Curry puffs,Egg Puffs (Stuffed Puff Pastry)

One of my favorite Indian fast food is curry puffs.It's a very common item to be found in Indian bakery. Love to eat these flaky puffs with tomato chili sauce.When I came to US I use to crave for these as they aren’t not available everywhere. Then I came across puff pastry sheets. I remember buying these sheets from the American grocery store and making Curry puffs, long time ago.For the stuffing I made potato curry.The first time when I made, even for Bake-O-Phobiac like me, they came out perfect :-). I would say making curry pufs is easier than baking a cake. Also I love to cook semi home made stuff and pose like a pro at the end ;-).

What is Puff Pastry: Puff pastry sheet is made from flour( Maida). The dough is rolled into layers with butter in between, making it flaky. Once baked in the oven it will create multiple flaky crispy layers.These puff pastry sheets can be used to make both sweet and savory dishes.I’m gonna share some more recipes soon.You can also bake em just like that with no stuffing and have em with a cup of Indian tea.

In this recipe I used the puff pastry squares which are available in Indian store freezer section. In California I use to find these in Mexican stores too. I like the squares compare to sheets since the squares are ready to fill and easy to thaw.if you don't find the squares use puff pastry sheets from American grocery store.while baking follow the instructions on the puff pastry package as each brand might have differences. Also be sure to check on the puffs before the targeted time as each oven might vary little bit. The finished curry puffs are brown on top and also on bottom.You can serve these with tomato ketchup.

Also I made the egg puffs for my Tot. Since he cannot eat the spicy curry I just put a boiled egg half inside.If you would like to make egg puffs take a big square of puff pastry, scoop curry on to the square, place the egg on the curry, fold it.

Looking for more tea time snacks.Try my perfect Mirchi Bajji (Milage bajji/Mirapakaya Bajji), Chevda/Chudwa (Poha mixture) , Roasted chickpeas or healthy Dadpe Poha recipes.

Servings:
12 pieces makes 6 servings
Total time:
80 minutes
Category:
Appetizers/Snacks
Author:
Praveena Gudipati

Ingredients: (I use US standard measuring; 1cup=8oz=250ml)
For the Stuffing Curry :
2 potatoes
1/4 onion
1/2 cup frozen mixed veggies or fresh
6 teaspoon oil
Cumin seeds (Jeera)
2 inch Ginger
2 cloves Garlic
Salt
3/4 tablespoon Chilli powder (Paprika)
For Shell:
6 puff pastry squares
water in a bowl

Curry Puffs step-by-step Recipe with Photos

Curry Prep:

1. Boil the potatoes in a microwave or pressure cooker. I placed the potatoes in a microwave safe bowl with water and steamed them covered for 5-6 minutes flipping em once half the way.Do not forget to prick the potatoes with a fork.
2. Peel the potatoes and roughly chop them and keep aside.
3. Chop the onions finely.
   
4. Grate ginger and garlic.
   
5. Now heat 6 teaspoons oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
6. Once the seeds splutter add grated ginger garlic. Sautée for 30 seconds.
   
7. Add onions and sautée them till they turn brown.
   
8. Add the mixed veggies to the pan.cook for 5 minutes covered.
   
9. Add chopped potatoes and squish some pieces while mixing the curry. Do not mash completely.The final curry should have some pieces of potatoes.This way you can spoon out and stuff the curry easily in the pastry.Add salt to taste, chilli powder and stir in.
   
10. Cook the curry for couple minutes covered so all the flavors come together.
11. Now the curry is ready. Let it cool down.
    

Stuffing the Pastry :

1. Thaw the pastry puff squares according to the directions on the package( usually 10-15 minutes).
   
   
   
   
2. Cut each square into 2 halves vertically. I do not like big puffs. But you can leave them big if you like.
   
3. Spoon curry on to each half. Wet the edges  with water and fold it sticking the ends.Then seal the puff on all sides. You can also fold them in any shape you want.
   
   
   
   
4. Finish sealing all the puffs.
   

5. If you can't find these squares use Pepperidgefarm pastry puff sheets from american grocers.Here are some pics on how to stuff these. Thaw and un roll the sheets.Each pack will have 2 sheets and I made 12 puffs out of em. You can cut them into the size you want. One tip though, the taste is great but I had to bake em longer than the package mentioned. It took me between 20-25 minutes. 

Baking:

1. Pre heat the oven to the temperature mentioned on the package.
2. Place all the puffs in the oven.
3. Bake them till the tops are browned nicely. The time will be mentioned on the package. But check them before hand since each oven cooking times might vary little bit.
4. Serve them with tomato sauce/Ketchup or just enjoy as it is.
   
   
   

Tips:
You can stuff any curry of your liking in these puffs.