Weekends are perfect for baking! Why not try our ‘Braided Chicken Puffs’ recipe?

A ‘twist’ on the classic puffs, Braided Chicken Puffs is great to go with your evening snacks.  We dare you to eat just one!

Ingredients:

• Chicken Kheema / ground chicken – 1 cup
• Pastry sheets – 1 packet
• Finely chopped onion – 1 medium-sized
• Finely chopped tomato – 1 small
• Finely chopped green chilies – 2
• Finely chopped coriander leaves / cilantro – 2tbsp
• Ginger garlic paste – 1tsp
• Red chilli powder – 1 tsp
• Coriander powder – 1/2 tsp
• Cumin powder – 1/2 tsp
• Black pepper powder – 1/2 tsp
• Garam masala powder – 1/4 tsp
• Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
• Salt – as required
• Melted butter for brushing – 3-4 tbsp

Method:

• Remove the pastry sheets from the freezer and allow to thaw as per the instructions on the packet.
• Heat a little oil in a Kadai/ wok. Add the finely chopped onions and fry till golden brown.
• Add the ginger garlic paste and fry till the raw smell goes.
• Add the tomatoes and cook until soft.
• Add the green chilies and all the powders, including salt.
• Add the kheema and fry for some time.
• Cook on medium flame, stirring occasionally until the kheema is done.
• Add the finely chopped coriander leaves and fry for a few seconds.
• Remove from fire and keep it aside.
• Preheat the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius.
• Unfold the pastry sheet and lay it flat on a baking tray with parchment paper.  Pastry sheet has 3 folds. Fill with the Kheema mixture in the middle. Leave an inch gap at the top and bottom. Cut the sides of the pastry sheet 1 inch shorter on both sides.
• Now cut 1 inch sections from the center out. To start braiding, Criss-cross the cuts from the sides over the filling.
• Apply butter or you can even do an egg wash.
• Add some sesame seeds on top.
• Allow it to bake for half an hour. Half way through cooking, brush some more butter on top.
• Remove from oven and leave aside for 5 mins.
• Cut them and enjoy these crispy, spicy and braided chicken puffs when it’s hot.