Paneer Pakora Sandwiches

These paneer pakora sandwiches are the perfect solution to anyone fasting this year who are missing moms pakoras, but maybe aren’t confident enough to make them on our your own. I’m a big fan of turning everything into a sandwich, especially when they’re battered and pan fried!

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Paneer Pakora Sandwiches

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 12 minutes per sandwich Yield: 12 pieces

INGREDIENTS

For the Chutney

• 1 bunch of cilantro stems

• 1 tsp fresh ginger

• 1 green chili (optional)

• 1/8 tsp ground roasted cumin powder

• Salt to taste

• 1 tbs lemon juice

• 2 tbs plain yogurt

• 1 tbs hot honey

• 2 tbs whole almonds

For the Pakora Batter

• 1/2 - 3/4 cup chickpea flour (start with 1/2 cup, add a bit more if batter gets too thin)

• 2-3 tbs cornstarch

• 1/8 tsp baking powder

• 3 tbs fresh cilantro, minced

• 2 tbs fresh mint, minced

• 1 tbs lemon juice

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp dried methi (fenugreek) leaves

• 2 tsp fresh grated ginger or ginger paste

• 1 green chili, minced (optional)

• 1 egg

• Salt to taste

• Enough water to make a thin batter

To Assemble and Fry Sandwiches

• 1 block (340 grams) paneer, cut in long slices

• 1 loaf crusty Italian bread (pane Roma bread)

• Vegetable oil to pan fry paneer and sandwiches

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare the chutney. Add all of the ingredients for the chutney to a food processor. Pulse until all ingredients are combined to a spreadable paste.

2. Heat some vegetable oil over medium high heat in a frying pan. Pan fry the paneer until browned on each side, 1-2 mins on each side.

3. Slice the loaf on bread in half lengthwise. Spread the chutney on each side of the loaf, then lay the paneer slices on top. Close and cut into 12 pieces.

4. Prepare the pakora batter. Add all of the ingredients for the pakora batter into a mixing bowl. Whisk to fully combine.

5. Dip the sandwiches in the pakora batter to fully coat.

6. Heat some vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. You want enough to pan fry the sandwiches (not deep fry). Once the oil starts shimmering, add the sandwiches to the pan. Do not overcrowd the pan. Pan fry the sandwiches for 1-3 minutes on each side*. You want each side to be a dark golden brown. Serve immediately.

NOTES

• * Chickpea flour has a very bitter taste if not fully cooked through. Make sure you cook the sandwiches all the way through on each side to avoid this.