Malabar Spinach Wraps with Savory Potato-Paneer Filling (Puhi Shak Bhaja)
35 minutes
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About Malabar Spinach Wraps with Savory Potato-Paneer Filling (Puhi Shak Bhaja)
Savor the vibrant flavors of Bengal with these irresistible Malabar Spinach Wraps (Puhi Shak Bhaja). Imagine tender spinach leaves cradling a fragrant filling of spiced mashed potatoes, paneer, couscous, and fresh herbs, pan-fried to golden perfection.This wholesome and satisfying dish is a delightful journey for your taste buds, capturing the essence of Bengali cuisine with its simple elegance. Perfect as a quick lunch or a flavorful snack, these wraps offer a unique and delicious culinary experience.
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Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total35 minutes
Ingredients
Wraps
- 12-15 leaves Malabar Spinach Leaves large, puhi shak
Filling
- 1 cup Potatoes mashed
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese grated
- 2 tsp Couscous Paste
- 2 tbsp Coriander chopped, fresh
- 1-2 Chilies adjust to taste, chopped, green
Other
- 1 cup Rice Flour
- 2 tbsp Oil for brushing and frying
- 1 ½ tsp Salt or to taste
Instructions
- Gently wash the Malabar spinach leaves and pat them thoroughly dry with a clean kitchen towel. This helps the oil adhere evenly and prevents splattering during frying.
- In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the couscous paste and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the mashed potatoes and salt to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is dry and heated through.
- Stir in the grated paneer, chopped green chilies, and fresh cilantro. Cook for another minute until the paneer is heated through and the cilantro has wilted slightly.
- In a small bowl, combine the rice flour and a pinch of salt with enough water to form a smooth, thin paste. This paste will act as an adhesive to seal the wraps.
- Lay a spinach leaf flat on a clean surface. Place a spoonful of the potato-paneer filling in the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling to form a neat parcel. Secure the edges by lightly brushing them with the rice flour paste.
- Heat a thin layer of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently place the filled spinach wraps in the hot oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the leaves are lightly browned and crisp. Ensure the leaves remain visible for an appealing presentation.
- Serve the Malabar Spinach Wraps hot with steamed rice or enjoy them as a delicious snack.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the Malabar spinach leaves on a hot tawa (griddle) for a few seconds before assembling the wrap—this enhances their aroma and makes them more pliable for wrapping.
- If you prefer a crispier exterior, dust the wrapped leaves with additional rice powder and shallow-fry them in mustard oil until golden and crunchy on all sides.
- For a vegan version, substitute paneer with crumbled extra-firm tofu and ensure your couscous paste does not contain any dairy.
- Serve the wraps with a tangy mustard or tamarind dipping sauce to balance the savory and spicy filling, adding a burst of acidity that complements Bengali flavors.
Expert Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider marinating the paneer (or tofu) in a mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and spices before incorporating it into the couscous filling.
- Feel free to experiment with other leafy greens like collard greens or spinach in place of Malabar spinach. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the chosen green.
- Add a touch of sweetness to the filling by incorporating finely chopped dates or raisins. This complements the savory and spicy elements beautifully.
Storage Instructions
- These wraps are best enjoyed fresh. However, leftover filling can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before assembling fresh wraps.
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Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 201kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 684mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
Geeta Biswas
Articles: 919
5 Comments
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Looks so appetizing! Thank you for posting.
This is a fantastic recipe! Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely mouthwatering! Great share.
Wow, this looks fantastic!
This looks perfect! Thanks for posting.