Stuffed Paneer Sandwich Pakora or Paneer Sandwich Pakora is a delicious starter with paneer stuffed with green chutney and battered with moong dal flour. This is a totally delightful snack you can make for your party!
Technically in South Indian terminology, we call this Bajji. Since this snack is from North, I prefer to go with it.
So they call this Paneer Pakora or Paneer Sandwich Pakora, I would also call this Sandwich Paneer Pakoda. As they say, whats in a name, I would surely follow this when it comes to such delicious snacks.
When I planned on making the Pakora Platter for the Mega BM, I made sure to include different varieties of pakodas, Bajjis, etc. It gave me the right opportunity to share some childhood dishes that kindled nostalgic memories. Like this Bread Bajji and Onion Rings are from my childhood days when Amma used to make it for evening snacks.
The platter also has some flour coated snacks like this Cashew Pakoda, similar to this Masala Peanuts.
On the whole, this platter is something you can make for your evening snacks. I am starting the second week of March BM with some dishes you can snack on!
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Ingredients
Pakodas are mostly made with Besan or Chickpea flour. However, if you happen to have an allergy to it, you can use finely milled Moong dal Flour as well.
Moong Dal Flour - I have used Moong Dal flour for the outer layer, inspired by Vaishali's recipe. You can use regular Besan as well.
Paneer - Use firm thick slices of paneer to make these pakodas. You can either slice them thin and stuff with chutney between two slices. Or you can slice a thick layer, have a slit in between for the chutney.
Other Ingredients - We use red chili powder to spice the batter. Chutney is made using the green chilies and herbs. You can make a thick chutney like this Hara Chutney for the spread.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
This starter uses Paneer as the main ingredient. So you will have make sure your paneer is firm. So I got a store bought paneer. As this involves thick slices, I felt it is easy to with it.
Making the chutney
Take all the ingredients for the chutney in a mixer jar and grind coarsely to make a thick chutney.
Do not add water.
For the Batter
Take the ingredients for the batter in a bowl, slowly add water to make a thick batter.
Beat well to aerate the batter.
Making the Pakoda
Wash and slice the paneer into thick rectangles.
You can either slice into two or you can make slit in between the thick pieces.
Apply salt all over and leave them for about 5 minutes.
Now take the thick green chutney and spread on the top of one slice.
Place the other slice over this. Continue with the rest until all the pieces are stuffed with chutney.
If you are going to slit in between, apply the chutney inside and continue with all pieces.
Heat the kadai with oil. When the oil is hot, reduce to medium heat.
Dip the stuffed paneer pieces into batter and gently drop into the hot oil.
Before flipping to other side, using the spatula drizzle some hot oil over the pakoda.
Deep fry till golden on both sides.
Using a slotted ladle, drain to a kitchen towel.
When serving, cut into pieces and serve with dip of your choice.
Substitutions & Variations
You can make these Stuffed Paneer Sandwich Pakora as the regular pakoda using besan. Moong dal Flour gives a different taste. Just make sure the flour is ground to a fine powder.
We can add other spices like amchur, black salt or even any other garam masala to spice it up.
Instead of plain paneer, you can make pepper infused paneer if you choose to use homemade paneer.
Equipment
We will need a kadai for deep frying, a mixing bowl and a sharp knife to slice the paneer.
Apart from these, a blender to make the thick chutney.
Expert Tips
For the Stuffed Paneer Sandwich Pakora batter, make it thick by adding just enough water. After making the batter, add the soda and beat well. This will result in well aerated batter.
The chutney has to be a thick sauce for it to stay on the paneer after sandwiching.
You can make smaller sandwich pieces as well.
Recipe
How to make Stuffed Paneer Sandwich Pakora
Ingredients
For Pakora
- 200 grams Paneer cut into thick rectangles
- Cooking Oil for deep frying
Green Chutney for Stuffing
- 1 cup Coriander Leaves
- 1/2 cup Mint Leaves
- 4 to 5 Green Chilies
- 5 cloves Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
- Salt to taste
For Batter
- 1 cup Moong Dal Flour / Besan
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1/8 teaspoon Cooking Soda
- 1/8 teaspoon Asafoetida / Hing
Instructions
Making the chutney
- Take all the ingredients for the chutney in a mixer jar and grind coarsely to make a thick chutney.
- Do not add water.
For the Batter
- Take the ingredients for the batter in a bowl, slowly add water to make a thick batter.
- Beat well to aerate the batter.
Making the Pakoda
- Wash and slice the paneer into thick rectangles.
- You can either slice into two or you can make a slit in between the thick pieces.
- Apply salt all over and leave them for about 5 minutes.
- Now take the thick green chutney and spread it on the top of one slice.
- Place the other slice over this. Continue with the rest until all the pieces are stuffed with chutney.
- If you are going to slit in between, apply the chutney inside and continue with all pieces.
- Heat the kadai with oil. When the oil is hot, reduce to medium heat.
- Dip the stuffed paneer pieces into the batter and gently drop them into the hot oil.
- Make sure the top is also coated with oil before you flip to the other side to cook.
- Deep fry till golden on both sides.
- Using a slotted ladle, drain to a kitchen towel.
- When serving, cut into pieces and serve with a dip of your choice.
Nutrition
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Anusha says
Loved your intro, Valli. Somehow the feel is so different when we say Bajji and Pakoda right? Those soft chunky paneer pieces drenched in chutney and fried to perfection is just what I need for this weekend. Thank you for sharing.
Srivalli says
Thank you Anusha, yes its an emotion..lol
srividhya says
It's hard to resist these pakoras. So yum and never used moong dal flour. Is it homemade or store-bought Valli? Love the other pakoras you have in the plate too.
Srivalli says
Store bought Srividhya, I make it at home for few dishes. For pakodas it has to be really fine right...:)
Sharmila Kingsly says
Pakodas for the evening is an emotion !! chai and pakoda are always making the evening spl !! Love this double decker paneer pakoda !!
Radha says
Irresistible! Lovely and drool worthy recipe! This sandwich pakora will be amazing with chai.
Usha Rao says
Never used moong flour for bajji or pakora.. Paneer pakoda is so appetizing and delicious with a smear of chutney.
Harini says
Very tempting pakora. Have never tried with moong dal flour. Very useful idea as I have a few friends who are allergic to besan and always stay away from bajjiis and pakoras.
Rafeeda - The Big Sweet Tooth says
This must be truly melt in the mouth - I can imagine how sinful this would have been... Throw in some rain and a cup of garma garam chai... Uff!