Paneer Phyllo Spiced Rolls

Paneer cigars disappear the moment I set them out for friends—there is something about that crispy golden shell packed with creamy spiced paneer that makes them go fast at gatherings or tea time. Whether you need a snack for movie night or a perky appetizer for family celebrations, these bite size rolls deliver comfort and instant popularity.

The first time I served these was for an impromptu Diwali gathering and everyone kept reaching for just one more. Since then every festival turns into a paneer cigar fest at our place.

Ingredients

• Phyllo pastry sheets: they make the cigars super crunchy look for ones without cracks
• Paneer: crumbly and fresh paneer works best for a soft filling try to get the softest block available
• Cilantro: brightens everything chop finely to bring fresh flavor
• Green chilies: adjustable for spice grind with ginger and garlic for that real kick
• Ginger: fragrant warmth makes the filling lively select a juicy plump piece
• Garlic: pungent depth and earthiness more is always better for me
• Onion: diced small they caramelize quickly and bind the filling together
• Red bell pepper: adds juicy crunch and a little color go for bright red not soft
• Mayonnaise: brings the stuffing together adds creamy texture and a subtle tang
• Cheddar or mozzarella cheese: melty interior with extra richness use a block and shred for meltiness
• Chaat masala: tangy burst that defines street style paneer snacks buy from a reliable spice shop if possible
• Cumin seeds: toasted in oil for earthy base always use whole not ground
• Garam masala: classic warmth gives flavor complexity to the paneer
• Red chili powder: adjust to taste for fiery notes use Kashmiri chili for color if desired
• Amchur powder: sharp tartness from dried mango absolutely essential for the right zing
• Mint powder or fresh mint: fresh mint adds best lift powder works if you have none
• Salt: to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Aromatics:

Grind together ginger garlic and green chilies until you have a smooth paste Scrape into a bowl and set aside This paste will build fragrance and heat

Sauté the Vegetables:

Heat a heavy pan on medium and pour a swirl of oil Tip in the cumin seeds and wait until they are aromatic and start to pop Scatter in the chopped onions and sauté gently until translucent no rushing Add the ginger garlic chili paste and cook until the raw smell disappears about one to two minutes

Add the Peppers:

Drop in the finely diced red pepper Cook for one minute letting it soften just slightly Turn off the heat so the peppers stay bright and a bit crunchy Let this mixture cool

Mix the Filling:

Scrape the cooked onion and pepper mix into a large bowl Add shredded paneer mayonnaise chopped cilantro shredded cheese chaat masala garam masala red chili powder amchur powder mint powder and salt Stir thoroughly with a large spoon You want everything evenly combined and almost spreadable but not runny

Assemble the Cigars:

Lay out two or three phyllo sheets stacked gently Cover the remaining sheets with a damp towel so they do not dry out Spoon one to two tablespoons of the paneer mixture onto one end Smooth into a thin log shape Tuck in the sides and roll up tightly like a burrito Brush the edge with water or soft butter to seal

Bake the Cigars:

Arrange the cigars spaced apart on a parchment lined baking sheet Spray or brush the tops lightly with oil or cooking spray Slide into a preheated oven at 350 degrees Bake for fifteen to twenty minutes until the phyllo is golden and crisp all over

Finish and Serve:

Remove cigars from oven and while still warm sprinkle with extra chaat masala Serve on a platter with green chutney or a cup of strong chai

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Shredding the paneer by hand makes for a fluffier filling and it soaks up all the masala so well My sister and I once made over fifty cigars for a Holi party and ended up giggling over the perfectly golden batch that vanished before any sweets came out

Storage Tips

Let leftover cigars cool completely then layer in an airtight container with parchment so they stay crisp Refrigerate up to three days Reheat in a hot oven for five minutes to restore crunch Avoid microwaving as the phyllo becomes soft

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find phyllo sheets try spring roll wrappers or even tortillas for a thicker roll Swap paneer with well crumbled ricotta or queso fresco if paneer is unavailable Skip mayo for yogurt if you want a lighter filling Use any cheese you enjoy just choose one that melts nicely

Serving Suggestions

Arrange cigars around a bowl of mint chutney for a festive snack platter They also pair wonderfully with masala chai as a morning treat or serve with a simple salad for a light lunch For parties you can make them mini by cutting phyllo in half before rolling

Cultural Context

Paneer cigars blend classic Indian flavors with Western technique making them a favorite fusion snack They are loosely inspired by bakery puffs from Mumbai but reinvented with classic North Indian spices and family friendly finger food style

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I will always remember my grandmother’s delighted smile when she bit into her first paneer cigar She asked for the recipe on the spot and it has become a part of our family story ever since

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of cheese works best for the filling?

Paneer is essential for texture, but cheddar or mozzarella both melt well and add extra richness to the filling.

→ How do I keep phyllo pastry from drying out?

Cover unused phyllo sheets with a damp cloth while assembling to keep them pliable and prevent cracking.

→ Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the cigars and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for best crispness.

→ What are good serving suggestions?

Serve hot with green chutney, tamarind sauce, or alongside a cup of chai for a flavorful snack.

→ How do I ensure the cigars bake evenly?

Arrange in a single layer, spray lightly with oil, and bake until golden, rotating the tray if needed for even browning.

→ Are there alternatives to baking?

While baking gives a lighter crunch, these can also be shallow fried for a crispier result.