Paneer Cutlets are crispy, golden, and delicious patties made with crumbled paneer, spices, and herbs. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or tea-time treat, these cutlets are easy to prepare and loved by all.
Ingredients
For the Cutlet Mixture:
- 200 grams paneer, crumbled
- 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons bread crumbs (or more, if needed for binding)
For Coating:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup bread crumbs
For Frying:
- Oil for shallow or deep frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cutlet Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine crumbled paneer, mashed potatoes, chopped onion, green chili, coriander leaves, and ginger paste.
- Add red chili powder, garam masala, chaat masala, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add bread crumbs to the mixture and knead gently to form a soft, pliable dough. If the mixture feels too sticky, add more bread crumbs as needed.
Step 2: Shape the Cutlets
- Divide the mixture into equal portions.
- Shape each portion into small patties or any desired shape (round, oval, or heart-shaped).
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
- In a small bowl, mix all-purpose flour with water to form a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Place the bread crumbs in a separate shallow dish.
- Dip each cutlet into the flour batter, ensuring it’s fully coated, then roll it in the bread crumbs. Repeat for all cutlets.
Step 4: Fry the Cutlets
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the cutlets in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides.
- Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve hot with green chutney, ketchup, or a dip of your choice.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves or a sprinkle of chaat masala for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Paneer Cutlets
- Consistency: Ensure the mixture is firm enough to hold its shape. Adjust with bread crumbs if it’s too soft.
- Baking Option: For a healthier version, bake the cutlets in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fryer: You can air-fry the cutlets at 180°C (356°F) for 12-15 minutes for a low-oil alternative.
- Custom Filling: Add a small cube of cheese or a spoonful of spiced peas in the center for a delightful surprise.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
Paneer Cutlets are versatile and can be customized with different spices or fillings. They’re a hit at parties and a great way to use leftover paneer. Enjoy this delicious snack with your favorite beverage!