Mild and firm, paneer is a yummy staple of South Asian cuisine. It’s often used to balance the fiery heat of spicy stews and/or add protein to vegetarian dishes. There’s something for everyone on this list of over 30 paneer recipes. From spicy sides to fragrant comfort food, these will definitely hit the spot. There’s even a few dessert options too for those who like their sweets creamy and rich. So put down the parmesan, banish the brie, and get rid of your ricotta. It’s all about paneer and things are about to get cheesy!
1. Paneer Butter Masala
This is a super-rich curry that’s mild and flavorful. It’s a thick, creamy swirl of tomatoes, spices, onions, cashews, and butter. Add chunky cubes of tender paneer and you’ll have a vegetarian curry to die for.
2. Kadai Paneer
Kadai paneer is a popular chunky stew, flavored with ground coriander and red chilies. The secret to a good kadai is roasting the spices beforehand. This deepens their beautiful aromatic flavors. If you really want to wake up your tastebuds, add even more chilies and an extra teaspoon of garam masala.
3. Malai Kofta
In Indian cuisine, kofta generally means meatballs. But there are many vegetarian versions of the traditional dish, like these potato paneer koftas. These doughy balls are made from mashed potato, paneer, and spices. They’re deep-fried, giving them a gorgeously crispy outer shell, and served with a thick tomato gravy.
4. Palak Paneer
Palak paneer is a delicious and healthy side, loaded with spiced spinach. Paneer cubes are simmered in a thick spinach puree for this mild and creamy dish. You can make this a main meal by serving in a big bowl with a side of buttery naan bread and/or fluffy rice.
5. Chilli Paneer
This restaurant-style recipe is a wonderful fusion of Indian and Chinese cuisines. Paneer cubes are fried in a sweet and spicy chili sauce until perfectly browned and fragrant. There are three different versions of the popular dish in this comprehensive recipe – dry, semi-dry, and gravy. Personally, I recommend the gravy because I like my cheese smothered in spicy sauce.
6. Paneer Lababdar
Paneer lababdar is a vegetarian and gluten-free side made from paneer chunks in a rich gravy. There’s a lot going on in this tangy sauce. It’s flavored with onions, cashews, tomatoes, and spices like ginger, garlic, and cardamon.
7. Paneer Tikka
The term ‘tikka’ appears in a lot of Indian dishes and refers to the technique of cooking in a tandoori oven. Given that most of us don’t have access to a traditional tandoor, this recipe keeps things simple. All you’ll need to make a deliciously grilled paneer is your oven (insert sigh of relief here). Simply marinate your paneer, skewer it with some fresh vegetables, and bake. Easy!
8. Paneer Manchurian
This recipe will show you how to make the perfect Manchurian sauce – opening up a whole new world of spicy flavor. Flavored with a dash of soy sauce and aromatic spices including garlic and ginger, you’ll get a very Chinese vibe from this dish. This is fusion food at its most delicious.
9. Paneer 65
A quick starter, or savory snack, paneer 65 is crispy chunks of deep-fried cheese. And if that doesn’t make you drool, I don’t know what will. The paneer is coated in a spicy batter before being dunked into hot oil and fried until golden brown. This crunchy, addictive appetizer is a great choice if you’re looking to impress fellow foodies.
10. Garlic Paneer
You’ll love the simplicity of this easy starter, but don’t be fooled. This quick dish is full of complex flavors. Thick cubes of paneer are sauteed in a spicy garlic seasoning until fragrant. There’s no batter, no frying, and no grease – making this a great healthy choice for anyone watching their diet.
11. Paneer Partha
A traditional North Indian flatbread, paneer partha is a great choice for an unusual breakfast or brunch. This bread-like pancake is stuffed with spiced paneer and heated until beautifully warm and melty. It’s a savory pancake that makes for an irresistible morning meal.
12. Paneer Bhurji
Another beautiful brunch recipe, this paneer bhurji is an Indian-inspired take on scrambled eggs. Scrambled paneer is sauteed with chilies, onions, and tomatoes for a fluffy and hearty breakfast bowl.
13. Paneer Pulao
This easy and healthy vegetarian dish may look simple, but there’s lots of spice in every bite. Toasted chunks of paneer are nestled in fluffy rice and vegetables. It’s a tasty one-pot pilaf that’ll warm you up on chilly evenings.
14. Paneer Biryani
Biryani is one of the most popular rice dishes in Indian cuisine. This version is a bright mix of fragrant rice, chunky paneer, vegetables, and spices. Easy, inexpensive, and very tasty, this is the perfect South Asian comfort food.
15. Paneer Korma
Korma is one of my all-time favorites. Mild, buttery, nutty, and rich – what’s not to love? This vegetarian version is the perfect gateway curry for anyone new to Indian cuisine. It’s delicately spiced and scrumptiously creamy.
