What is Paneer?
From appetizers to main courses and everything in between, paneer is a staple in Indian cuisine. It’s a fresh, unaged cheese made from cow or buffalo milk. It has a mild, slightly tangy taste and a firm, non-melting texture, making it perfect for various culinary applications. Paneer’s versatility has earned it a special place in Indian kitchens, where it’s used as a protein-rich, vegetarian alternative to meat in many dishes.
Paneer: Vegetarian Delight
What makes paneer so special? Its versatility! Paneer can be grilled, fried, sautéed, or simmered in a sauce without losing its shape or texture. This makes it an excellent addition to a variety of dishes, ranging from spicy curries to delectable desserts. And the best part? Paneer readily absorbs flavors from the spices and sauces it’s cooked with, creating a harmonious symphony of tastes in every bite.
Paneer: A Nutritious Choice
Not only is paneer delicious, but it’s also packed with health benefits. It’s a rich source of protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and D, which are essential for maintaining strong bones, teeth, and overall good health. Paneer also has low-fat content, making it a great option for those watching their weight or seeking a healthier alternative to other types of cheese.
7 Best Paneer Recipes:
1. Paneer Tikka: A Grilled Delight
The Magic of Paneer Tikka:
Picture this: soft, succulent paneer cubes marinated in a flavorful yogurt-based mixture and grilled to perfection. Paneer Tikka is a popular North Indian appetizer that showcases the versatility of paneer. The dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, with the smoky aroma of grilled paneer and the zesty, tangy taste of the marinade.
Gather Your Paneer Tikka Ingredients
To make Paneer Tikka, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 250 grams paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 cup thick yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion, cut into large cubes
- 1 medium bell pepper, cut into large cubes
Steps to Cook Your Paneer Tikka
- In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt.
- Add the paneer cubes, onion, and bell pepper to the marinade. Mix gently to ensure the paneer and vegetables are well coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) or heat a grill pan over medium heat. Thread the marinated paneer and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between paneer, onion, and bell pepper.
- Brush the skewers with oil and place them on a wire rack in the oven or on the grill pan. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally, until the paneer is golden and the vegetables are slightly charred.
Serve Your Paneer Tikka
Serve the Paneer Tikka with a side of mint chutney or yogurt dip, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy it as an appetizer or wrapped in a warm naan for a satisfying meal.
2. Shahi Paneer: A Royal Feast
Experience the Luxury of Shahi Paneer
Shahi Paneer is a rich and decadent curry that features paneer cubes simmered in a velvety tomato-onion sauce infused with aromatic spices. The word “shahi” means “royal” in Hindi, and this dish lives up to its name, offering a luxurious and indulgent eating experience.
Gather Your Shahi Paneer Ingredients
For Shahi Paneer, you’ll need:
- 250 grams paneer, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups tomato puree
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup cashew paste or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon kasturi methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Steps to Cook Your Shahi Paneer
- Heat oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Stir in the tomato puree, red chili powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
- Add the cashew paste or heavy cream and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the paneer cubes and water, gently stirring to coat the paneer with the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.
- Finish by adding the crushed kasturi methi and mixing gently. Cook for another minute.
Serve Your Shahi Paneer
Garnish your Shahi Paneer with fresh cilantro and serve it with warm naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice. Enjoy the rich flavors and feel like royalty with every bite.
3. Paneer Butter Masala: A Creamy Indulgence
Fall in Love with Paneer Butter Masala
Paneer Butter Masala, also known as Paneer Makhani, is a true crowd-pleaser. This classic North Indian dish features paneer cubes simmered in a velvety, buttery tomato sauce. The combination of tangy tomatoes, creamy cashews, and fragrant spices creates a heavenly flavor that will have you coming back for more.
Gather Your Paneer Butter Ingredients
To make Paneer Butter Masala, you’ll need:
- 250 grams paneer, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups tomato puree
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasturi methi)
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup cashew paste or heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Steps to Cook Your Paneer Butter Masala
- In a large pan, heat the butter and oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and then sauté until they become translucent.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute, stirring continuously.
