Paneer Billini with Cherry Tomato Relish: Savory Indian Pancakes
45 minutes
811 reads

About Paneer Billini with Cherry Tomato Relish: Savory Indian Pancakes
Imagine fluffy Indian pancakes, infused with creamy paneer, and crowned with a vibrant cherry tomato relish. These savory delights, known as billini, offer a unique fusion experience that will tantalize your taste buds.This irresistible dish blends the comforting texture of paneer with a tangy, spiced relish bursting with fresh onion, garlic, spring onion, and a hint of chili. Perfect for any meal, from breakfast to a light dinner.Easy to prepare yet surprisingly elegant, these mini pancakes offer a unique culinary adventure you won't want to miss. Get ready for a truly delightful and satisfying experience.
Recipe Time & More
Prep30 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cherry Tomato Relish
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 2 clove Garlic crushed
- 1 Spring Onion chopped
- 1 Chili and finely chopped, deseeded, fresh, halved, red
- 100 gm Cherry Tomatoes ripe
- 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp Pepper black, or to taste
- 2 Tbsp Sugar brown
- 1 tsp Vinegar white
- 1/4 cup Corn Flour Slurry
- 1/2 cup Corn Kernels boiled
- 6-8 leaves Basil Leaves torn
For the Paneer Billini
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1/8 cup Corn Flour
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese grated
- 1/4 cup Milk or as needed
- Oil as needed, for shallow frying
Instructions
Make the Cherry Tomato Relish
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic. Cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped chili and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook until the tomatoes soften, stirring occasionally. This allows the tomatoes to release their juices and create a flavorful base for the relish.
- Stir in the brown sugar and white vinegar. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the corn flour slurry and boiled corn kernels. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. The corn flour slurry helps to bind the relish and give it a pleasant consistency.
- Gently stir in the torn basil leaves. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Make the Paneer Billini
- In a mixing bowl, sift together the refined flour and corn flour. This creates a light and airy batter.
- Add the grated paneer, black pepper, and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix well to combine.
- Whisk the batter until it becomes thick and smooth. Add a little more milk if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the hot griddle, leaving some space between each billini. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Top each paneer billini with a generous spoonful of the cooled cherry tomato relish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- For extra flavor, lightly char the cherry tomatoes before making the relish—this adds a pleasant smokiness that pairs beautifully with the creamy paneer base.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with chickpea flour or buckwheat flour in the billini batter; this not only changes the texture but also brings a nutty undertone to the pancakes.
- Prepare the relish in advance and let it sit for at least 30 minutes—the resting time allows the flavors of the garlic, chillies, and onion to meld and intensify, resulting in a more vibrant topping.
- For a striking presentation, garnish each billini with a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil and a few fresh basil leaves or microgreens just before serving.
- Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Adjust the amount of chilli in the relish to control the spice level according to your preference.
- For a richer flavor, consider using crumbled feta or ricotta salata cheese in addition to or as a substitute for the paneer.
- Experiment with different herbs in the relish, such as mint, cilantro, or parsley, for varied flavor profiles.
Storage Instructions
- These billini are best served fresh. Leftover relish can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 277kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 9gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3.9gMonounsaturated Fat: 7.8gCholesterol: 1mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11g
4 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.



Such a tasty dish! Thanks for the recipe.
Looks so yummy! Excited to make it.
This looks so inviting! I’m eager to try it.
I’m loving this recipe already!