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You are here: Home » Snacks and Appetizers

Published: Feb 24, 2019 · Modified: Jun 9, 2022 by Saima · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases · This blog generates income via ads.

Paneer Fingers

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paneer fingers on a plate with a hand over it holding a piece dipped in green chutney
paneer fingers on a plate
paneer fingers on a plate with green chutney in a small white bowl on the side

Crispy paneer fingers with a spicy cilantro-mint chutney is the perfect recipe for an evening snack or party food. Vegetarian, keto-friendly and so yum!

Another great party starter is this paneer pepper fry. Do check it out:)

paneer fingers on a plate with green chutney in a small bowl on the side

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How on earth do you resist a snack that makes you drool at first sight?

Sigh! You don't.

These paneer fingers are that snack. Paired with a fresh and very healthy green chutney, they are totally and one hundred percent addictive. I can think of so many excuses to make them: they are perfect as a party appetizer, as finger food for game day or as a quick snack for kids in the evening. Paneer recipes for kids were never this easy or tasty.

If you're not familiar with paneer, it is a delicious Indian cottage cheese that is easily available in most markets. Unlike many varieties of cheese, it doesn't melt when it is heated but retains its chunky and firm texture. Yet, it is very soft to bite into and melts in the mouth, literally. What's more, you can make it at home if you're even a wee bit adventurous. Here's an easy paneer recipe if you're in the mood to make it from scratch. If not, just head to any Indian store and ask for it. These days, even big supermarkets like Walmart or Superstore in Canada carry it right alongside the other cheeses.

Anyhow, back to paneer fingers. Here's what you need if you're making them.

ingredients for making paneer fingers

1. Paneer - available in 350 or 375 grams packaged slabs in the chiller section of supermarkets.

2. Mint and cilantro leaves - a bunch each of both will suffice

3. A small tomato, chopped

4. A few pods garlic, peeled

5. A green chilli or fresh crushed red chilli or red chilli powder - in this recipe, I have used fresh red chilli

6. All-purpose flour or maida

6. Cornflour

8. Crushed black pepper

9. Breadcrumbs

10. Cooking oil for deep frying (or shallow frying if you so prefer)

And you need salt, of course.

how to make paneer fingers

Like most of my paneer recipes, this is an easy one. There are four basic steps to making it.

Step 1 - make the green chutney

This chutney or dip serves a dual purpose. Half of it is added to the batter we'll make in step 2 and half is used as a dip with the paneer fingers. To make the chutney, all you need to do is to put the cilantro, mint, garlic, tomato and green chilli (or red chilli) in a blender and whizz. Add salt and mix well. Divide it into two bowls.

mint, cilantro, tomato, green chilli, crushesd red chilli and garlic on a wooden chopping board
Green Chutney Ingredients

Step 2 - make the batter

Take the all-purpose flour, cornflour, black pepper and salt in a shallow bowl and add one cup water to make a thick batter. Add half of the green chutney above to it and mix well. Your batter is ready.

three bowls with batter, paneer cut into long strips and breadcrumbs

Step 3 - prep the paneer

Take the slab of paneer and cut it into long pieces. Dip a piece in the batter, then coat with breadcrumbs. Repeat for all the pieces.

paneer fingers dipped in batter, then rolled in breadcrumbs
Breaded paneer fingers on a plate

Step 4 - deep fry the paneer (or shallow fry)

Heat some oil in a skillet or frying pan and drop the paneer fingers in it, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Wait for them to turn brown, then flip. It is not necessary to deep fry though. Deep frying gives a more even golden-brown colour to the paneer, but if deep-frying stuff gives you the jitters (like it does me), shallow fry the pieces by all means.

Take out the hot paneer fingers on a platter and serve with some cilantro-mint chutney.

a hand holding a paneer finger dipped in green chutney over a plate of paneer fingers
paneer fingers on a plate with green chutney on the side

More Indian snacks and appetizers you will love 

Paneer Kababs - Soft paneer cubes skewered to perfection.
Chicken Malai Tikka - Juicy chicken kababs on skewers that will simply melt in your mouth.
Chutney Sandwiches - Delicate bread sandwiches with a filling of green chutney and potato slices.
Vegetable Lo Mein - A quick and easy Asian stir-fry with Chinese noodles and crunchy veggies in sauce.
Last but not the least... I have to mention this aloo tikki recipe: golden and perfectly crispy potato patties. They taste fantastic with tamarind chutney, a sweet and spicy dip that goes really well with these paneer fingers too by the way!

📖 Recipe

paneer fingers on a plate with green chutney on the side

Paneer Fingers

Saima Zaidi
Crispy paneer fingers with a spicy cilantro-mint chutney is the perfect recipe for an evening snack or party food. Vegetarian, keto-friendly and so yum!
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Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Appetizer/Snack
Cuisine Indian
Servings 16 fingers
Calories 213 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 bunch mint leaves stalks removed
  • 1 bunch cilantro leaves
  • 1 tomato small, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic peeled
  • 1 green chilli
  • 4 tablespoon flour
  • 2 tablespoon cornflour
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper crushed
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 12 oz paneer
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup cooking oil for frying
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Instructions
 

  • Put the mint, cilantro, tomato, garlic and green chilli in a blender and whizz until smooth. Add salt. Divide the chutney equally into two bowls.
  • Take the all-purpose flour, cornflour, black pepper powder and salt in a bowl and add 1 cup water. Mix to a thick consistency.
  • Add half of the green chutney that you set aside earlier to the batter above. Add more water if required.
  • Cut the paneer into long fingers.
  • Dip the paneer pieces in the batter first, then roll in breadcrumbs.
  • Heat oil in a pan until smoking hot and carefully slide in the battered and breaded paneer pieces. Fry until golden brown. Take them out on absorbent kitchen paper and serve hot with green chutney.

Notes

  1. Instead of a green chilli, you can use one teaspoon red chilli powder or crushed fresh red chillies. Whatever you may have at hand will do.

Nutrition

Serving: 3fingersCalories: 213kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 113mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 109IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 112mgIron: 1mg
Keyword indian cottage cheese fingers, paneer fingers, paneer snack
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Hi, I'm Saima! I live in Alberta, Canada with my husband and twin boys. Here, you'll find Indian recipes with fresh, natural ingredients and easy, no-fuss cooking techniques. Welcome to my blog!

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