Sweet Paneer Bites

A treat from India, breaded cubes of paneer cheese are fried and served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce.

Recipe Ingredients:

Cheese:
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon cold water
8 ounces Wisconsin Paneer Cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, sliced into rings

Sauce:
4 green chiles, such as jalapeño or serrano
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 teaspoons Demerara sugar or white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons malt vinegar
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
4 tablespoons boiling water

Cooking Directions:

1. Mix cornstarch, flour and salt with cold water in medium bowl to make thin paste. Toss cheese cubes in mixture to coat.
2. Heat oil in medium skillet over medium-low heat.
3. Add cheese cubes and fry about 5 minutes or until golden brown, turning to brown all sides. Remove with slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels; set aside.
4. Add onion rings to skillet. Sauté until lightly browned. Remove to drain on paper towel.
5. In same skillet, combine chiles, garlic, sugar, black pepper, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce and boiling water. Cook over low heat about 2 minutes.
6. Add browned cheese cubes; mix well, smothering cheese cubes with sauce.
7. Serve hot with onion rings.

Makes 6 servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.