If you’re looking for a vegetarian street food recipe that delivers bold flavors, mouth-watering textures, and complete satisfaction in every bite, look no further than Paneer Kathi Rolls. These rolls are the perfect blend of soft whole wheat rotis, smoky and spicy marinated paneer, crunchy veggies, and tangy sauces. Whether you’re planning a quick dinner, a party snack, or a lunchbox treat, this recipe checks all the boxes.
In this detailed blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make restaurant-style Paneer Kathi Rolls at home – from dough preparation to rolling techniques, cooking tips, nutritional value, serving suggestions, and much more!
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Street Food Vibes at Home: Brings the charm of Indian street food straight to your kitchen.
- ✅ Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish.
- ✅ Customizable: Adjust spice levels, sauces, or fillings to your liking.
- ✅ Healthy Twist: Uses whole wheat flour and protein-rich paneer.
- ✅ Smoky Flavor: The coal infusion step adds a wow factor.
📌 Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 4 rolls |
| Calories per Roll | ~250-300 kcal |
🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need
Dough:
- 1 cup wheat flour
- ½ cup maida (all-purpose flour)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ghee
- Water (to knead into soft dough)
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoon mustard oil
- 2 teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon black salt
- ½ cup curd (yogurt)
- 2 tablespoon gram flour (besan)
Filling:
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 capsicum, thinly sliced
- 200 grams paneer, cut into cubes
- 2 small pieces of coal (for smoke)
- 1 teaspoon ghee (for smoking effect)
For Assembling:
- Tomato ketchup (as needed)
- Mayonnaise (as needed)
- Chaat masala (to taste)
- Lemon juice (to taste)
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. 🫓 Prepare the Dough
Making a soft and pliable dough is key to a good wrap:
- Combine wheat flour, maida, salt, and ghee in a bowl.
- Gradually add water and knead for about 5 minutes until a smooth dough forms.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15–20 minutes. This helps make softer rotis later.
2. 🍢 Marinate the Paneer and Veggies
- In a bowl, mix mustard oil, red chili powder, garam masala, and black salt.
- Add curd and gram flour, whisk until smooth and lump-free.
- Add sliced onions, capsicum, and paneer cubes. Mix until everything is coated well.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
📝 Pro Tip: Using mustard oil gives an authentic street-style flavor. Don’t skip it!
3. 🔥 Cook the Filling with a Smoky Twist
- Heat a pan on medium flame and add the marinated mixture.
- Cook until the mixture thickens and starts to release oil. Paneer should be tender but firm.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
- Place a small steel bowl in the center. Put hot coal pieces inside, drizzle ghee, and quickly cover with a lid.
- Let the smoky aroma infuse the mixture for 2-3 minutes.
This smoky step takes your Paneer Kathi Roll to the next level!
4. 🍞 Roll and Cook the Rotis
- Divide the dough into 4 equal portions.
- Roll each ball into a thin, round roti (like a chapati).
- Heat a tawa (griddle) and cook each roti on medium flame.
- Apply a little ghee on both sides and cook until golden brown spots appear.
Your wraps are now ready to be stuffed!
5. 🌯 Assemble the Rolls
- Lay the roti flat on a board or plate.
- Spread a generous amount of ketchup and mayonnaise.
- Add the smoky paneer filling in the center.
- Sprinkle chaat masala and a dash of lemon juice.
- Roll tightly and secure with foil or a toothpick if serving on the go.
Serve hot with extra sauces or green chutney!
🧠 Paneer Kathi Rolls: A Street Food Classic
Origin of Kathi Rolls
The term “Kathi” originated in Kolkata in the 1930s. Originally made with kebabs wrapped in paratha, these rolls have evolved into countless vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions across India. Today, Paneer Kathi Roll is one of the most popular vegetarian variants.
Why Paneer is a Perfect Filling
Paneer, or Indian cottage cheese, is a staple in Indian households. It is:
- Rich in protein
- Easy to cook and marinate
- Absorbs flavors well
- Loved by kids and adults alike
🥗 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Roll)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fats | 10g |
| Fiber | 5g |
This makes Paneer Kathi Rolls a well-balanced meal – carbs for energy, protein for strength, and fiber for digestion.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Here are some delicious ways to enjoy your Paneer Kathi Rolls:
- With Green Chutney: Mint-coriander chutney adds a refreshing zing.
- With Pickled Onions: Thinly sliced onions soaked in vinegar, salt, and chili powder.
- With French Fries or Wedges: For a full street-style meal.
- With Buttermilk or Masala Chai: Classic Indian pairings.
🧊 How to Store and Reheat
- Store the filling and rotis separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat the filling in a pan, and warm the rotis on a tawa before assembling fresh rolls.
Avoid storing assembled rolls for too long to prevent sogginess.
♻️ Variations You Can Try
- Cheese Burst Paneer Roll – Add grated cheese while assembling.
- Tandoori Paneer Kathi Roll – Use tandoori masala in the marinade.
- Spicy Schezwan Roll – Spread a layer of Schezwan sauce for Indo-Chinese fusion.
- Paneer Bhurji Roll – Use crumbled paneer instead of cubes.
- Egg Paneer Roll – Add a layer of omelette on the roti before filling.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I use only whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can skip maida and use 100% wheat flour for a healthier version, though the texture might be slightly denser.
Q2. What can I use instead of coal for the smoky effect?
If you don’t have coal, skip the smoking step. You can add a few drops of liquid smoke if available.
Q3. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! You can reduce chili powder and skip chaat masala for a milder version.
Q4. Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use tofu instead of paneer, and opt for vegan mayo and curd.
Q5. How to pack it for a lunchbox?
Wrap the roll in foil to keep it fresh and easy to eat on the go. Add a small container of chutney or ketchup separately.
📣 Tips to Make Your Paneer Kathi Rolls Stand Out
- Use fresh paneer for best texture and flavor.
- Ensure the marinade is well balanced – tangy, spicy, and slightly smoky.
- Let the filling cool slightly before rolling to avoid soggy rotis.
- Cook rotis on medium heat for soft, pliable wraps.
- Add a few crunchy elements like julienned carrots or shredded cabbage for extra texture.
🧑🍳 Final Thoughts
Paneer Kathi Rolls are not just food – they are a flavorful journey through Indian street culture, wrapped in a soft roti and loaded with masala magic. Whether you’re a college student craving a quick bite, a parent planning kids’ lunchboxes, or a food blogger looking to recreate street favorites at home, this recipe is sure to win hearts.
With this easy guide, you can now make authentic, smoky, and satisfying Paneer Kathi Rolls right in your kitchen. Don’t forget to pair them with green chutney and a glass of buttermilk for the full experience!
📌 Recipe Card
Paneer Kathi Rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 rolls
Calories: ~250–300 per roll
Ingredients:
(Refer to full ingredient list above)
Instructions:
- Prepare soft dough and rest.
- Marinate paneer and veggies.
- Cook and smoke the filling.
- Roll and cook rotis.
- Assemble and serve hot.
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