Paneer fingers are a delicious Indian snack that perfectly combines the creamy goodness of paneer with the satisfying crunch of a well-seasoned coating. The magic of this dish lies in how effortlessly it comes together. It’s a snack that feels like a little treat but comes without the guilt and is just right for tea time, gatherings, or even as a protein-packed appetiser.
Slice the paneer into even strips that are roughly ½ inch wide. Then, gently pat them dry to get rid of any extra moisture.
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Make the marinade
In a bowl, combine salt, chilli powder, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and lemon juice. Gently toss the paneer fingers in the spice mix until they're nicely coated. Allow them to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes for the best flavour.
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Make the batter
Take another bowl and combine chickpea flour, plain flour, baking powder, chilli powder, turmeric, and ground coriander. Slowly whisk in the cold water until the mixture turns into a smooth, thick batter.
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Coat the paneer
In a shallow dish, stir the breadcrumbs together with the white and black sesame seeds. Coat each paneer finger in the batter, letting any excess drip off. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb-sesame mixture to ensure an even coating.
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Bake
First, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Then, take a baking tray and line it with parchment paper, brushing it lightly with oil. Place the coated paneer fingers on the tray in a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
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Serve hot
Once it's out of the oven, serve it up hot with a cool mint yoghurt dip or spicy chutney.