Paneer Kathi Roll Recipe: Delhi Street-Style Magic in Every Bite
First time I tried a Paneer Kathi Roll was at a college fest. I had exactly 60 bucks, zero expectations, and a rumbling stomach louder than the DJ. One bite—and boom! Soft paratha hugging spicy, smoky paneer, crunchy onions, and that magical mint chutney… I was hooked. Ever since, I’ve tried a dozen versions, some great, some tasting like cardboard with chili powder. But finally, I cracked my version—crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and full of desi swag. Trust me, if you love paneer and street food, this recipe might just become your new best friend.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!“My first attempt at Paneer Kathi Rolls ended with more filling on my shirt than in the paratha. Today? I’ve perfected the art of the perfect roll – crispy, spicy, and utterly irresistible.”
Why This Paneer Kathi Roll Recipe Works
After testing 17 variations (and consuming more rolls than I’d care to admit), I discovered the three pillars of perfect Kathi Rolls:
1. The Paratha
Not too thick, not too thin – with just enough layers to hold the filling without becoming doughy.
2. The Paneer
Marinated for maximum flavor, cooked hot and fast to retain juiciness.
3. The Chutney
The flavor bridge that ties everything together – tangy, spicy, and herbaceous.
Ingredients: The Flavor Foundation
For the Paratha
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (atta)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp ghee + extra for cooking
- 3/4 cup warm water (approx)
For the Filling
- 250g paneer (cut into 1″ strips)
- 2 tbsp mustard oil (or regular oil)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- 2 tbsp thick yogurt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For Assembly
- 1/2 cup mint-coriander chutney
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 capsicum (julienned)
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- Lemon wedges
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
1. The Perfect Paratha
- Mix flours, sugar, salt and ghee
- Add water gradually to form soft dough
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth
- Cover with damp cloth, rest 1 hour
- Divide into 6 equal portions
- Roll into 7″ circles (2mm thick)
- Cook on medium-hot tawa
- Apply ghee, flip until golden spots appear
2. Flavor-Packed Paneer Filling
- Mix all marinade ingredients
- Add paneer, coat evenly
- Let sit 15 minutes (or overnight)
- Heat oil in pan on high
- Add paneer, cook 2 minutes per side
- Remove when lightly charred
- Optional: Add smoke flavor with coal
- Keep warm until assembly
3. Assembly & Serving
- Spread chutney on paratha
- Place paneer strips in center
- Top with onions, capsicum
- Sprinkle chaat masala, lemon juice
- Fold sides inward, roll tightly
- Wrap in butter paper/foil
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
For Crispier Parathas
- Use 60% whole wheat, 40% maida
- Roll thinner than rotis
- Cook on medium-high heat
For Juicier Paneer
- Don’t over-marinate (max 30 mins)
- Cook on high heat briefly
- Add 1 tsp cornstarch to marinade
For Better Rolling
- Keep fillings warm
- Use slightly stiff parathas
- Don’t overstuff
Creative Variations
Breakfast Roll
- Add scrambled eggs
- Swap paneer for sausage
- Use cheese sauce
Healthy Twist
- Use multigrain flour
- Add grated veggies
- Greek yogurt dip
Fusion Ideas
- Mexican: Add salsa, guacamole
- Italian: Pesto, sun-dried tomatoes
- Thai: Peanut sauce, basil
FAQs Answered
Can I prepare components ahead?
Yes! Parathas stay fresh 2 days (reheat on tawa). Paneer marinade keeps 24 hours. Assemble just before eating.
How to prevent sogginess?
1. Cool parathas completely before storing
2. Layer chutney between paneer and veggies
3. Wrap tightly in foil/butter paper
If you’re a fan of Indian street food, don’t miss our Chole Bhature recipe— it’s the kind of comfort food that makes rainy days better. And if you’re curious about the global side of wraps, check out this detailed article on the history of Kathi Rolls by Times of India. Kathi Rolls and Their Delicious OriginsYou’ll be surprised to learn how Kolkata’s humble roll took over the world, one bite at a time!