Italian Style Paneer Sticks

This is a must-try for paneer lovers!

My daughter loves anything made with paneer. She had been asking me to make paneer sticks similar to mozzarella sticks (she loves it). When we talked about how to make it, she opted for the Italian style. I made the marinade in no time. I used pasta sauce, fresh basil pesto, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. These would always be there in the pantry and hence was made in a jiffy.  I toasted it in the pan and did not deep fry. We had a perfect snack. It was very tasty, soft, melting in the mouth leaving you to feel like you are in heaven.......Paneerilicious! They were so soft and melting in the mouth that makes you eat a couple more. Totally awesome!

Ingredients:

Paneer (Indian cottage cheese block) - 200g

For the marinade:

Pasta sauce - 1 tbsp

Fresh basil pesto - 1 tsp

Italian seasoning - 1/4 tsp

Ground black pepper - 1/8 tsp

Olive oil - 1 tsp

For coating:

Bread crumbs - 1/3 cup or as required

Ground black pepper - 1/8 tsp

Italian seasoning - 1/8 tsp (optional)

For shallow frying:

Oil - 1/2 to 1 tsp (optional)

Method:

Cut the paneer block into long cubes. 

In a bowl, add all the ingredients for the marinade and mix well.

 Add the paneer pieces, toss well, cover, and refrigerate for 4 hours.

At the time of making, mix the bread crumbs, pepper, and Italian seasoning and keep in a large plate. Take each paneer piece and coat with the seasoned bread crumbs on all sides.

Heat a pan or griddle, drizzle a little oil and toast the breaded paneer pieces on all sides on a medium flame. 

Tasty, juicy soft, and delicious paneer sticks are ready. Serve immediately.

Notes:

• I wanted to make this using very little oil and hence I didn't add oil for shallow frying. It was so juicy and perfect. If you want to use oil, use mildly or else deep fry it.
• Also, it was not very spicy (that's why the kids gobbled them fast and were asking for more). If you want a spicy version, feel free to add 1/4 tsp chilli powder or ground black pepper to the marinade mixture.