Matar Paneer Savory Tarts
There are always few friends and relatives, whom whenever I visit at any unexpected hour (without prior information), they never let me down in being the perfect host and serving the most delicious snacks and sweets. I used to always wonder how they can be so perfect? Don't you know that aunt in neighbourhood or that far off 'taijee' (aunt) who just had to feed you with their tempting goodies till you don't fit in the chair anymore. Jokes aside, I seriously believed they must be having some magic wand in their kitchen, which they just waved and the tray was filled with yummy treats. Now years later, hopefully I know better that the magic wand lies in having a well stocked pantry and some great recipe ideas, which can be pulled in minutes. And I'm so happy to serve you (virtually) one such quickie snack.
These cute paneer tarts remind me so much of the patties that I used to have so very often in the school canteen, that its almost nostalgic. Just that its so much fresher and puffier.
Matar Paneer Savory Tarts RecipeServes 4
Ingredients:
Puff Pastry Sheets - square - 10 (Or cut from longer sheets) (I used frozen)
For Filling:
Paneer - 250 gms (I used frozen)
Peas - 1 cup (I used frozen)
Onion - 1 medium ) finely chopped
Green Chillies - 2-3 finely chopped
Fresh Coriander - 2 tbsp finely chopped
Red Chilly powder - 1 tsp
Salt - As per taste
Coriander powder - 1 1/2 tsp
Lemon Juice - 1/2 tbsp
Chaat Masala - 2 tsp
Sesame Seeds - 1 tsp (optional for sprinkling on top)
2 tbsp Milk/ 1 Egg beaten for wash
1 tbsp cornflour mixed in 2 tbsp water
Method:
- Preheat oven to 400F
- Thaw the puff pastry, paneer and peas, if using frozen. Put peas in boiling water for 5-6 mins to soften
- Crumble the paneer by hand and mix it with all the other ingredients of filling (other than milk, sesame seeds & puff pastry) in a bowl, till its all combined
- Place the filling (around 2 tbsp per square) in the centre, and brush the sides of the sheet with cornflour/water mix. Pull all the four sides together. Or you can fold in half to make a rectangular puff. Or fold diagonally. Choice is yours.
- After completing all the puffs, brush the top with the egg wash or milk. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top (if using) and place them in the baking tray leaving 2 inch space between each other
- Bake for 15-18 mins, till the top turns golden brown
- Cool for 3-4 mins before serving hot with tomato ketchup or chutney
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