Savoury Pancakes Recipe with Spinach & Paneer Filling
Delight in a nutritious and delicious breakfast or snack with this Savoury Pancakes recipe filled with a flavorful spinach and paneer filling. Perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to enjoy a hearty yet light meal, these pancakes combine the goodness of fresh spinach, creamy paneer, and fragrant spices, all wrapped up in soft, savory pancakes. Pair it with freshly squeezed orange juice to complete this wholesome breakfast experience!
Ingredients for Pancake Batter
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 1 Cup |
| Green chillies (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Red chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard oil | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As required for batter |
Ingredients for Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Baby spinach (tore and blanched) | 1 Cup |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese, cubed) | 1 Cup |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green chillies (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Mustard oil | To drizzle |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Continental
Course: World Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
-
Blanch the Spinach: Start by blanching the baby spinach leaves in hot water with a pinch of salt. Let them sit in the hot water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and set aside. Once cool enough to handle, tear the spinach into smaller pieces.
-
Cook the Filling:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of mustard oil in a pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them crackle.
- Once the cumin seeds start to splutter, add the finely chopped green chillies and minced garlic. SautΓ© for 1 minute until the garlic becomes aromatic.
- Add the cubed paneer pieces and cook them for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to turn slightly golden and crisp on the outside.
- Sprinkle in the red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Stir everything well so the paneer is evenly coated with the spices.
- Finally, add the blanched spinach and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is well incorporated and the flavors have melded together.
- Turn off the heat and set the filling aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Pancake Batter
- Mix the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour (besan), finely chopped onion, green chillies, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and salt.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of mustard oil to the mixture and stir everything together.
- Gradually add water to the batter, a little at a time, until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. The batter should neither be too thick nor too runny. Whisk it well to ensure there are no lumps.
- Cook the Pancakes:
- Heat a skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat and add a few drops of oil, swirling it to coat the pan evenly.
- Once the pan is hot, pour a ladleful of the pancake batter into the pan. Spread it evenly to cover the surface of the pan.
- Let the pancake cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until it turns golden brown. Flip it over and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes.
- Repeat this process with the remaining batter, adding a few drops of oil as needed to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Assemble the Savoury Pancakes
- Fill the Pancakes: Place a pancake flat on a plate and spoon a generous amount of the spinach and paneer filling onto the center.
- Fold and Serve: Gently fold the pancake in half over the filling. You can also fold the edges to create a pocket if you prefer. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Savoury Pancakes with a refreshing side of Homemade Fresh Orange Juice for a complete and nourishing meal. The citrusy juice pairs beautifully with the warm, spicy filling of the pancakes, creating a balanced and delightful combination.
Tips for the Best Savoury Pancakes:
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or mushrooms to the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Make the Pancakes Ahead: You can prepare the pancakes in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat them on a skillet before serving.
- Make It Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute the gram flour (besan) with rice flour or any other gluten-free flour of your choice.
Nutritional Information (Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Vitamin A | 35% of Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | 25% of Daily Value |
| Calcium | 20% of Daily Value |
| Iron | 15% of Daily Value |
Enjoy your Savoury Pancakes with Spinach and Paneer Filling for a fulfilling and tasty meal thatβs perfect for breakfast or a light lunch!
