Paneer Popcorn (High Protein/ Non Fried)

 

Ingredients:

For the Paneer Marinade:

• 200g Paneer (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 1-2 tbsp Freshly pounded Ginger-Garlic paste
• 1-2 Green Chilies (pounded or finely chopped)
• 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp Garam Masala
• 1 tbsp Tandoori Masala
• 1 tbsp Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 1-2 tbsp Lemon Juice
• Salt to taste

For Coating:

• 2 tbsp Cornflour (for crispiness)
• 2 tbsp Besan (Chickpea Flour)
• 1-2 tbsp Water (to make slurry)
• ½ cup Red Rice Poha (flattened rice – for coating)

For Green Chutney:

• 1 cup Fresh Coriander Leaves
• 1-2 Green Chilies (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 tbsp Ginger
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 tbsp Roasted Cumin Powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Paneer:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the freshly pounded ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, tandoori masala, kasuri methi, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Coat the Paneer: Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and toss gently to coat evenly. Let this sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors. You can also marinate for longer if you have the time.

2. Make the Coating:

1. Prepare the Slurry: In a separate bowl, combine the cornflour and besan (chickpea flour). Add just enough water to make a thick, smooth slurry.
2. Poha Coating: Grind the red rice poha in a blender or Crush with hand to break it down slightly (but don't make it too fine—leave some texture). Spread it on a plate or shallow bowl for easy coating.

3. Coat the Paneer:

1. Take each marinated paneer cube, dip it into the cornflour-besan slurry, and coat it well.
2. Roll the coated paneer cubes in the crushed red rice poha, pressing lightly so it sticks. The poha will give it a crispy, crunchy texture when air-fried.

4. Air Fry the Paneer Popcorn:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes.
2. Arrange the coated paneer cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The paneer should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.

5. Prepare the Green Chutney:

1. In a blender, combine the coriander leaves, green chilies, ginger, roasted cumin powder, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Add a little water as needed to make a smooth chutney.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

6. Serve:

1. Serve your crispy Paneer Popcorn hot with the freshly prepared green chutney on the side.
2. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of chaat masala or lemon wedges for an extra punch of flavor.

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This recipe combines tender marinated paneer with a crunchy outer coating of besan, cornflour, and red rice poha, then air-fried to perfection for a guilt-free crispy snack. The fresh green chutney adds a refreshing, tangy contrast to the rich, spiced paneer, making it an ideal appetizer or snack.