INDI-PANEER BAO

Elevate your snack game with this Indian-inspired Paneer Bao using kulcha bread as a quick and delicious base. This recipe combines the soft, buttery kulcha bread with a flavorful paneer filling and a tangy, spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick meal or a special treat, this fusion dish brings together classic Indian flavors in a fun and easy-to-make bao.

Ingredients

For the Kulcha Bao:

• 4 kulcha breads
• 2 tbsp butter (for toasting)

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp chili sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup

For the Fresh Salad:

• 1 medium onion (semi-sliced)
• 1 medium tomato (semi-sliced)
• 2 tbsp fresh coriander (chopped)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp chaat masala

For the Marinated Paneer:

• 250 grams paneer (cut into long strips)
• 2 tbsp Schezwan chutney
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp jeera (cumin) powder
• A pinch of sugar powder

For the Mint Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 tbsp cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt to taste
• 2-3 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Kulcha Bao:

1. Toast the Kulcha:

• Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Place the kulcha breads in the pan and toast them until golden and crispy on both sides. Set aside.

2. Make the Sauce:

1. Combine Ingredients:

• In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, chili sauce, and ketchup. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Fresh Salad:

1. Mix Ingredients:

• In a bowl, combine the semi-sliced onions, semi-sliced tomatoes, and chopped coriander. Add salt, lemon juice, and chaat masala. Mix well and set aside.

4. Marinate and Cook the Paneer:

1. Marinate the Paneer:

• In a bowl, mix the Schezwan chutney, chili powder, jeera powder, and sugar powder. Add the paneer strips and toss until well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

1. Fry the Paneer:

• Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated paneer strips and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.

1. Coat with Spice Mix:

• Return the cooked paneer to the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat with any remaining spice mix for extra flavor.

5. Prepare the Mint Sauce:

1. Blend Ingredients:

• In a blender, combine the mint leaves, cream, mayonnaise, grated cheese, sugar, salt, and water. Blend until smooth. Adjust the consistency with additional water if needed.

6. Assemble the Paneer Bao:

1. Assemble:

• Spread the prepared sauce on the toasted side of each kulcha bread.
• Layer the fresh salad over the sauce.
• Top with the marinated and fried paneer strips.
• Drizzle with the mint sauce.

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Serving Suggestions

These Paneer Baos are best enjoyed immediately while the kulcha is still warm and crispy. They make for a great snack, appetizer, or even a fun main course. Pair them with a cool drink or a simple side salad for a complete meal.