Crispy Homemade Paneer Samosa Recipe – Best Indian Vegetarian Snack with Spiced Cottage Cheese Filling

Paneer Samosa Recipe – A crispy, golden pastry filled with spiced paneer goodness, perfect for tea-time or festive gatherings. This flavorful twist on the traditional Indian samosa swaps the usual potato filling with crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese), offering a rich, protein-packed snack loved by vegetarians and foodies alike.

Originating from the Mughal kitchens and now a popular Indian street food, samosas have evolved into many regional variants. The paneer samosa has gained popularity for its creamy, mildly spiced filling that pairs beautifully with the flaky crust. Whether served at weddings, family get-togethers, or enjoyed with evening chai, this snack never fails to impress.

To make this Crispy Paneer Samosa Recipe, a simple dough is kneaded with flour, ajwain, and oil, then rolled and shaped into classic triangle pockets. The filling is a mix of sautéed onions, green chilies, and crumbled paneer, seasoned with spices like garam masala, cumin, and red chili powder. Each samosa is deep-fried until golden and crisp on the outside while staying soft and savory inside.

This delicious Indian paneer snack is perfect for entertaining guests or adding a creative twist to your appetizer spread. You can also prepare them in advance and fry just before serving. For a healthier version, you can bake or air-fry them too.

This Paneer Samosa Recipe is especially popular in North Indian states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi but is now found across Indian homes, sweet shops, and street food stalls nationwide. Serve them hot with mint chutney or tamarind dip for that authentic touch.

A Bit of History

Samosas trace their roots to the Middle East, where they were originally called “Sambusak.” They were introduced to India during the Delhi Sultanate era and have since evolved into a staple snack across the subcontinent. Paneer samosa is a modern Indian innovation, popularized in North India where paneer is a beloved ingredient.

Crispy Indian Samosa Recipe Golden pastry filled with spicy potato goodness – the perfect snack for every occasion

🕰️ Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

🔥 Cooking Method

• Deep Frying (Stovetop or Air Frying Alternative)

🍴 Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Indian
• Course: Snack / Appetizer / Tea-time

Paneer Samosa Recipe for 4 People

Author: Susmita Pramanick Cooking Method:Deep Frying Cuisine:Indian Courses:Snack / Appetizer / Tea-time

Difficulty:IntermediatePrep time: 30 minutesCook time: 40 minutesRest time: 40 minutesTotal time:1 hour 50 minutesServings:4 servingsCalories:300 kcal Best Season:Summer, Winter, Fall

Description

This Paneer Samosa Recipe is a delightful twist to the traditional Indian samosa, filled with spiced cottage cheese (paneer) instead of the usual potato-peas mixture. Crispy, golden, and irresistibly delicious, this snack has become a favorite for vegetarians who love fusion flavors with a punch of protein.

Ingredients

For Dough:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• Salt to taste
• Water as required

For Paneer Filling:

• 200g paneer (crumbled)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 1-2 green chilies (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp amchur (dry mango powder) or lemon juice
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and oil. Rub together until crumbly.
2. Add water gradually and knead into a firm dough.
3. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Paneer Filling

4. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
5. Add chopped onions, chilies, and sauté till golden.
6. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 30 seconds.
7. Add crumbled paneer, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, amchur, and salt.
8. Cook for 3–4 minutes. Mix in chopped coriander leaves. Let it cool.

Step 3: Shape the Samosas

9. Divide dough into small balls. Roll each into an oval or circle and cut in half.
10. Shape each half into a cone and seal the edge with water.
11. Fill the cone with 1-2 tbsp of paneer filling.
12. Seal the top edges firmly using water. Repeat for all.

Step 4: Fry the Samosas

13. Fry samosas in batches until golden brown and crisp.
14. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
15. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with chutney.

Notes

• You can add peas or capsicum for added flavor.
• 
  Add crushed kasuri methi for an earthy aroma.
• 
  Always fry on medium heat for evenly crispy samosas.
• 
  Serve with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup.
• Air Fryer Tip: Brush with oil and air-fry at 180°C (350°F) for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway.

Keywords:paneer samosa recipe, Indian snack recipes, vegetarian samosa, paneer appetizer, how to make samosa, Indian street food

🔖 Recipe Keys

• Prep Level: Easy
• Spice Level: Medium
• Texture: Crispy outside, soft and spicy inside

🌱 Dietary Information

• Vegetarian: Yes
• Vegan: No (contains paneer)
• Gluten-Free: No (contains all-purpose flour)
• Nut-Free: Yes

🔥 Calorie Count (Per Samosa)

• Approx: 150–180 kcal (varies based on size and frying method)

🗺️ Where It’s Popular

Paneer samosa is popular in:

• India: Served at tea stalls, home kitchens, and party platters
• UK & Canada: A favorite vegetarian option in Indian restaurants
• Middle East & USA: Found in Indian snack shops and fusion eateries