Paneer & Veg Frankie Recipe- Indian Street Food Roll

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Paneer & Veg Frankie Recipe – Indian Street Food Roll

Introduction

Oh, Frankie! Just the name brings back memories of bustling Indian streets and the irresistible aroma of freshly grilled rolls. I first tried a Frankie during a college trip to Mumbai, and I was instantly hooked. It’s the perfect grab-and-go snack, a complete meal rolled into a warm, flaky bread. Today, I’m sharing my version – a delicious Paneer & Veg Frankie recipe that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Get ready to roll up some serious flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Frankie recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s packed with protein from the paneer, loaded with fresh veggies, and bursting with Indian spices. It’s also super customizable – you can easily swap out the vegetables or adjust the spice level to your liking. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get the family involved in the kitchen! Who doesn’t love rolling their own Frankie?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these amazing Frankie rolls:

• 1 cup paneer cubes (approx. 150g)
• ½ cup green bell pepper (capsicum), thinly sliced (approx. 75g)
• ⅓ cup tomato, cut into 1-inch chunks (optional) (approx. 80g)
• 1 whole onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup thick curd (whisked) (approx. 60ml)
• ½ teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• ¼ teaspoon corn flour or gram flour (besan)
• ⅛ teaspoon garam masala powder (approx. 0.6g)
• ½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon oil
• As per taste salt
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (approx. 120g)
• 2 teaspoons oil (plus extra for shallow frying)
• As required milk or water (approx. ½ – ¾ cup)
• ¼ teaspoon chaat masala powder (approx. 1g)
• 3 tablespoons tomato ketchup (optional)
• ¼ cup mint chutney (optional) (approx. 60ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things to keep in mind:

• Kasuri Methi: Don’t skip this! It adds a unique, slightly smoky flavor that’s essential to authentic Indian taste. Rubbing it between your palms before adding it releases even more flavor.
• Whole Wheat Flour: I prefer using whole wheat flour (atta) for the chapatis, as it gives them a lovely nutty flavor and a slightly rustic texture. You can find this at most Indian grocery stores.
• Regional Variations: Frankie fillings are incredibly diverse! In some parts of India, you’ll find potato masala, chicken tikka, or even egg bhurji used as the filling. Feel free to experiment and make it your own.
• Paneer: Using fresh, soft paneer makes all the difference. If your paneer is a bit firm, soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften it up.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Marinate the Paneer & Veggies: In a bowl, prepare the marinade by mixing the yogurt, corn flour, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, red chili powder, kasuri methi, coriander powder, salt, and lemon juice.
2. Coat & Refrigerate: Gently coat the paneer cubes and sliced vegetables with the marinade, ensuring everything is well covered. Pop it into the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. Sauté the Filling: Heat oil in a pan and sauté the marinated mixture for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened and the paneer is lightly browned. Add the lemon juice and set aside.
4. Make the Dough: In a separate bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, oil, and salt. Gradually add milk or water, kneading until you form a soft, pliable dough. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This resting period is crucial for soft chapatis!
5. Roll the Chapatis: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin chapati.
6. Lightly Cook: Lightly cook the chapatis on a hot griddle (tawa) until they are partially cooked – you don’t want them fully cooked at this stage.
7. Assemble the Frankie: Spread a generous layer of mint chutney and ketchup (if using) on each chapati. Add a portion of the paneer and vegetable filling and roll tightly, like a burrito.
8. Grill to Perfection: Heat a pan with a little butter. Grill the Frankie rolls on both sides until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the filling. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• For extra crispy rolls, brush them with a little butter before grilling.
• If the chapatis are sticking to the griddle, add a tiny bit of oil.

Variations

• Spicy Frankie: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped green chili to the marinade for an extra kick. My friend, Priya, loves hers really spicy!
• Chicken Frankie: Substitute the paneer with marinated and cooked chicken tikka or shredded chicken.
• Potato Frankie: Use a spiced potato masala as the filling – a classic street food favorite.

Vegan Adaptation

To make this Frankie vegan, simply replace the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative (like cashew or soy yogurt) and ensure your ketchup and chutney are vegan-friendly.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend to make the chapatis. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid to achieve the right dough consistency.

Spice Level Adjustment

Easily adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of red chili powder you add to the marinade. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go.

Festival Adaptations

Frankies are a fantastic option for Navratri, as they can be made with allowed ingredients. They’re also a huge hit at street food festivals!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Paneer & Veg Frankie hot with a side of fresh salad, raita (yogurt dip), and your favorite chutney.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Frankie rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a pan or microwave before serving.

FAQs

What is Frankie and where did it originate?

Frankie is a popular Indian street food roll that originated in Mumbai in the 1960s. It’s essentially a wrap filled with a savory filling, typically meat or paneer, and vegetables.

Can I use other vegetables in this Frankie recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like carrots, cabbage, or cauliflower.

How can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The marinade can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors develop even further.

What is the best way to prevent the chapatis from becoming soggy?

Make sure the filling isn’t too wet. Also, grilling the Frankie rolls on a hot pan helps to seal them and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Can I bake the Frankie instead of grilling it?

Yes, you can! Wrap the assembled Frankie rolls in foil and bake them at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy.