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These paneer dogs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any backyard gathering or casual family dinner and they swap classic hot dogs for bold Indian-inspired flavors with a punch of creamy paneer and colorful veggies My house lights up whenever these come off the grill bright fresh and deeply satisfying
The marinated paneer and crisp onions were an instant hit at our last picnic Everyone was asking for seconds and the recipe
Ingredients
- Hot dog buns: White buns from Whole Foods work well for a fluffy base look for buns that are soft but hold their shape when grilled
- Paneer: Cubed into small pieces opt for fresh firm paneer that holds up to grilling and has a clean milky taste
- Colored bell peppers: Pick any two colors for a bright crunch choose peppers that are glossy and unblemished
- Onion: Cubed for sweetness and depth red or yellow onions both work just as well
- Ginger garlic and chili paste: Brings heat and zing homemade or store bought both shine
- Turmeric powder: Gives golden color and earthiness buy from a store with high turnover for the freshest spice
- Red chili powder: Layers in smokiness and heat go for Kashmiri chili powder if you want bright color without blazing heat
- Tandoori masala: Swad brand brings tang and warmth with just the right blend of spices avoid any masala blends high in salt
- Cumin coriander powder: Adds deep flavor choose a blend with a rich aroma
- Chaat masala: Sprinkle at build and finish for a punch of tanginess pick a blend that smells fresh and lemony
- Yogurt: Tenderizes paneer and holds spices on whole milk yogurt is best for richness
- Salt: To taste
- Chopped cilantro: Add right before grilling for pop of herbal flavor
- Oil: For sautéing neutral oils like canola or vegetable work best
- Cumin seeds: Added to the oil to sizzle and perfume the base
- Asafetida: Just a pinch to boost the savory note store in an airtight container
- Curry leaves: Optional but they bring authentic flavor look for shiny green leaves at the Indian store
- Shredded Mexican cheese: Melts for gooey texture and brings together the Indian American twist
- Laccha onions: Onion mixed with cumin powder chaat masala red chili powder cilantro salt and lime these bring crunch and tang make right before serving
- Lemon or lime wedges: To finish for a citrus pop
- Mayonnaise: Combines with chutney for a creamy spread use full fat mayo
- Green chutney: Preferably homemade for a bright and herby spread but store bought is a good shortcut
- Hot and sweet Maggi sauce: Optional for a sweet tangy drizzle
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Paneer and Vegetables:
- Mix together the paneer colored peppers onion ginger garlic and chili paste turmeric red chili powder tandoori masala cumin coriander powder chaat masala salt cilantro and yogurt in a large bowl Make sure each paneer cube is thoroughly coated Pack tightly with your hands to really work in the spices Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours Overnight marinating gives even more flavor
- Make the Laccha Onions:
- Mix cubed onion with cumin powder chaat masala red chili powder a big handful of chopped cilantro salt and a squeeze of lime in a medium bowl Mix until onions are coated and just start to soften Cover and set aside Do this close to serving so the onions stay crisp
- Prepare the Chutney Mayo:
- Combine equal parts mayonnaise and green chutney in a small bowl Whisk until smooth and adjust chutney for heat or mayo for creaminess This sauce ties everything together layer it on thick
- Char the Paneer Filling:
- Heat oil in a wide skillet over medium heat Add cumin seeds and wait until they sizzle then pinch in the asafetida and toss in curry leaves if using Add the marinated paneer and veggies in a single layer Sauté undisturbed for about three minutes so the bottoms brown well Use a broad spatula to flip and cook the other side You want charred edges and soft veggies but not mush the whole process should take around seven minutes
- Grill the Buns:
- Preheat your grill or a grill pan Slice buns but do not cut all the way through so they cradle the filling Place face down just until light grill marks appear and the bread is warmed through Remove from the grill
- Assemble the Paneer Dogs:
- Slather the inside of each bun with chutney mayo Add a generous line of hot paneer and veggie mix Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top so it melts slightly Add a layer of laccha onions and more chaat masala if you love tang Drizzle extra chutney mayo and a few drops of hot and sweet Maggi sauce if using Serve with lemon or lime wedges on the side
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My kids always sneak extra cubes of paneer from the pan while I am grilling the buns and now it is our family tradition to taste test together
Storage tips
Keep the marinated but uncooked paneer mixture in the fridge for up to one day sealed tight Once cooked store the filling separately from buns so nothing gets soggy Reheat the filling over low heat until just warm before assembling Avoid freezing as paneer tends to turn crumbly
Ingredient substitutions
Swap in extra firm tofu for paneer if you want it vegan Use Greek yogurt for creamier results Feel free to use any mild cheese in place of the shredded Mexican blend Red onions can become sweet onions if you prefer milder flavor For more greens wilt in fresh spinach during the sauté
Serving suggestions
Lay out all components buffet style for a DIY assembly at parties The spicy filling is just as delicious loaded into pita pockets or stuffed in wraps Pair with masala fries a cool cucumber salad or salted chips for complete meals
Cultural context
This dish captures the Indo American spirit blending Indian street food ideas with the classic American hot dog Grilling the paneer and veggies brings the tandoori flavor home My family always feels the mashup magic especially at summer cookouts
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Never skip the chutney mayo spread as it balances spice and adds moisture
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute tofu for paneer?
Yes, firm tofu works well as a substitute. Drain and cube before marinating for best flavor absorption.
- → What does marinating the paneer do?
Marinating infuses the paneer with spice and yogurt flavors, keeping it moist and tender during cooking.
- → Is grilling the buns necessary?
Grilling enhances texture, adding warmth and a slight crisp, but soft fresh buns may also be used if preferred.
- → What's the purpose of laccha onions?
Laccha onions offer crunch, tang, and an extra layer of spice, balancing the richness of the fillings and sauces.
- → Can this be made ahead for parties?
All elements store well separately. Assemble just before serving to keep buns fresh and fillings vibrant.