Simple Paneer Buns .... a perfect after-school snack

Paneer buns..... my kids favourite, are always welcomed with a beautiful smile for that after-school snack time. Mummyyyyyy....... what is for snack today... Paneer Bun.... Oh mummy you are so nice ... you are the best.... love and hugs.. This is what happens in our home when I make these yummy soft buns for my kids to enjoy when they are back from school. Easy to make and perfect to liking is what makes is great 

The process takes time and some advance prep work but hands on time is very less. So what do you say???? In for it ??? Try making it and enjoy some fun quality time with your kids when they have their glass of milk along with their favourite snack

Serves... 3 ppl

Serve option... Hot

This is what u'll need....

For dough :
All-purpose Flour - 3 cups
Active dry yeast - 2 tspn
Oil - 2 tbspn
Milk - 1/4 cup(optional)
Sugar - 1 tbspn
Salt - 1 tspn

For Filling :
Paneer cubes(small) - 1 heaped cup
Onion - 1 big
Mixed herb seasoning - 1 tspn 
Red chilli Flakes - 1/2 tspn
Cheese - 2 small cubes (optional)
Oil - 1 tbspn
Pepper to taste
Salt to taste 

Here is the stir.... 

• Spoon in 2 tspn of yeast into a cup

• Add 1/4th cup of warm water to the cup. Make sure the water is warm and not very hot. Hot water kills the yeast. If the water is not warm enough then the yeast will not get active

• Add a tablespoon of sugar to the water and give it a good mix

• Let the mixture sit for about ten minutes. After 10 minutes the mixture will turn frothy. This indicates that the yeast has proofed well and is ready to use. If not then repeat from first step with a fresh batch of yeast. For detailed instructions follow the step-by-step instructions here -> How to Proof Yeast

• Measure 3 cups of flour and a teaspoon of salt into a wide bowl

• Add 2 tablespoons of oil to it

• Pour in the proofed yeast mixture into flour

• Add 1/4 cup of milk. This is optional. If you dont want to use milk then just add water to the flour mix

• Mix it together and add required amount of water little by little to form a sticky mass

• Keep kneading for a few minutes till everything starts coming together to form a dough

• Lay it on a clean surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes to form a very soft dough

• Oil the bowl well. Cover the dough with oil and place it inside the greased bowl

• Keep this covered in a warm place for about 45 minutes or till the dough doubles in volume

• Meanwhile we can make the filling

• Heat a pan and add a tablespoon of oil to it. Chop the onion and toss it into the oil

• Saute this for about a minute

• Toss in the paneer cubes and stir it around for a few seconds

• Turn off the flame and add salt and pepper to taste

• Add in mixed herb seasoning as per your taste

• Sprinkle some red chilli flakes for a little heat

• Mix everything together and thats it filling is ready

• Once the dough is ready punch it down gently to remove excess air. Knead it with gentle hand for a few seconds

• Divide the dough into 9 pieces for medium sized buns or 6 for a little larger. We divide it into 9

• Roll out each piece of dough or just flatten it into a small circle. The kids were making their own buns so dont mind the few messy picture here :)

• Add some filling to it 

• Top it with a little cheese if you want

• Bring the ends of the dough together and pinch it to form a small ball

• Flatten a little and place it seam side down on a plate or baking tray

• Brush it with a little milk and let it rest covered for another 30-40 minutes 

• Preheat the oven at 180 degrees 

• Place the buns inside and let it bake for about 12-15 minutes or till they are golden brown

• Remove from oven and let it cool down for a few minutes

• Serve hot and enjoy a good snack time with your kids

Note:

• Knead the dough till it is very smooth and elastic
• Divide the dough based on the buns that you would want to make
• Adjust spices as per your taste