If you are on the hunt for a delightful snack that brings a fun twist to a classic favorite, look no further than the Twisted Paneer Samosa Recipe. This dish takes the traditional samosa to a whole new level by introducing a unique spiral shape and a luscious paneer filling that’s perfectly spiced. Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, these samosas are bound to impress your friends and family, whether it’s teatime or a festive occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Twisted Paneer Samosa is surprisingly simple, thanks to a handful of essential ingredients that work wonders together. Each component plays a vital role—from the creamy paneer that forms the heart of the filling to the semolina in the dough that ensures a crisp, golden crust every time.
- Paneer (1 cup, crumbled): This mild Indian cheese gives the filling its creamy, protein-packed texture.
- Green chili (1, finely chopped): Adds a fresh kick of heat to brighten up the filling.
- Coriander leaves (2 tablespoons, chopped): Bring a burst of herbaceous freshness.
- Garam masala (1/2 teaspoon): A warm blend of spices that infuses the filling with classic Indian aroma.
- Cumin seeds (1/2 teaspoon): For an earthy undertone that complements the spices.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Wheat flour (1 cup): Forms the sturdy but tender outer shell for the samosas.
- Semolina (2 tablespoons): Adds extra crunch to your samosa wrapper.
- Oil (2 tablespoons for dough, plus more for frying): Helps bind the dough and provides richness when frying.
- Water (as needed): Essential to bring the dough together with the perfect consistency.
How to Make Twisted Paneer Samosa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the frying oil
Begin by heating oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. This oil will be perfect for frying the samosas once they are assembled. Set the oil aside while you get the dough and filling ready to ensure everything flows smoothly.
Step 2: Mix the filling
Grab a mixing bowl and combine the crumbled paneer with finely chopped green chili, fresh coriander leaves, garam masala, cumin seeds, and salt. Mix these ingredients well, ensuring the spices and herbs are evenly distributed to create a flavorful filling that will delight your taste buds.
Step 3: Make the dough
In another bowl, blend the wheat flour, semolina, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of oil. Slowly add water, little by little, while kneading until you form a smooth, firm dough that is easy to work with but not sticky. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes — this step is key for a tender yet crisp samosa wrapper.
Step 4: Roll and cut the dough
Divide the rested dough into small balls, then roll each ball out into thin oval shapes. Take a sharp knife and cut these ovals lengthwise into strips — these strips are the canvases for your twisted samosa magic.
Step 5: Assemble the twisted samosas
Take one dough strip and place a spoonful of the paneer filling at one end. Now comes the fun part: twist and roll the strip into a tight spiral, making sure to carefully seal the ends so none of that delicious filling escapes during cooking. This unique shape not only looks stunning but also offers a wonderful texture contrast.
Step 6: Cook the samosas
Fry the twisted samosas in batches in the preheated oil until they turn beautifully golden brown and crisp. If you prefer a healthier option, you can brush them with oil and bake in an oven at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes until golden. Both methods deliver fantastic results, so choose what suits you best!
Step 7: Cool and serve
Once cooked, transfer the samosas onto paper towels to drain excess oil and let them cool slightly. This resting time lets the samosas firm up just enough, making each bite perfectly crispy and avoid any burn from piping hot filling.
How to Serve Twisted Paneer Samosa Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate presentation and flavor, sprinkle your twisted samosas with finely chopped fresh coriander or a pinch of chaat masala. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving also adds a lovely zing that pairs incredibly well with the creamy paneer.
Side Dishes
Serve these samosas with classic chutneys like tangy tamarind, spicy mint-coriander, or even a cooling yogurt raita. These accompaniments create a balance of flavors, making each bite of the Twisted Paneer Samosa Recipe even more memorable and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming appetizer display, arrange your twisted samosas spiraled around a large serving plate with small bowls of dips in the center. You can also skewer a couple together for easy party finger food that looks as good as it tastes. Don’t forget to add some edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making a convenient snack or meal addition the next day without losing much of their original crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked twisted samosas by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When frozen, they keep well for up to a month and can be cooked directly from frozen for a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain that wonderful crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the samosas soggy and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought samosa wrappers for this recipe?
While store-bought wrappers can save time, the Twisted Paneer Samosa Recipe is specially designed for hand-rolled dough to get that perfect spiral shape and texture. Homemade dough gives the best results in taste and crunch.
Is paneer necessary, or can I use another filling?
Paneer is key to this recipe’s creamy and satisfying filling, but you can experiment with other ingredients like spiced potatoes, mixed vegetables, or even minced meat for different flavors.
What oil is best for frying samosas?
Choose an oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil to ensure your samosas fry evenly without imparting any unwanted flavors.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Baking is a great healthier alternative and can produce wonderfully crispy samosas when brushed with oil and baked at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
How spicy are these samosas?
The heat level is mild to moderate due to the green chili, but you can easily adjust it by adding more or less chili according to your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
The Twisted Paneer Samosa Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines classic Indian flavors with a playful presentation. Once you try these crispy, savory spirals filled with warmly spiced paneer, they will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. I encourage you to give this recipe a go and enjoy the satisfying process and delicious results with those you love!
Print
Twisted Paneer Samosa Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Twisted Paneer Samosa recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic Indian snack, combining spiced paneer filling with a unique spiral-shaped wheat flour dough. Crispy on the outside and flavorful inside, these samosas are perfect for tea-time or parties, and can be either deep-fried or baked for a healthier option.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup paneer, crumbled
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons coriander leaves, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- Salt to taste
Dough
- 1 cup wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons semolina (sooji)
- 2 tablespoons oil (plus more for frying)
- Salt to taste
- Water, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat oil: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat and then set it aside for frying the samosas later.
- Prepare filling: In a bowl, mix together the crumbled paneer, finely chopped green chili, chopped coriander leaves, garam masala, cumin seeds, and salt until well combined.
- Make dough: In a separate bowl, combine wheat flour, semolina, salt, and 2 tablespoons of oil. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a firm, smooth dough. Cover and let it rest for 15 minutes to develop gluten and improve texture.
- Prepare dough strips: Divide the rested dough into small equal-sized balls. Roll each ball into a thin oval shape and then cut each oval into strips.
- Shape samosas: Place a spoonful of the paneer filling at one end of each dough strip. Twist and roll the strip into a spiral shape, ensuring to seal the ends tightly so the filling does not spill out during cooking.
- Cook samosas: For traditional samosas, deep fry the twisted samosas in batches in hot oil until golden brown and crisp on all sides. Alternatively, for a healthier method, brush each samosa with oil and bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Allow the samosas to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed hot with your favorite chutney or dipping sauce.
Notes
- The dough should be firm but pliable to easily shape the twisted samosas.
- Adjust the green chili quantity to control the heat level of the filling.
- Baking is a healthier alternative to deep frying and yields a crispy texture as well.
- Ensure the ends of the strips are sealed well to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Paneer can be substituted with mashed potatoes or mixed vegetables for variation.
