Cheese Semolina Slice
Cheese Semolina Slice is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving.
Prep: 45 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $10.49 total, $2.62 per serving
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Coriander Leaves (fresh, packed)
- 1/2 cup Mint Leaves (fresh, packed)
- 2 tablespoons Ginger (peeled and grated)
- 2 pieces Green Chilies (finely chopped, seeds removed for milder taste)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds (roasted lightly)
- 1/2 teaspoon Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) (adds tanginess)
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder (just a pinch for color)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (White) (regular table salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Salt (Kala Namak) (optional, for smoky flavor)
- 4 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed from 2 lemons)
- 1 cup Corn Flakes (to be powdered in blender)
- 1 cup Poha (Flattened Rice) (to be powdered)
- 3.5 cups Semolina (Suji) (fine grade, can be ground finer if desired)
- 2 tablespoons Water (for blending chutney)
- 2 teaspoons Chaat Masala (adds tangy spice)
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala (warm spice blend)
- 6 slices Processed Cheese Slices (standard American style, cut into strips)
- 1 teaspoon Oregano (Dried) (optional, for aroma)
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil (for shallow frying; extra for greasing pan)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (for greasing pan)
- 2 tablespoons Coriander Leaves (for garnish) (finely chopped)
Instructions
Prepare Green Chutney
In a blender combine coriander leaves, mint leaves, grated ginger, chopped green chilies, roasted cumin seeds, amchur, a pinch of turmeric, white salt, black salt, lemon juice and 2 Tbsp water. Blend until smooth.
Time: PT10M
Make Corn Flake and Poha Powders
Place corn flakes and poha separately in the blender and pulse until they become a fine powder. Transfer each to a small bowl.
Time: PT5M
Grind Semolina (Suji)
If you prefer a finer texture, pulse the semolina in the blender for a few seconds. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Boil Spiced Water
In a saucepan add 2 cups water, 1.5 tsp salt, 2 Tbsp grated ginger and 2 Tbsp finely chopped green chilies. Bring to a rolling boil.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium heat
Combine Dry Ingredients
To the boiling water add the powdered corn flakes, poha powder, semolina, chaat masala, garam masala and the prepared green chutney. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Set the Dough
Transfer the thickened mixture to a greased tray, smooth the surface with a spatula and let it cool to room temperature (about 10 minutes).
Time: PT10M
Layer Cheese and Spices
Once the base is cool, spread a thin layer of the remaining green chutney, place cheese slices in a single layer, sprinkle oregano, extra chaat masala, and a pinch of coriander leaves. Press gently with hands or a rolling pin to embed the cheese.
Time: PT10M
Chill to Set
Cover the tray and refrigerate for 15‑20 minutes so the slice firms up and is easy to cut.
Time: PT20M
Cut and Coat
Remove from fridge, cut into bite‑size squares or rectangles. Lightly coat each piece with a sprinkle of the remaining corn‑flake powder for extra crunch.
