Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with these irresistible Baked Paneer Pakora Bites accompanied by a zesty Mint Chutney. Bid farewell to the guilt of deep-frying as we present a healthier twist on the classic pakora, baked to perfection and bursting with the goodness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and aromatic spices.
These bite-sized morsels are the epitome of convenience, perfect for those moments when you crave something savory and satisfying without the fuss. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a movie night, or simply seeking a flavorful snack, these Baked Paneer Pakora Bites are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
- 250g paneer, grated or crumbled
- 1 cup besan (gram flour)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water (or as needed)
- Oil for greasing
For the Mint Chutney:
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves
- 1 green chili (adjust to taste)
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated or crumbled paneer, besan, cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add water gradually and knead to form a smooth, slightly sticky dough. The dough should come together but shouldn’t be too dry or too wet.
- Pinch off small portions of the dough and roll them into bite-sized balls or cylindrical shapes.
- Arrange the paneer pakora bites on the prepared baking tray, spacing them apart slightly.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pakora bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- While the pakora bites are baking, prepare the mint chutney by blending together all the chutney ingredients until smooth.
- Once the pakora bites are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Serve the warm Baked Paneer Pakora Bites alongside the refreshing Mint Chutney for dipping.
These Baked Paneer Pakora Bites are a true delight, offering a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional fried version. The combination of the crispy exterior and the soft, flavorful interior of the paneer is simply irresistible. And when paired with the zingy Mint Chutney, each bite becomes an explosion of flavors that will transport you to culinary bliss.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, these bite-sized wonders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Embrace the joy of guilt-free indulgence and savor every morsel of these delectable Baked Paneer Pakora Bites with Mint Chutney. Bon appétit!