the filling, creating a rustic, free-form crust. The filling should remain exposed in the center.
Step 4: Bake the Galettes
- Bake the Galettes: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the galettes for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Add Cheese: About 5 minutes before the galettes are done, sprinkle the top of each galette with cheddar cheese and return them to the oven to melt.
- Cool: Once baked, transfer the galettes to a cooling rack and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish the galettes with fresh coriander leaves and serve them warm. Pair with a dipping sauce such as ketchup or a fresh chutney. For a complete meal, serve the Matar Paneer Galettes with a glass of fresh juice and perhaps a side of Crispy Corn Chaat, Mogre Ka Sharbat, or a steaming cup of Masala Chai at your next tea party.
Tips for Success
- Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too dry while mixing, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together. If it’s too sticky, dust it with a little extra flour.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of garam masala to the paneer filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serving Variations: These galettes also make a great appetizer for parties or can be served as a side dish with a light soup.
Matar Paneer Galette is a delicious, satisfying dish that blends Indian spices with French technique. The crispy, flaky crust is the perfect base for the spiced paneer and peas, creating a comforting yet unique snack. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this galette is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
