We are starting the second week of BM#54. I will be sharing ideas for Bite-Size appetizers. The idea for this theme is to showcase those starters that let the guests leave one arm free to shake a hand, hold a drink, or grab another. I borrowed this line from elsewhere, as I felt it was so catchy to represent what I wanted this theme to be.
Appetizers or starters are those dishes that are easy to handle, bite-sized, and more filling than the main course in most parties. Growing up, parents have hosted many parties and it used to be my responsibility to arrange and take care of the guests. Apart from hosting, we also used to have regular parties in our club.
The parties are known for their small eats. Vegetarians always had paneer, baby corn as standard, while the nonvegetarians had so many starters to enjoy. The waiter would walk around serving and in most cases, nothing gets carried past two tables. Everybody used to just hog on the starters and desserts that the main course was almost always ignored.
So when I thought of this theme, I wanted something that was easy to serve and not so messy as well. These spinach Paneer Balls are not very oily and you could bake these as well if you wanted to avoid deep frying. Kids were taken in so much by the cute shell sticks that were gifted during our BM Meet. I ended up using it after such a long time, nearly 2 years later.
You can take this idea and be as creative as you can and can include so many different ingredients in these basic fried balls. I was planning to stuff mozzarella cheese cubes inside but dropped it later in the end.
Even otherwise, paneer takes care and you will simply love it!
Spinach Paneer Balls
Ingredients Needed:
Paneer crumbled - 3/4 cup
Spinach, blanched - 1/2 cup
Mashed Potato - 1/2 cup
Salt to taste
Green Chilies - 1 tsp
Red chili flakes - 1/2 tsp
Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp
Roasted Cumin Powder - 1/2 tsp
For the outer layer
All purpose flour - 2 tbsp
Corn flour - 1 tbsp
Salt a pinch
Bread Crumbs for coating as required ( made from 4 bread slices)
Oil for deep frying.
How to make the Spinach Paneer Balls
Wash and blanch the spinach leaves. Remove and slice into thin strips.
MW potato for 5 mins, mash well.
Crumble paneer well. Transfer all the ingredients to a bowl, combine everything well together. Add the salt, spice powders and mix well.
Make small balls and roll it in the maida-cornflour mix.
In another bowl, have the bread crumbs ready and roll the balls in, and let it cover well. The best way to make it well is to have bread crumbs in a small bowl, drop the coated balls, and roll it around. This way, the balls get coated well and your hands won't be messy as well.
Press it all over and continue this with the rest of the balls.
Freeze for 30 mins before frying.
Notes
You can add just about anything in these balls. I wanted to stuff it with cheese pieces but decided against it.
Making this ahead and freezing it saves a lot of time and effort.
Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing this BM
vaishali sabnani says
Spinach snd paneer is one of those ultimate combos, and such a hit. These balls look just perfect for any party .
Padma Rekha says
Perfect... why one bite I can enjoy so many yummm...
Sarita says
Spinach paneer rolls.. What a great appetizer! Love it.Nice pics.
Gayathri Kumar says
This looks like the perfect one bite appetiser. Paneer is always loved by vegetarians and this would surely make them go for more...
sushma says
My family is not a big fan of paneer, but this looks delicious, Will try soon
praba bubesh says
wow..lovely paneer balls..like to munch some..
Kalyani says
such a crowd pleaser :-)) this combo never fails....
Nisha Sundar says
Absolute favourite Valli. Lip smacking!!
Harini-Jaya R says
I agree that spinach and paneer work very well together.
Sapana Behl says
Lovely appetizers.Looks so tasty..
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
Love your presentation and especially love the shell tooth picks. Looks wonderful and such a party pleaser recipe.
Pavani N says
Wow, your spinach paneer balls look so crispy & delicious.
Chef Mireille says
what a perfect snack
Priya Suresh says
Those balls are asking me to grab and have rite now, how delicious and crispy they are..