Spinach & Paneer Cornmeal Roll Recipe
Overview:
Spinach and Paneer Cornmeal Rolls offer a delightful blend of savory flavors with a healthy twist. These rolls are a perfect choice for a wholesome snack, combining the richness of paneer (cottage cheese) and the nutritious goodness of spinach, wrapped in soft, golden cornmeal dough. The addition of aromatic spices and a touch of honey gives these rolls a unique and delicious flavor profile. Ideal for a continental snack or a light meal, this recipe brings together the best of vegetarian ingredients with a dash of creativity.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cornmeal | 1 cup |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Oats Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Buttermilk | 1/4 cup |
| Water (for kneading) | As required |
| Salt | As per taste |
| Spinach (washed and shredded) | 1 cup |
| Paneer (homemade cottage cheese, grated) | 1 cup |
| Red Bell Pepper (capsicum, chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
60 minutes (includes dough resting and stuffing preparation time)
Cooking Time
45 minutes (baking time)
Total Time
105 minutes
Servings
Serves 4 people
Cuisine
Continental
Course
Snack
Diet
Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
To begin, we will first focus on preparing the dough for our rolls. Begin by blooming the yeast: in a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast with 5 tablespoons of lukewarm water and the sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on the surface, indicating that the yeast is activated.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, whole wheat flour, oats flour, and the yeast mixture. Add the extra virgin olive oil and stir to mix. Gradually add the milk and buttermilk, and mix to form a soft dough.
Once the dough comes together, knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm place for about 20 minutes to allow it to rise.
Step 2: Preparing the Stuffing
While the dough is rising, we can prepare the filling for the rolls. Wash the spinach thoroughly, then chop it into thin strips.
In a pan, heat a tablespoon of oil. Add finely chopped garlic and onions, sautéing them until they turn translucent. Add the chopped spinach and sauté until the spinach wilts and releases its moisture. Continue to cook for a few more minutes until the moisture evaporates.
Next, add the crumbled paneer to the spinach mixture. Season with salt, red chilli powder, ajwain powder, and black pepper powder. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Once well combined, remove from heat and set the stuffing aside to cool.
Step 3: Shaping the Rolls
Once the dough has rested and risen, punch it down to remove any excess air. Knead it a little more on a floured surface, and roll it out into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Dust the dough with flour as needed to prevent it from sticking.
Spread the prepared spinach and paneer filling evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough. Once the filling is spread, carefully roll the dough into a log shape, ensuring that the filling stays inside.
Cut the log into approximately 10 slices, each forming a beautiful spiral or pinwheel shape. Place the slices close together in a greased baking pan.
Step 4: Second Rising and Baking
Cover the pan with a clean towel and allow the rolls to rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes. While the rolls are resting, prepare a mixture of milk and honey to brush over the rolls. This will give them a beautiful golden color once baked.
After the second rise, gently brush the rolls with the milk and honey mixture, then sprinkle the red bell pepper pieces over the top for a touch of color and flavor.
Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. During baking, you can brush the rolls with the honey milk mixture once or twice to enhance the color and texture.
Step 5: Serving
Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. These rolls are perfect served warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. Serve them as a healthy snack or a light meal, ideal for an afternoon bite or as a delicious appetizer.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Serving Suggestions
These Spinach & Paneer Cornmeal Rolls are best enjoyed with a cup of warm tea or paired with a tangy yogurt dip. They also make a perfect accompaniment to a light soup or a fresh salad. You can enjoy them as a mid-day snack, or even as part of a larger meal.
Enjoy the combination of hearty flavors in every bite, as the combination of the cornmeal, spinach, paneer, and spices come together for a satisfying treat! Whether for a casual snack or an impressive side dish, these rolls will certainly be a hit with your guests.
