Matar paneer (cottage cheese with peas) phyllo cups is a delicious bite size appetizer. A matar paneer (not too much gravy) filled in a crispy phyllo shell. It works so well together I was like why didn’t I think of this before! The paneer is slightly creamy and spicy and pairs well with the phyllo. These are great for parties, get togethers or on a charcuterie/cheese board. These appetizers were wiped clean in 5 mins. I’m not kidding I made 40 of these and it was over in 5 mins between 6 people. These vegetarian Indian fusion appetizers are perfect for Diwali and the festive season.

Happy Cooking!

Servings: 15-20 mini cups

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cooking Time: 40-50 mins

Total Time: 50-60 mins

Ingredients: 

• 4-5 cloves Garlic 

• 1/2 medium red onion chopped 

• 1 tsp grated Ginger

• 1-2 Green chili chopped

• 1/2 Tomato chopped

• 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds

• 1-2 Bay leaf 

• 1 tiny pc Cinnamon

• 1 cardamom 

• 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder

• 1/2-1 tsp Red chili powder as per taste 

• 1/4 tsp coriander powder

• 1/2 tsp cumin powder 

• 1 tsp Salt as per taste 

• 1/4 tsp Pepper

• 1/4-1/2 tsp Sugar as per taste 

• 1/4 cup Cream

• 1 tsp Kasthuri methi 

• 1 tbsp veg oil

• 150-180g Paneer chopped in tiny cubes, approx the size of peas.

• 1/2 cup green Peas- I used frozen

• 15-20 Phyllo shells or use phyllo sheets- check notes

  
  Directions: 

1. In a pan add oil. Once warm add bay leaf, cumin seeds , cinnamon stick and cardamom. Cook it for 1-2 mins.

2. Add chopped onions and cook for 3-4 mins till it stats to brown.

3. Add chopped green chilis, ginger and garlic. Cook it for 3-4 mins.

4. Add spices- turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder and coriander powder and cook for 1 min.

5. Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 5-6 mins till they break down.

6. Add salt, pepper and sugar and mix. Let it cool.

7. Blend to a smooth paste and keep aside.

8. In the pan, add green peas and cook til its soft.

9. Add the paste and mix.

10. Add paneer cubes and cream and mix.

11. Add Kasthuri methi (break between your hands to get flavor) and mix.

12. Cook till its thickened.

13. Fill in phyllo cups and bake as per package instructions.

14. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes/Tips:

• The paneer shouldn’t have too much gravy as it can make the phyllo soggy.

• If you don’t have phyllo shells you can make your own with phyllo sheets. See this video.

• You can top it with cheese and bake if you like.

• This paneer is also great on toast or in puff pastry.

• You can replace paneer with tofu if you want.