Indian cuisine is a beautiful kaleidoscope of flavors, spices, and textures that has captivated food lovers worldwide. When it comes to vegetarian dishes, the variety is even more impressive, offering countless options that are both wholesome and delicious.
One ingredient that adds a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy twist to traditional Indian recipes is cheddar cheese. While paneer is usually the go-to cheese in Indian cooking, cheddar cheese brings a unique depth and a vibrant flavor profile that can transform your vegetarian meals.
In this blog post, we will explore some delectable cheddar cheese recipes vegetarian Indian style. From snacks to main courses, these recipes combine the best of Indian spices with the creamy goodness of cheddar cheese.
Whether you are looking to spice up your lunch or impress guests with innovative dishes, these recipes will surely become your favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheddar cheese infuses traditional Indian vegetarian recipes with a delightful richness that complements the spices beautifully. These recipes are perfect for those who want to experiment beyond paneer while keeping the essence of Indian flavors intact.
They are easy to prepare, use accessible ingredients, and can be customized to suit your taste. Plus, cheddar cheese adds a wonderful melt and texture, making snacks like tikkis and stuffed parathas irresistible.
Vegans can even substitute with plant-based cheddar alternatives for a dairy-free twist!
Ingredients
- Cheddar cheese (grated) – 200 grams
- Potatoes (boiled and mashed) – 3 medium
- Green chilies (finely chopped) – 2
- Fresh coriander leaves (chopped) – ¼ cup
- Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
- Garam masala – 1 tsp
- Red chili powder – ½ tsp
- Amchur (dry mango powder) – ½ tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Whole wheat flour – 1 cup (for paratha or tikki coating)
- Oil – for frying
- Onion (finely chopped) – 1 medium
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tsp
- Fresh tomatoes (chopped) – 2 medium (optional for sauce)
- Yogurt or curd – ½ cup (optional, for marination or raita)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Non-stick frying pan or skillet
- Grater
- Spatula
- Rolling pin (if making stuffed parathas)
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Serving plates
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the boiled mashed potatoes, grated cheddar cheese, finely chopped green chilies, onion, coriander leaves, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, garam masala, amchur powder, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Form the tikkis or patties: Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into round or oval patties about 2-3 inches in diameter. If the mixture feels too soft, dust your hands with some wheat flour to help shape easily.
- Coat the patties: Lightly coat each tikki with wheat flour. This helps in creating a crispy crust when fried.
- Heat the pan: Add 2-3 tablespoons of oil to a non-stick pan and heat over medium flame.
- Fry the tikkis: Place the patties in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crisp on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Make stuffed parathas (optional): Roll out a small ball of whole wheat dough into a circle, place a generous amount of the cheese-potato filling in the center, fold the edges to seal, and roll gently again into a flatbread. Cook on a hot griddle with a little oil, flipping until both sides are golden and cooked through.
- Prepare a simple tomato-yogurt sauce (optional): In the same pan, add a little oil and sauté chopped tomatoes with a pinch of salt and spices until soft. Stir in yogurt to make a creamy sauce perfect for dipping or drizzling over the tikkis or parathas.
- Serve hot: Garnish with fresh coriander and serve your cheddar cheese Indian vegetarian tikkis or parathas with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or the yogurt sauce.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra burst of flavor, add finely chopped bell peppers or corn to the potato-cheese mixture. You can also experiment with spices like chaat masala or smoked paprika for a different twist.”
- Use different types of cheese like processed cheese or mozzarella for milder flavors.
- Try baking tikkis instead of frying for a healthier option.
- Add boiled peas or grated carrots to the filling for added nutrition and texture.
- Serve with a tangy Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe for an exciting flavor contrast.
- Pair your cheese-stuffed parathas with a cooling cucumber raita or a spicy chutney.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (2 tikkis) |
---|---|
Calories | 250 kcal |
Protein | 10 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Calcium | 200 mg |
Sodium | 350 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These cheddar cheese vegetarian Indian tikkis and stuffed parathas make excellent snacks or light meals. Serve them hot with a side of Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a wholesome dinner or alongside green chutney and tamarind chutney for a flavorful appetizer.
You can also pair them with a fresh salad or a cooling yogurt raita to balance the spices. For a complete meal, add a bowl of dal or vegetable curry on the side.
Delicious Cheddar Cheese Vegetarian Indian Recipes to Try
Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Aloo Tikki
A classic Indian street food with a cheesy surprise inside, these tikkis are crispy on the outside and meltingly cheesy on the inside. Perfect for tea-time or parties!
Cheddar Cheese and Spinach Paratha
Combine nutritious spinach with grated cheddar cheese inside whole wheat dough, rolled out and cooked to golden perfection. A wholesome and flavorful breakfast or lunch option.
Cheddar Cheese Masala Sandwich
Indian spices and cheddar cheese come together in this toasted sandwich that’s spicy, cheesy, and utterly delicious. Great for quick meals or snacks.
Cheddar Cheese Paneer Butter Masala
Put a twist on the traditional paneer butter masala by adding shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess and flavor. Serve with naan or steamed rice.
Cheddar Cheese and Vegetable Pakoras
Crunchy pakoras filled with grated cheddar and mixed vegetables, seasoned with Indian spices and deep-fried until golden. Perfect as an evening snack with chai.
Explore these recipes and more to add exciting flavors to your vegetarian Indian meals. Don’t forget to check out my Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese for a delightful Indian sweet treat made with cheese!
Conclusion
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can beautifully enhance vegetarian Indian dishes with its rich, creamy texture and sharp flavor. Whether you are making crispy tikkis, stuffed parathas, or cheesy sandwiches, incorporating cheddar cheese adds a delicious twist to traditional recipes.
These dishes are easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for all occasions – from casual family meals to festive gatherings.
By experimenting with spices and ingredients, you can customize these recipes to your liking and enjoy a fusion of tastes that celebrate both Indian culinary heritage and the creamy goodness of cheddar cheese.
Dive into these recipes and bring a new dimension to your vegetarian cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Cheddar Paneer Tikka
Description: A delicious vegetarian Indian appetizer combining cheddar cheese and paneer marinated in spiced yogurt. Perfectly grilled for a smoky, flavorful treat.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g paneer, cubed
- 100g cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup thick yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp mustard oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 small bell pepper, cubed
Instructions
- Mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili, turmeric, garam masala, lemon juice, mustard oil, and salt to make marinade.
- Add paneer and cheddar cubes to the marinade and coat well. Marinate for 15 minutes.
- Thread paneer, cheddar, onion, and bell pepper alternately onto skewers.
- Preheat grill or oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Grill skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and cooked through.
- Serve hot with green chutney.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 24 g | Carbs: 8 g
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