Easy Paneer Kathi Roll

Popular Indian street-food, Paneer Kathi rolls are warm, layered parathas filled with spicy paneer, mixed peppers and sweet caramelized onions. Whether you make it for a quick weeknight meal or a leisurely gathering, these kathi rolls are sure to be a hit!  

This is a sponsored post. I’m partnering with Kawan to help share recipes and meal ideas. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Traditionally made with skewered-kebob filling, I love this quick and easy vegetarian version served with the crispy kawan parathas that takes it up a notch for a surefire winner amongst kids and adults alike. 

What is a Kathi Roll

Epitomizing authentic Mughlai flavors; the Kathi Roll is one of India’s most popular grab and go street foods. The word Kathi or Kati means stick. Traditionally, the kebob meats were cooked on metal or wooden skewers and hence the word kathi. These incredibly flavorful, succulent pieces of grilled meat (kebabs) or vegetables are rolled into a soft flaky flatbread topped with spicy-tangy green chutney, sliced red onion slivers and a dash of lime to make mouthwatering kathi rolls.

I’ve had some of the best kathi rolls on the streets of Mumbai, often way past midnight. A popular post-party food, these rolls never failed to delight even at that hour. The delectable aroma wafting through the bylanes lingers in my mind even to this day. 

Although Kathi rolls are usually made with a meat filling, I love this quick vegetarian version using zesty paneer cubes (cottage cheese) as the main ingredient. Bursting with an interesting mix of spices and flavors, this super easy to make dish is ready in under 30 minutes.

I often turn to my freezer for Plain Kawan Parathas when I am making kathi rolls. Kawan Parathas are pre-rolled into perfect thickness with layers of buttery dough. When cooked for just 2 to 3 minutes on a heated griddle, they turn into these flaky, crisp parathas filling your kitchen with wonderful aromas. And the best part.. you do not need any additional oil or butter while cooking them. 

These delicious golden brown parathas can be rolled up with a layer of chutney, paneer and vegetable filling and all the toppings. 

Place the roll in parchment paper and they become a perfect on-the-go meal. For parties I place the rolls on a baking tray and then reheat in the oven just before serving. To serve as appetizers, cut them into half and they are sure to be a hit. 

Ingredients for Paneer Kathi Roll 

1. Paneer – This Indian Cottage cheese can be made at home using just 2 ingredients – milk and lemon juice. Here is my homemade paneer recipe. Although, often times I find myself using store bought paneer (Gopi or Haldiram brand) for the convenience. It is sold in Indian grocery stores, Whole foods and Costco.
2. Mixed Bell Peppers – I like red and green as they offer a nice contrasting color with sweetness from red and mildly bitter flavor from green. You can use any peppers you have on hand
3. Red Onions –  In addition to the sweetness of sauteed red onions, I love the beautiful red hue it adds to the filling.  I also love adding thinly sliced raw red onions while serving for some crunch
4. Spices – Kashmiri red chili powder, ginger, garlic, garam masala, turmeric, kasoori methi and salt 
5. Green Chutney – Homemade (see recipe below) or store bought

How to make Paneer Kathi Rolls:

Here is my step-by-step recipe for the best paneer kathi rolls –

step 1: Marinate the paneer – Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add paneer and mix well (photos 1 – 2).

step 2: Make the filling – Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Add onions, peppers and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add marinated paneer and mix well. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Turn the heat off and garnish with cilantro (photos 3 – 6).

step 3: Chutney – Blend all the chutney ingredients using 2 tablespoons of water to make a smooth sauce. Note: Add more water as needed, little at a time (photos 7 – 8).

step 4: Cook the Parathas – Heat a non-stick griddle pan. Remove the kawan paratha from the plastic wrapping and place on the griddle. Cook on medium high heat for about to 1 to 1-1/2 minutes on each side or until both sides are golden brown, pressing gently with a spatula (photos 9 – 10).

step 5: Assemble Kathi Roll – Spread 2 teaspoons of chutney on cooked paratha.  Add 2 to 3 spoonfuls of the filling in the middle. Add few sliced onions and cilantro on top. roll the sides up to the middle. You can use small tooth picks to hold them together (photos 11 – 14).

Drinks that pair well with Spicy Kathi Rolls:

• Mango Lassi – Cooling yogurt drink with mango is a perfect pairing with spicy foods
• Ginger Lemonade – favorite homemade lemondae
• Watermelon Juice – quick 5 minute recipe for a refreshing drink
• Rose Falooda – This drink and dessert recipe makes a delicious pairing with kathi roll for a friday night get togther or a game night

Love this easy meal idea? Check out my Punjabi Chana Masala recipe that I love to serve with Kawan Parathas.

Here are some Indian curries that pair well with Kawan Parathas:

• Easy Palak Paneer – Restaurant favorite palak paneer ready in 15 minutes 
• Dum Aloo – Quick and easy Instant Pot curried baby potatoes
• Batatyachi Bhaji – Maharasthtrian spicy potatoes with ginger and green chilies
• Aloo Gobi Masala – Another restaurant fav recipe with curried cauliflower
• Daal Makhani – Authentic Creamy lentils
• Love curry? Check out my best Indian Curries

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Print

Paneer Kathi Rolls

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

 

Popular Indian street food, Paneer Kathi rolls are warm, layered parathas filled with spicy paneer, mixed peppers and sweet caramelized onions.

Course: Appetizer, dinner, Entree

Cuisine: Indian

Keyword: paneer kathi roll

Servings: 6

Calories: 532 kcal

Author: Archana

Ingredients

• 2 cups paneer cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 small red pepper thinly sliced
• 1 small green pepper thinly sliced
• 1 medium red onion thinly sliced

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon ginger grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic pressed
• 1 tsp 2 teaspoon kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon kasoori methi
• 1 teaspoon salt

To Serve:

• 6 to 8 kawan parathas cook per package instructions
• 1 medium onion thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cilantro chopped

Mint Cilantro Chutney

• ½ cup cilantro
• ¼ cup mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut frozen or dry
• 1 garlic clove
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 to 2 small green chiles
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

1. Marinate the paneer- Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add paneer and mix well.
2. Make the filling- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Add onions, peppers and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add marinated paneer and mix well. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Turn the heat off. Add cilantro.
3. Chutney – Blend all the chutney ingredients using 2 tablespoons of water to make a smooth sauce. Note: Add more water as needed, little at a time.
4. Cook the Parathas- Heat a non-stick griddle pan. Remove the kawan paratha from the plastic wrapping and place on the griddle. Cook on medium high heat for about to 1 to 1-1/2 minutes on each side or until both sides are golden brown, pressing gently with a spatula. Enjoy hot!
5. Assemble Kathi Roll- Spread 2 teaspoons of chutney on cooked paratha. Add 2 to 3 spoonfuls of the filling in the middle. Add few sliced onions and cilantro on top. roll the sides up to the middle. You can use small toothpicks to hold them together.

Recipe Video

Nutrition Facts

Paneer Kathi Rolls

Amount Per Serving

Calories 532 Calories from Fat 207

% Daily Value*

Fat 23g35%

Saturated Fat 14g88%

Cholesterol 51mg17%

Sodium 895mg39%

Potassium 188mg5%

Carbohydrates 22g7%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 14g28%

Vitamin A 1097IU22%

Vitamin C 47mg57%

Calcium 400mg40%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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