To get the crispiness, I have used crushed oats, though even breadcrumbs can be added. The outer coating of paneer popcorn is similar to the crust of Veg nuggets recipe i had shared earlier. This recipe is lightly spiced and not spicy or pungent. However, you can definitely increase the quantity of the spice powders in case you wish to have some heat in the nuggets. Some more tasty paneer snack recipes shared are: These Paneer Nuggets are simply fab as a snack or starter when accompanied with tomato ketchup or any green chutney like Coriander Chutney or Mint Chutney or sandwich chutney.
How to make Paneer Nuggets (Paneer Popcorn)
- In a grinder jar take ½ cup rolled oats or quick cooking oats. You can also use bread crumbs instead of oats.
- Using the pulse option grind at intervals of a few seconds till the oats are coarsely crushed. Do not grind to a fine powder. Keep the crushed oats aside.
- In a mixing bowl take 200 grams of paneer or 1.5 cups of paneer cubes.
- Add the following ingredients:
¼ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder ¼ teaspoon dry parsley ¼ teaspoon oregano ⅛ teaspoon black pepper powder (or 2 to 3 pinches) ⅛ teaspoon salt (or 2 to 3 pinches)
You can use mixed herbs or any herb of your choice. 5. Mix very well but gently taking care the paneer cubes do not break. 6. In another bowl, take ½ cup besan. Add 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste, ⅛ teaspoon turmeric powder or 2 to 3 pinches, ¼ teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder and 1 pinch baking soda. Also add salt as required. 7. Add 5 to 6 tablespoons of water in parts and mix. 8. Mix to a thick batter without any lumps. 9. Now dip each paneer cube in the batter and coat it well. Slid off the excess batter from the paneer cube. 10. Place the paneer cube in the crushed oats. 11. Roll the paneer cubes on the oats and coat it with the oats. Do crumb coating with all the paneer cubes and keep them aside. Otherwise it becomes messy to crumb coat and fry simultaneously.
Frying paneer popcorn
- In a kadai or pan heat oil as required for deep frying. You can use any neutral flavored oil. Check a tiny portion of the batter in the oil. If it comes up gradually and steadily on top, the paneer cubes can be fried. 13. Add the crumb coated paneer cubes in the hot oil. Fry on medium heat. Don’t overcrowd the kadai.
- When one side is light golden, turn over and fry the second side till light golden.
- This way turn over a couple of times and fry paneer popcorns.
- Fry till the outer crust looks crispy and golden.
- Remove the paneer popcorn on paper towels to absorb extra oil.
- This way fry the remaining paneer cubes in batches till crisp and golden. Do not fry the paneer cubes too much as then they become dense.
- Serve paneer nuggets hot with any sauce or chutney or dip of your choice like mint coriander chutney or Sandwich Chutney or pudina chutney. They make for a good party snack or tea time snack. For the best taste and texture have them hot or warm when they are prepared. Please be sure to rate the recipe in the recipe card or leave a comment below if you have made it. For more vegetarian inspirations, Sign Up for my emails or follow me on Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter. Paneer Koliwada (Fried Paneer) Paneer Patties | Paneer Tikki Paneer Kulcha Recipe Achari Paneer Recipe | How to make Achari Paneer This Paneer Popcorn post from the archives first published on March 2018 has been republished and updated in January 2023.