- Stir in the tomato puree, red chili powder, garam masala, kasturi methi, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
- Add the cashew paste or heavy cream and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Gently stir in the paneer cubes, coating them with the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.
Serve Your Paneer Butter Masala
Garnish the Paneer Butter Masala with fresh cilantro and serve it with warm naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice. Relish the creamy, buttery flavors and let your taste buds dance with delight.
4. Palak Paneer: A Wholesome Spinach-Paneer Fusion
Discover the Goodness of Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian dish that beautifully marries the creamy texture of paneer with the earthy flavor of spinach. Packed with nutrients, this dish is not only delicious but also wholesome, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious food lovers.
Gather Your Palak Paneer Ingredients
To make Palak Paneer, you’ll need:
- 250 grams paneer, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- 500 grams of fresh spinach, blanched and pureed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or yogurt
Steps to Cook Your Palak Paneer
- Heat cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Then Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
- Pour in the spinach puree and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Gently add the chopped paneer cubes and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Finally, stir in the heavy cream or yogurt to give the dish a creamy texture.
Serve Your Palak Paneer
Serve your Palak Paneer with warm naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice. Enjoy the perfect harmony of flavors and the nutritious goodness of this dish.
5. Matar Paneer: A Classic Paneer and Peas Curry
Explore the Richness of Matar Paneer
Matar Paneer is a classic North Indian curry that combines paneer and green peas in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. This dish is a favorite among paneer lovers and a staple in Indian households, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Gather Your Matar Paneer Ingredients
To make Matar Paneer, you’ll need:
- 250 grams paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 cup green peas, fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 large tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cream or cashew paste (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, for garnish
Steps to Cook Your Matar Paneer
- Heat oil in a large pan for some time on medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become golden brown.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add the pureed tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the oil separates from the tomato mixture.
- Stir in the green peas and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they become tender.
- Add the paneer cubes and gently mix, ensuring they are well-coated with the tomato mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- If desired, add fresh cream or cashew paste for a creamier texture. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Finally, sprinkle the garam masala and mix well.
Serve Your Matar Paneer
Garnish your Matar Paneer with fresh cilantro and serve it hot with steaming basmati rice or warm Indian bread, like roti, naan, or paratha. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, delighting your guests with its enticing aroma and rich flavors.
6. Paneer Bhurji: A Scrumptious Paneer Scramble
Unveil the Flavors of Paneer Bhurji
Paneer Bhurji is a delightful Indian dish that features crumbled paneer cooked with a medley of aromatic spices and vegetables. This dish is similar to scrambled eggs but uses paneer instead, resulting in a scrumptious vegetarian alternative that’s perfect for breakfast or a light meal.
Gather Your Paneer Bhurji Ingredients
For Paneer Bhurji, you’ll need:
- 250 grams paneer, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup green peas (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Cook Your Paneer Bhurji
- Heat cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the spices are well-blended.
- If you’re using green peas and bell peppers, add them now and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Finally, mix in the crumbled paneer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the paneer absorbs the flavors of the spices and vegetables.
Serve Your Paneer Bhurji
Garnish your Paneer Bhurji with fresh cilantro and serve it hot with warm roti, paratha, or toast. This dish is perfect for a filling breakfast or a light meal, satisfying your taste buds with its blend of flavors and textures.
Now that we’ve explored the delicious world of Palak Paneer and Paneer Bhurji, you’re equipped with two more versatile paneer recipes to delight your friends and family. These dishes showcase paneer’s ability to absorb and enhance flavors, making it a fantastic ingredient for a wide range of dishes. So, why not give these recipes a try and impress your loved ones with your culinary skills?
7. Paneer Paratha: A Delectable Stuffed Flatbread
Unravel the Tastes of Paneer Paratha
Paneer Paratha is a popular North Indian flatbread, stuffed with a flavorful paneer filling. This dish combines the goodness of paneer with the comfort of warm bread, creating a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Gather Your Paneer Paratha Ingredients
To make Paneer Paratha, you’ll need:
For the dough:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Water, as needed
For the filling:
- 1 cup grated paneer
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt, to taste
For cooking:
- Ghee or oil, as needed
Prepare Your Paneer Paratha
Make the dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat flour and salt. Gradually add water, kneading until a soft, smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling:
- In a separate bowl, combine the grated paneer, chopped onion, green chili, cilantro, cumin seeds, garam masala, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
Assemble and Cook the Parathas:
- Divide the dough into equal portions and shape them into balls.
