High Protein - Broccoli Carrot Paneer Cutlets

Step 1: Prepare Broccoli and Carrots

Cut broccoli into florets, then peel and cut carrots into large pieces. Wash and dry them thoroughly.

Step 2: Season Veggies for Air Frying

Drizzle 2 tsp of avocado oil or olive oil over the broccoli and carrots. Add a dash of pink Himalayan rock salt, black pepper powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well with your hands to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated with the spices.

Step 3: Air Fry Veggies

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Once preheated, add the seasoned broccoli and carrots into the air fryer basket, spreading them evenly. Air fry for 6 minutes at 375°F (190°C). The vegetables should be perfectly cooked and not burnt.

Step 4: Grind Air Fried Veggies

Let the air-fried vegetables cool down. Transfer them to a food processor and grind to a coarse texture; do not make it too fine.

Step 5: Grind Spices and Herbs

Add 2 green chilies, 5 garlic cloves, and 1 small bunch of washed coriander leaves to the remaining air-fried veggies in the food processor. Grind to a coarse texture. The mixture should smell fantastic.

Step 6: Grind Oats

Take 1 cup of sprouted rolled oats and grind them into a powder form in the food processor. This will be used as a binding agent.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped medium-sized onion. Crumble the 8 oz (226g) paneer into the bowl. Add the ground broccoli-carrot mix and the ground chilies-garlic-coriander mix.

Step 8: Add Spices and Oil

To the mixture, add 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp pink Himalayan rock salt, 1 tsp chaat masala, 1/2 tsp black pepper powder, 1/2 tsp ginger powder, and 1 tbsp oil.

Step 9: Add Ground Oats and Mix

Add the ground rolled oats to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands, breaking down the paneer to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Take a small portion and check if it binds to form a shape.

Step 10: Form Cutlets

Take a small ball-sized portion of the mixture. Grease your hands lightly if needed. Press the mixture in your palm to give it a round, flattened shape. Repeat this process for the entire mixture to form all the cutlets.

Step 11: Air Fry Cutlets (First Stage)

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Brush the air fryer basket lightly with oil (optional, but helps prevent sticking). Place the formed cutlets one by one into the basket, ensuring there is enough space between each piece. Air fry for 10 minutes at 385°F (196°C).

Step 12: Air Fry Cutlets (Second Stage for Crispy Texture)

After 10 minutes, open the air fryer. Flip the cutlets and brush them lightly with oil for a crispier texture. Close the air fryer and continue to air fry for 4 more minutes at 380°F (193°C).

Step 13: Shallow Fry Cutlets (Alternative Method)

As an alternative, heat a pan and spray a little oil. Place the cutlets in the pan and shallow fry them on low to medium flame for a couple of minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.

Step 14: Serve and Store

Plate the crispy cutlets and serve them hot with your favorite chutney or chili sauce. Leftover cutlets can be saved in the fridge to make sandwiches.

• Pre-cut broccoli florets can be used in soups, dals, and salads.

• Carrots promote healthy vision, balance blood sugar, and help with weight management.

• Use your hands to mix spices evenly with veggies for better coating.

• Air fryer cooking time and temperature may vary based on the model and desired crispiness.

• For crispier cutlets, flip and air fry for a few more minutes.

• If the cutlet mixture isn't binding well, add 1/2 cup besan (chickpea flour).

• Ginger powder aids digestion.

• Adding 1 tbsp oil to the mixture helps prevent cutlets from drying out.

• Brush oil lightly on the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.

• Broccoli and carrots are great for your body, skin, and eyes.

• For a vegan option, use organic firm or extra-firm tofu instead of paneer.

• You can make cutlets in different fun shapes (star, triangle, square) using molds.

• These cutlets are suitable for an after-workout snack, afternoon snack, party starter, low-carb diet, or weight loss diet.