The combination of paneer and puff pastry is just insane! This puff has the delicate flavor of saffron paired with the sweetness of caramelised onions and tang of tomatoes. A flaky puff and the delicious filling just makes it a perfect bite. A perfect vegetarian appetizer recipe to try for any occasion. Saffron makes this recipe so festive. Kid friendly recipe as well. You can make this as an addition on cheese/charcuterie board as well.

Happy Cooking!

Servings: 9-12 pcs as per size

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cooking Time: 40-50 mins

Total Time: 1 hour+

Ingredients: 

• 300g panner small cubes 

• 1 cup finely chopped onion 

• 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper

• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes 

• 3-4 garlic cloves minced 

• 1 tsp cumin powder

• 1 tsp Salt as per taste

• 1/8 tsp Pepper

• 1/2-1 tsp Chili flakes

• 8-10 strands saffron 

• Puff pastry sheet

• 1-2 tbsp oil divided

• 1/2-1 cup grated cheddar cheese to fill

• Nigella seeds/kalonji to garnish

Directions: 

1. In a pan add oil.

2. Add chopped onions and cook for 5-8 mins till it starts to caramelise.

3. Add garlic and cook for 3-4 mins.

4. Add spices- cumin powder, chili flakes, saffron, salt and pepper and cook for 2 mins till fragrant.

5. Add chopped bell pepper and cook for 2 mins.

6. Add chopped tomatoes and cook it for 5-6 mins till it breaks down.

7. Once the tomatoes are broken down and the mixture comes together add cubed paneer.

8. Mix it together and then let it cool before filling.

9. Preheat oven to 400F.

10. Roll out a puff pastry sheet. Cut it into squares. I cut it into 9 squares.

11. Top each square with filling and leaves space to close it and then sprinkle cheese over it. I filled it diagonally to form a triangle.

12. Close the square and form the shape you like.

13. Seal the edges closed with a fork.

14. Brush the surface of the oil and sprinkle kalonji over it.

15. Place on a parchment lined baking tray and bake at 400F for 20-30 mins till golden brown and cooked through.

16. Serve with your choice of condiment and enjoy!

Notes/Tips:

• Let the paneer filling cool before filling in puff pastry.

• Saffron has a delicate mild flavor if you want more, add more saffron strands.

• You can skip the bell peppers if you want.

• Don’t skip the kalonji as it completes the flavor profile.

• The cheese helps make it creamy in the puff. You can skip it if you like.