Chatpata Paneer Cutlet | घर पे बनाओ मसालेदार पनीर के कटलेट | Jain Style Cutlet | Snack | Kunal Kapur

Chef Kunal Kapur Paneer & Dairy 40 Mins 4 Servings 443.4K views May 3, 2023

Hey everyone! In today's video, I'm going to show you how to make delicious and healthy paneer cutlets without using any garlic or onion. This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a vegetarian snack option that's also easy to make. To make these cutlets, I'm using fresh paneer, potatoes, peas, bread crumbs, and a few other spices. The result is a crispy and flavorful cutlet that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party or just a quick snack. In this video, I'll take you through the step-by-step process of making these cutlets, including how to properly shape them and fry them to perfection. I'll also share a few tips and tricks that will help you make the perfect cutlets every time.

Ingredients & Measurements

Carefully curated and proportioned for authentic flavor balance. Adjust chillies and salt to your personal taste.

Main Ingredients

Oil (तेल) - 4 tbsp
Asafoetida (हींग) - ½ tsp
Cumin (जीरा) - 1½ tsp
Ginger, chopped (अदरक) - 1 tbsp
Green chilli, chopped (हरि मिर्च) - 2 nos
Green Peas (हरा मटर) - 1 cup
Salt (नमक) - to taste
Chilli powder (मिर्च पाउडर) - 2 tsp
Coriander powder (धनिया पाउडर) - 1 tbsp
Chaat masala (चाट मसाला) - 1 tbsp
Black salt (काला नमक) - 1 tsp
Potato boiled & mashed (आलू) - 1 cup
Paneer crushed (पनीर) - 400 gms/ 2½ cups
Coriander, chopped (ताज़ा धनिया) - handful
Kasoori Methi leaves (कसूरी मेथी) - 2 tsp
Bread slices (ब्रेड स्लाइस) - 4 nos

For Slurry

Besan (बेसन) - ½ cup
Salt (नमक) - a pinch
Water (पानी) - ½ cup
Oil (तेल) - to deep fry
Bread crumbs (ब्रेड क्रम्ब्स) - 2 cups
Bhujia (भुजिया) - 1 cup

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1
Ingredient Preparation: Wash, prep, and accurately measure all fresh ingredients, aromatics, and spice blends as listed in the ingredients section.
2
Sautéing & Blooming Spices: Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium flame. Add whole spices and aromatics (ginger, garlic, green chillies) to bloom their essential oils until fragrant.
3
Building the Flavor Base: Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent or golden brown. Stir in tomatoes and ground spices (turmeric, coriander, chilli powder), cooking on medium-low heat until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
4
Simmering to Perfection: Incorporate the primary ingredients (vegetables, paneer, lentils, or proteins) and simmer gently with warm water or broth until tender and deeply infused with flavor.
5
Finishing & Garnish: Adjust seasoning with salt, sprinkle freshly crushed roasted kasoori methi and garam masala, and garnish generously with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve piping hot with roti, paratha, or fragrant basmati rice.

Chef Kunal's Pro Secret Tip

Always soak fresh paneer cubes in warm, lightly salted water for 10 minutes before cooking. If pan-frying paneer, do so for no more than 60–90 seconds per side on medium-high heat to preserve its velvety, melt-in-the-mouth texture and prevent rubberiness.

Recipe FAQs & Expert Advice

How long can I store leftover Chatpata Paneer Cutlet?

You can store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When reheating, warm on medium-low heat on the stovetop and add 2–3 tablespoons of warm water if the gravy has thickened in the fridge.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute paneer with extra-firm pressed tofu or roasted plant-based paneer alternatives. Replace dairy butter/ghee with mustard oil, coconut oil, or refined groundnut oil.

What is the key technique to get restaurant-style flavor in this dish?

Focus on blooming whole spices in hot oil first, patiently sautéing the onion-tomato masala until oil separates, and finishing with a pinch of crushed roasted kasoori methi and freshly ground garam masala right before serving.