Are you craving a flavorful, satisfying, and yet surprisingly quick meal? Look no further than the Paneer Frankie! This Indian street food favorite is a delicious blend of spicy paneer (Indian cheese), flavorful vegetables, and aromatic chutneys, all wrapped in a soft paratha. It’s the perfect quick dinner idea, a healthy meal option, and an easy recipe even for beginner cooks. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
For the Paneer Filling:
- 200g paneer, cubed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
For the Frankie:
- 4-6 paratha (Indian flatbread) – you can use store-bought or homemade
- Green chutney (recipe below)
- Red chutney (recipe below)
For the Chutneys (optional, but highly recommended):
- Green Chutney:
- 1 cup cilantro leaves
- 1-2 green chilies
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Water to adjust consistency
- Red Chutney:
- 1/2 cup tomatoes
- 1-2 red chilies
- 1/4 cup tamarind pulp
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Water to adjust consistency
Instructions:
Making the Paneer Filling:
- Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the green bell pepper and tomatoes. Cook until softened.
- Add the paneer cubes, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the paneer is heated through and the flavors have melded.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assembling the Frankie:
- Warm the parathas lightly on a griddle or skillet.
- Spread a thin layer of green chutney and red chutney on each paratha.
- Add a generous portion of the paneer filling to the center of each paratha.
- Fold the sides of the paratha inwards, then roll it tightly from one end to the other.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Paneer Frankie!
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For a vegetarian version, feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or potatoes to the filling.
- You can adjust the spice level according to your preference by adding more or less chili powder.
- If you don’t have parathas, you can use roti or tortillas instead.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of cashew paste to the filling.
- Leftover filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutritional Information (per Frankie, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This Paneer Frankie recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy food. It’s a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner, a tasty lunch, or even a satisfying snack. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the ease of this amazing recipe!