Vegetarian●●●Origin PunjabPrep 35 minutes, plus marinating timeCook 5-7 minutes
Golden-fried paneer slices rolled around a lightly spiced cabbage and carrot filling, coated in an aromatic yoghurt marinade, and grilled until smoky. The exterior is tender and charred, encasing a crisp, savoury vegetable centre.
Cut 500 g paneer into 5 x 5 cm (2-inch) squares, then slice each piece into 1 cm (½-inch) thick flat sheets and blot dry using kitchen paper. Warm vegetable oil for shallow-frying in a deep, heavy pan over medium heat. Fry the paneer until golden brown, about 10 minutes, then transfer to a plate using a slotted spoon.
Return the pan and remaining oil to the heat and add the tempering spice, cooking until the seeds begin to crackle.
Add the vegetable spice along with 200 g chopped cabbage and 50 g chopped carrots. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, then season with salt to taste, 1 teaspoon chaat masala, and 1 g chopped coriander. Cook for a further 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp, then take the pan off the heat.
Spread the fried paneer slices across a flat tray and spoon an even layer of the vegetable mixture over each. Roll each slice tightly into a cylinder and pin both ends with toothpicks to secure the stuffing.
In a broad, shallow dish, whisk together 400 g hung yoghurt, 0.5 tablespoon ginger paste, 0.5 tablespoon garlic paste, the marinade spice, salt to taste, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon ground fenugreek, 5.1 g lemon juice, and 13.5 g vegetable oil. Turn the stuffed paneer rolls in the marinade until evenly coated and set aside for 1 hour.
Heat a tandoor, charcoal grill, or overhead oven broiler to medium. Slide the marinated paneer rolls onto metal skewers, leaving 2.5 cm (1 inch) of clearance between them. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes, basting regularly with melted butter, until lightly charred at the edges. Slice each roll into 2 to 3 pieces and serve immediately with salad and chutney.
Use equal weight, pressed well to remove excess moisture and cut into cubes. Pan-fry lightly before adding; absorbs sauces similarly, though it lacks dairy sweetness.
Halloumi
Use equal weight, soaked in warm water for 20 minutes to leach out excess salt. Holds shape during frying, but has a denser, saltier chew.
Steep a tiny pinch (0.1 g per 2 g turmeric) in 2 tbsp warm water; use to match the rich golden hue. Contributes an aristocratic, honeyed floral flavour rather than earthy bitterness.
Use the same weight; peel and cut as for carrot. It is less sweet and slightly peppery, so add a pinch of sugar and expect a softer, more earthy result.
Use 50% of the weight mixed with equal parts ground coriander and a pinch of ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground green cardamom. Sprinkle near the end for a warming finish.