Vegetable Puffs
Golden, flaky puff pastry filled with a savory and lightly spiced vegetable medley. A beloved Indian bakery-style snack that's perfect with a cup of chai, ready to be baked fresh at home.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Vegetable Filling
- b.Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter for 30 seconds.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- d.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chili. Cook for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- e.Add the finely chopped carrots and green peas. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender.
- f.Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix well and cook for 1 minute.
- g.Add the boiled potato cubes and salt. Gently mix everything, slightly mashing some potatoes to help bind the filling.
- h.Turn off the heat. Stir in garam masala, lemon juice, and chopped coriander leaves. Transfer the filling to a bowl and let it cool completely. This is a crucial step to prevent a soggy pastry.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Preheat Oven and Prepare Pastry
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- c.Lightly flour a clean work surface. Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet.
- d.Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the sheet into 8 equal rectangles.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Puffs
- b.Take one pastry rectangle. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled vegetable filling onto one half of the rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
- c.Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to create a smaller rectangle.
- d.Press the edges firmly with your fingers to seal. For a secure seal and a decorative look, crimp the edges with the tines of a fork.
- e.Repeat this process for all the remaining pastry rectangles and filling.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Bake to Golden Perfection
- b.Carefully place the assembled puffs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 1 inch apart.
- c.Gently brush the tops of the puffs with milk for a beautiful golden-brown finish.
- d.Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puffs are golden, flaky, and well-puffed. For even baking, you can rotate the tray halfway through.
- e.Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 5-10 minutes before serving.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the warm vegetable puffs with tomato ketchup, mint chutney, or a hot cup of masala chai.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the filling is completely cool before assembling. A warm filling will melt the butter in the pastry, making it soggy.
- 2Do not overfill the pastry, as this can cause the puffs to burst open while baking.
- 3Work with cold puff pastry. If it becomes too soft, return it to the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
- 4Sealing the edges well is crucial. You can lightly brush the edges with water before sealing to help them stick together better.
- 5For a deeper golden color and shine, use an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) instead of milk.
- 6Store leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Filling
Add 1/2 cup of crumbled paneer, sautéed mushrooms, or sweet corn to the vegetable mixture for extra flavor and texture.
SpicesSpices
For a tangier flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of amchur (dry mango powder) or chaat masala to the filling along with the garam masala.
ToppingTopping
After the milk wash, sprinkle some sesame seeds, nigella seeds (kalonji), or carom seeds (ajwain) on top before baking for a nutty aroma and added crunch.
VeganVegan
Ensure you are using a vegan puff pastry (most store-bought ones are). For the wash, brush with a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk, or a light coating of oil.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Energy
The potatoes in the filling provide complex carbohydrates, which are a primary source of energy for the body.
Rich in Vitamins
The mix of vegetables like carrots and peas contributes essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, which is important for vision, and Vitamin K.
Contains Digestive Spices
Spices like cumin and ginger, commonly used in Indian cooking, are known for their digestive properties and can help in soothing the stomach.
Frequently asked questions
A single homemade vegetable puff contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the specific brand of puff pastry and the amount of oil used. This recipe makes 8 puffs.