Easy Paneer Receipes

In today's fast-paced life, finding time to cook can be challenging. However, the desire for delicious homemade food does not wane. Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) offers a quick solution due to its versatility and the simplicity of recipes it lends itself to. This blog will walk you through some easy paneer recipes that you can prepare swiftly, ensuring that even with a busy schedule, you can enjoy flavorful meals at home.

Paneer Tikka

Let’s start with a crowd favorite, Paneer Tikka, which is not only easy to make but also a delight for the taste buds. Here’s what you need:

• 250g paneer, cubed
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp chaat masala
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Preparation:

To prepare Paneer Tikka:

1. Mix all the spices and ingredients except paneer into the yogurt to create a marinade.
2. Add paneer cubes into this mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes, but longer if time permits.
3. Preheat your oven or grill to 200°C.
4. Skewer the paneer pieces and cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
5. Serve hot with mint chutney and a sprinkle of chaat masala.

🍲 Note: For a charred flavor, you can grill the paneer over an open flame or use a stovetop grill pan.

Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer, with its vibrant green color, not only looks appealing but is packed with nutrition. Here’s how to make it:

• 500g spinach
• 250g paneer, cubed
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• Cream or cashew paste for richness (optional)
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

Here are the steps to cook Palak Paneer:

1. Blanch the spinach, cool, blend it into a paste, and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat some oil, add cumin seeds, and then sauté onion and garlic until golden.
3. Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
4. Add all the spices, then stir in the spinach paste.
5. Simmer for a few minutes, then add the paneer cubes.
6. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, garnish with cream or cashew paste, and serve hot with flatbread or rice.

🥗 Note: You can avoid overcooking the spinach to keep its nutritional benefits and vibrant color intact.

Paneer Bhurji

If you’re in the mood for something spicy and quick, Paneer Bhurji is your go-to dish:

• 250g paneer, crumbled
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp butter or oil

Preparation:

To make Paneer Bhurji:

1. Heat butter or oil in a pan, add cumin seeds to crackle.
2. Sauté onions until they turn translucent, then add green chilies and tomatoes, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in the spices, then add the crumbled paneer.
4. Cook for a few minutes until the paneer is well mixed with the spices.
5. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with roti or paratha.

Mattar Paneer

Mattar Paneer is a delightful blend of paneer and peas, offering a balanced vegetarian dish:

• 250g paneer, cubed
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
• 1/4 cup cream (optional)
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

To cook Mattar Paneer:

1. Heat oil, add cumin seeds, then sauté onions until golden.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste, cook for a minute, then add tomato puree.
3. Mix in all spices, then add peas and cook until they are tender.
4. Introduce the paneer, followed by the cream for extra richness if desired.
5. Sprinkle kasuri methi for an aromatic finish, and serve with bread or rice.

In summary, these easy paneer recipes offer an array of flavors and textures, catering to various tastes and dietary preferences. They require minimal preparation time, making them perfect for those hectic days when you still want to enjoy a meal made from scratch. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, paneer recipes are indeed a boon for home cooks looking to whip up quick, satisfying meals.

Can I make these recipes with store-bought paneer?

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Yes, store-bought paneer works well for these recipes. Just ensure it’s fresh to retain the best texture and flavor.

How do I make paneer at home?

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To make paneer at home, heat milk to a boil, then add lemon juice or vinegar to curdle it. Strain through cheesecloth, rinse, and press to set.

Are these recipes suitable for beginners?

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Absolutely! These recipes are designed for simplicity, making them ideal for novice cooks. They require basic techniques and ingredients.