7 Delicious Paneer Recipes You Must Try

Welcome to the delightful world of paneer recipes! If you're a fan of this versatile Indian cheese, then you're in for a treat. Paneer, known for its mild taste and spongy texture, is a favorite ingredient in vegetarian cuisine, offering countless delicious paneer recipes that cater to various palates. Let's dive into some easy paneer recipes that you absolutely must try!

Paneer Butter Masala

This dish is the epitome of indulgence with its rich, creamy, and tangy flavors. Here’s how you can make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 250 grams paneer, cubed
  • 3 tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • ¹⁄₂ cup fresh cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon each of turmeric, coriander, and cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
• Method:
  • In a pan, heat butter, sauté onions until translucent.
  • Add ginger-garlic paste, cook until the raw smell disappears.
  • Add tomato puree, cook until the oil separates.
  • Add all the spices, stir, and let it cook.
  • Lower the heat, add cream and paneer, let it simmer.
  • Finish with kasuri methi, garam masala, and sugar.

👨‍🍳 Note: To get a richer texture, you can optionally soak the paneer in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to the masala.

Palak Paneer

Combining the goodness of spinach with paneer, Palak Paneer is a nutrient-rich delight.

• Ingredients:
  • 250 grams paneer, cubed
  • 400 grams spinach, blanched and pureed
  • 2-3 green chilies, slit
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tomato, pureed
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon each of turmeric and garam masala
  • Salt to taste
• Method:
  • In a pan, heat oil, add cumin seeds, let them splutter.
  • Sauté onions until golden, add ginger-garlic paste, cook briefly.
  • Add tomato and spices, cook until the oil separates.
  • Stir in spinach puree, cook for a few minutes, then add paneer.

Shah Panner

Shah Paneer, also known as Shahi Paneer, brings a royal touch to your dining experience with its aromatic and creamy gravy.

• Ingredients:
  • 300 grams paneer, cubed
  • ¹⁄₄ cup cashews, soaked and ground
  • 2 tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 onion, pureed
  • 1 teaspoon each of ginger and garlic paste
  • ¹⁄₂ cup cream
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon garam masala
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon sugar
• Method:
  • In a pan, sauté onion puree, then add ginger-garlic paste, cook until golden.
  • Add tomato puree, cook until the oil separates.
  • Mix in cashew paste, spices, and sugar, let it cook.
  • Add cream, stir gently, then add paneer.

Matar Paneer

Matar Paneer, or Peas and Paneer curry, is a comfort food that’s simple yet delicious.

• Ingredients:
  • 250 grams paneer, cubed
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas
  • 2 tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon each of ginger and garlic paste
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon each of turmeric, cumin, and garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • ¹⁄₄ teaspoon red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
• Method:
  • Sauté onions, add ginger-garlic paste, cook until fragrant.
  • Add tomato puree and spices, cook until oil separates.
  • Add peas, cook until tender, then add paneer.

Paneer Tikka

For those who love grilling or tandoori dishes, Paneer Tikka is a must-try.

• Ingredients:
  • 250 grams paneer, cut into chunks
  • ¹⁄₂ cup yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon tandoori masala
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon each of turmeric, garam masala, cumin powder
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • Chopped coriander for garnish
• Method:
  • Mix yogurt with spices and lemon juice, marinate paneer and vegetables for at least 2 hours.
  • Thread onto skewers, grill or bake until charred.

Paneer Biryani

Transform your meal with this aromatic and spicy Paneer Biryani.

• Ingredients:
  • 300 grams paneer, cubed
  • 2 cups basmati rice, washed and drained
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon each of ginger-garlic paste
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon each of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon each of cumin, coriander, and garam masala powder
  • ¹⁄₄ teaspoon turmeric
  • ¹⁄₂ cup mint and coriander leaves, chopped
  • Saffron strands soaked in milk
  • Salt to taste
• Method:
  • Parboil rice with whole spices, drain, and set aside.
  • Sauté onions until golden, add ginger-garlic paste, tomatoes, and spices.
  • Add paneer and herbs, layer with rice, top with saffron milk.
  • Cook on dum (low heat) until rice is fully cooked.

Paneer Parantha

End your paneer recipes journey with this comforting bread stuffed with spiced paneer.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup paneer, crumbled or grated
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon each of cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder
  • ¹⁄₄ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Chopped green chilies, coriander leaves, and ginger
  • Salt to taste
• Method:
  • Prepare a soft dough with flour, salt, and water.
  • Mix paneer with spices, herbs, and salt.
  • Roll out a dough ball, place filling, seal, and roll again to form parantha.
  • Cook on a tawa until both sides are golden brown.

👩‍🍳 Note: Ensure the filling is dry to avoid moisture making the dough sticky.

The journey through these delicious paneer recipes is a celebration of flavors and techniques. From the creamy richness of Paneer Butter Masala to the simplicity of Matar Paneer, there's something here for everyone. These easy paneer recipes not only offer a variety of tastes but also ensure you can enjoy the versatility of paneer in both traditional and modern Indian cuisine. Each dish, whether grilled, simmered, or layered, brings out the best of this beloved cheese, making your kitchen a hub of culinary delight.

Can paneer be used in other cuisines?

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Yes, paneer can be adapted into various cuisines. For instance, you can use it in salads, as a substitute for feta in Mediterranean dishes, or even in grilled skewers in Middle Eastern cuisine.

How do you store paneer?

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Paneer should be kept refrigerated in its original packaging or wrapped in cling film to keep out air and moisture. It lasts for about a week. For longer storage, freeze it, although the texture might change slightly upon thawing.

Is paneer good for weight loss?

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Paneer can be a part of a weight loss diet due to its high protein content which helps in muscle repair and satiety. However, it’s also high in fat, so moderation and the method of preparation are key.