- Roll out a dough ball into a small circle. Place a portion of the paneer filling in the center and seal the edges, forming a stuffed dough ball.
- Gently roll out the stuffed dough ball into a flat disc, taking care not to let the filling spill out.
- Heat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the rolled-out paratha on the hot griddle and cook until brown spots appear on the surface. Flip and cook the other side.
- Spread some ghee or oil on both sides of the paratha and cook until golden and crispy.
Serve Your Paneer Paratha
Serve Paneer Paratha with yogurt, pickle, or a side of your favorite curry. Enjoy this delectable flatbread, perfect for any meal of the day.
Conclusion:
As we wrap up our exploration of the 7 best paneer recipes, it’s clear that paneer’s versatility and adaptability make it an exceptional ingredient in a wide range of dishes. From the succulent Paneer Tikka to the rich Shahi Paneer, the comforting Paneer Butter Masala to the nutritious Palak Paneer, the satisfying Paneer Bhurji to the delightful Paneer Paratha, and finally, the classic Matar Paneer, each dish showcases the incredible flavors and textures that paneer brings to the table.
These recipes are just the beginning of your culinary journey with Paneer. Feel free to experiment with different spices, ingredients, and cooking techniques to create your own signature dishes. As you master these recipes, you’ll not only impress your friends and family with your cooking skills but also discover the joy of creating delicious, wholesome meals using this humble, yet remarkable, ingredient.
You can try all the panner dishes mentioned above by just ordering them from our food delivery app i.e Homefoodi. So, embrace the world of paneer, and let it inspire you to explore new culinary horizons, add variety to your meals, and create unforgettable dining experiences for your loved ones. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!
F.A.Q
Q: What is best to eat with paneer?
A: Paneer can be eaten with a variety of dishes such as roti, naan, rice, vegetable curries, or even as a topping for salads.
Q: How to cook paneer without breaking?
A: To cook paneer without breaking, make sure to cut it into large cubes and add it to the dish towards the end of the cooking process.
Q: Is butter paneer healthy?
A: Butter paneer is delicious but it is high in calories and fat. So, it should be consumed in moderation.
Q: How to add taste to paneer?
A: Paneer can be seasoned with a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, garam masala, or even red chili powder to add taste.
Q: Is it OK to eat paneer every day?
A: Paneer is a good source of protein and calcium, but it should be consumed in moderation as it is also high in fat.
Q: What is the healthiest way to eat paneer?
A: The healthiest way to eat paneer is to consume it in moderate amounts and prepare it using healthy cooking methods such as grilling or baking instead of deep-frying.
Q: How is restaurant paneer so soft?
A: Restaurant-style paneer is often soft because it is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and lemon juice before being cooked.
Q: Why put paneer in water after frying?
A: Soaking paneer in water after frying helps to remove excess oil and also helps to soften it.
Q: Why do you soak paneer in water?
A: Soaking paneer in water helps to soften it and also removes any excess oil.
Q: Can I eat 200 gm of paneer daily?
A: It is not recommended to consume 200gm of paneer daily as it is high in fat and calories. A moderate intake of paneer is advised.
Q: Is it OK to eat paneer at night?
A: Paneer can be consumed at night but it should be eaten in moderation as it is high in fat and calories.
Q: What is paneer called in English?
A: Paneer is a type of fresh cheese commonly used in Indian cuisine.
Q: How to get high protein from paneer?
A: Paneer is a good source of protein. You can get high protein from paneer by incorporating it into your meals, such as adding it to salads, curries, or stir-fries.
Q: How to eat paneer at home?
A: Paneer can be eaten in a variety of ways, such as grilled, baked, or sautéed. It can also be added to curries, stir-fries, or salads.
Q: Can we add egg to the paneer?
A: Yes, you can add egg to the paneer to make a protein-rich dish.