Time: PT5M
Shallow Fry
Heat 2‑3 Tbsp oil in a shallow frying pan over medium heat. Fry the pieces, turning once, until golden brown and crisp (about 2‑3 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium heat
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy (cheese, butter), Gluten (semolina), Corn (corn flakes)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Coriander Leaves: Cilantro
- Instead of Ginger: Ground ginger (use less)
- Instead of Green Chilies: Jalapeño
- Instead of Cumin Seeds: Cumin powder
- Instead of Amchur (Dry Mango Powder): Lemon zest
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice
- Instead of Corn Flakes: Rice Krispies
- Instead of Poha (Flattened Rice): Instant rice flakes
- Instead of Semolina (Suji): Coarse wheat flour
- Instead of Processed Cheese Slices: Mozzarella slices
- Instead of Oregano (Dried): Italian seasoning
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil
- Instead of Butter: Margarine
Equipment Needed
- Blender
- Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan or Kadhai
- Spatula
- Rolling Pin or Flat Hand Press (optional)
- Refrigerator
- Shallow Frying Pan
- Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Plate or Tray for Setting
- Paper Towels (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Blending the green chutney to a smooth consistency
- Grinding corn flakes and poha into fine powders
- Ensuring the semolina mixture thickens and pulls away from the pan
- Refrigerating the assembled slice to set before cutting
- Shallow frying until golden without burning
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the spice mix
- Use a non‑stick pan for easier turning
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves just before serving for a fresh burst
Troubleshooting
Mixture is too watery and doesn’t hold together
Cook a few minutes longer until it thickens and pulls away from the pan; add a little extra semolina if needed
Cheese leaks out during frying
Press the cheese firmly into the dough and ensure the slice is fully set after refrigeration
Slices stick to the pan while frying
Make sure the oil is hot before adding pieces and lightly dust each slice with corn‑flake powder
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Can freeze for up to 1 month; reheat by shallow frying again
Room temperature: Not recommended beyond 2 hours due to cheese melt
Make-Ahead Tips
- Green chutney can be prepared 2 days ahead and kept refrigerated
- Corn‑flake and poha powders can be stored in airtight jars for weeks
- The assembled slice can be chilled up to 24 hours before frying
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Cheese Semolina Slice in Indian party cuisine?
Cheese Semolina Slice is a modern twist on traditional Indian snack breads like 'sev' and 'puri' that are served at weddings and celebrations. Incorporating processed cheese reflects contemporary urban tastes while the base of semolina (suji) ties it to classic South Indian and Maharashtrian fasting foods.
What regional variations of semolina‑based cheese snacks exist in Indian cuisine?
In Gujarat, a similar snack called "Muthia" uses gram flour and fenugreek; in Maharashtra, "Sukha Bhaji" mixes semolina with peanuts. The cheese version is popular in North Indian street food stalls where processed cheese is readily available.
How is Cheese Semolina Slice traditionally served in Indian weddings?
It is typically cut into small squares, lightly fried, and arranged on a platter alongside chutneys, pickles, and other fried snacks like samosas and pakoras. Guests enjoy it as a finger food during cocktail hour or as a side to the main feast.
During which Indian festivals is a cheese‑based semolina snack especially popular?
While not tied to a specific festival, it often appears at Diwali parties and Navratri gatherings where vegetarian finger foods are preferred, offering a rich, indulgent option alongside sweets.
What makes Cheese Semolina Slice unique within Indian snack traditions?
The combination of a crisp semolina dough, a tangy herb chutney, and a melt‑in‑the‑mouth cheese layer creates contrasting textures and flavors rarely found together in traditional Indian snacks, making it a crowd‑pleasing novelty.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for the green chutney used in Cheese Semolina Slice versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include fresh coriander, mint, ginger, green chilies, roasted cumin, amchur, turmeric, white and black salt, and lemon juice. Substitutes can be cilantro for coriander, parsley for mint, lime juice for lemon, and a pinch of citric acid for amchur.
What other Indian dishes pair well with Cheese Semolina Slice at a party spread?
Pair it with tangy tamarind chutney, mint‑coriander raita, spicy potato wedges, and classic samosas. A cool cucumber‑yogurt salad balances the richness of the fried cheese slices.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cheese Semolina Slice at home?
Common errors include under‑cooking the semolina mixture so it stays soggy, not refrigerating long enough which makes cutting difficult, and frying at too high a temperature which burns the exterior before the cheese melts.
Why does this Cheese Semolina Slice recipe use shallow frying instead of deep frying?
Shallow frying uses less oil, gives a crisp exterior while keeping the interior soft, and allows better control over browning. It also preserves the delicate cheese layer that could break apart in a full deep‑fry.
What does the YouTube channel Unknown specialize in?
The YouTube channel Unknown focuses on creative Indian home‑cooking tutorials, showcasing unconventional twists on classic snacks and party foods with step‑by‑step visual guidance.
Last updated: August 24, 2026








