5 Easy Paneer Curry Recipes to Try Tonight

Looking for an easy yet delicious meal that's sure to satisfy your taste buds? Paneer, a popular Indian cheese, is renowned for its versatility and ability to soak up the flavors of the curries it's cooked in. Tonight, explore the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine with these five easy paneer curry recipes that you can prepare with minimal ingredients and effort.

1. Palak Paneer (Spinach and Cottage Cheese Curry)

Palak Paneer is a creamy, vibrant green curry that combines the goodness of spinach with the softness of paneer. Here’s how you can make it:

• Ingredients: Fresh spinach, paneer, onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, cream or milk.
• Steps:
  1. Blanch the spinach, then blend into a puree.
  2. Sauté onions, ginger, and garlic in ghee or oil.
  3. Add tomatoes and spices, cook until oil separates.
  4. Mix in the spinach puree and cook for a few minutes.
  5. Stir in cream or milk for creaminess, add paneer, and let it simmer.
  6. Serve hot with naan or rice.

🍲 Note: For a thicker consistency, reduce the liquid or add a bit of cashew paste.

2. Matar Paneer (Peas and Cottage Cheese Curry)

If you’re looking for a dish that’s sweet and savory, Matar Paneer is perfect:

• Ingredients: Paneer, peas, tomatoes, onions, spices, and garam masala.
• Steps:
  1. Heat oil, add spices, then sauté onions until translucent.
  2. Follow with pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates.
  3. Add peas, paneer, and simmer gently to cook peas and blend flavors.
  4. Finish with a sprinkle of garam masala before serving.

3. Shahi Paneer (Royal Cottage Cheese Curry)

Shahi Paneer is known for its rich and royal taste, making it a treat for special occasions:

• Ingredients: Paneer, onion paste, tomato puree, cashew paste, cream, cardamom, saffron, and a mix of aromatic spices.
• Steps:
  1. Fry spices in ghee, then add onion paste and cook until aromatic.
  2. Add tomato puree, cashew paste, and cook well.
  3. Incorporate saffron soaked in warm milk, cardamom, and cream.
  4. Gently stir in paneer, simmer briefly, and garnish with cilantro.

4. Kadai Paneer (Spicy Stir-fried Cottage Cheese)

Kadai Paneer is a stir-fry delight with a spicy edge:

• Ingredients: Paneer, capsicum (bell peppers), tomatoes, onion, ginger, garlic, kadai masala.
• Steps:
  1. Stir-fry cubed bell peppers and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, fry onion, ginger, garlic, and tomato with kadai masala.
  3. Add paneer, cook briefly, then mix in the bell peppers.
  4. Finish with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice.

5. Paneer Tikka Masala (Grilled Cottage Cheese in Tomato Gravy)

Marinated paneer tikka adds a smoky flavor to this popular curry:

• Ingredients: Paneer, yogurt, spices for marination, tomatoes, onions, cashews, cream, and garam masala.
• Steps:
  1. Marinate paneer with spices and yogurt, then grill or bake.
  2. Prepare a thick tomato-based gravy with sautéed onions, tomatoes, cashews, and cream.
  3. Combine the grilled paneer with the gravy, garnish with cream and butter.

As you explore these paneer curry recipes, remember that they're just a starting point. Each dish offers a gateway to explore a variety of flavors and textures, making paneer a perfect centerpiece for an easy, satisfying meal. Whether you're seeking a creamy comfort food or something more exotic, these dishes cater to every palate. Enjoy the journey through Indian cuisine, where food is more than just nourishment—it's a celebration of flavors and traditions.

Can I use store-bought paneer?

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Yes, store-bought paneer works well in these recipes. However, for the best texture and flavor, you might want to try making paneer at home or use fresh paneer if available.

How do I keep paneer from breaking apart in the curry?

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Ensure the paneer is not overcooked. Add it towards the end of the cooking process and only cook it briefly in the sauce. If frying, make sure the paneer is not too hot when you add it to the curry.

Can these recipes be made vegan?

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Absolutely! Substitute paneer with tofu or a paneer alternative made from nuts or seeds. Use vegan cream, yogurt, or cashew cream for the creamy curries.