16. Achari Paneer
This North Indian snack is a delicious mix of paneer, yogurt, and pickles. Yes, pickles. Onions are pickled in fennel, nigella seed, and fenugreek. They’ll add a zingy flavor to the finished dish, turning it into a sensationally spicy snack.
17. Paneer Pizza
Italy meets India in this unique recipe. This delicious treat is a tasty team-up of two favorite takeout meals. And it tastes crazy good. You’ll top homemade pizza crust with marinara sauce, paneer, bell pepper, onions, and cheese. Bake until it’s melted and try not to eat the whole thing in one sitting.
18. Paneer Sandwich
There are three different variations of this irresistible Indian-style sandwich. Simply crumble some seasoned paneer between toasted bread for the no-bake version and enjoy it with a side of spicy chutney. If you have more time, roast your spices first for a more flavorful filling. If you’re in the mood to cook, saute the stuffing for a warming meal.
19. Paneer Kathi Roll
Kathi rolls are a tasty grab n’ go style street food. They’re made with kebab meats, cooked on skewers, and stuffed into a flaky flatbread. This recipe switches it up with a vegetarian paneer filling. There may not be any meat in these insanely good snacks, but there’s plenty of addictive flavor.
20. Tawa Paneer
Tawa paneer is an appetizing side that works well with rice or meat dishes. It’s a chunky blend of paneer, onions, capsicum, and tomatoes – a bit like an Indian salsa. Scoop it onto naan bread or ladle over rice, this adds a little something special to every meal.
21. Paneer do Pyaza
In Hindi, pyaza means onion. So expect plenty of earthy, pungent flavor in this easy side. Paneer is simmered in a spicy onion, garlic, and ginger paste for this dish. Tomato paste provides a hint of sweetness, while fresh cilantro gives it a fragrant finish.
22. Paneer Pasanda
When I was young, my go-to comfort food was tomato soup and cheese sandwiches. So imagine my delight when I came across this recipe for an Indian-style version! Paneer pasanda consists of fried paneer sandwiches, served in a smooth tomato gravy. If you like your comfort food creamy and buttery, this is the dish for you.
23. Dhingri Dolma
This delicious curry is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s a healthy blend of mushrooms, paneer, vegetables, and plenty of anti-inflammatory spices, all simmered in a rich tomato and onion gravy.
24. Aloo Paneer
Aloo paneer is an easy, comforting curry perfect for cold nights and long days. It’s made with soft potatoes and tender paneer, bubbling together in a mild and nutty sauce. Serve it as a yummy side or make it a main with rice and naan bread.
25. Chhena Poda
This decadent dessert is a bit like a cheesecake, a bit like coffee cake, and all kinds of delicious. It’s baked in banana leaves and flavored with cardamom, giving it a beautifully unique taste.
26. Paneer Jalfrezi
Midweek cooking is all about convenience, and this 20-minute curry will help you get a tasty dinner on the table in record time. It’s a filling stir-fry, made by sauteing chunks of paneer with onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
27. Paneer Bread Roll
You could serve these gorgeously crunchy and savory rolls as finger food at your next party. Or you could eat them straight from the oven with a generous dollop of spicy chutney Either way, you’ll love this drool-worthy recipe. Crisp flatbread is stuffed with a spicy paneer filling and rolled up to form delicious wraps.
28. Paneer Patties
These are kid-friendly snacks, tried and tested by little eaters. So if you want to broaden your kids’ culinary horizons, make them these mildly spiced patties.
29. Paneer Jamun
Paneer jamun is an Indian candy made from cheese, ghee, and sugar. They’re colorful cubes of thick, gummy sweetness. You could serve these as an exotic treat for kids’ parties or baby showers.
30. Sandesh
Originating from Bengali, sandesh is a popular sweet served on festive occasions. It’s definitely candy worth celebrating! Made from paneer, sugar, and cardamom powder, they’re easy to make and extremely easy to eat.
31. Paneer Kheer
Paneer kheer is a rich, milky pudding flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rose water. You can serve this either chilled or warm. Top it with dried fruit and toasted nuts to make it extra decadent.
32. Rasgulla
This spongy sweet is a mouthwatering must-try. It’s made by cooking paneer balls in sugar syrup until light and fluffy. Milky and rich, this is a filling dessert that literally melts in the mouth.
33. Rasmalai
Rasmalai is a luxurious recipe that can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or fragrant dessert. It’s made from paneer dumplings, soaked in sweetened milk. Flavored with saffron and cardamom, this dish is full of delicately sweet spices. Serve it to your special someone because nothing says ‘I love you’ like creamy pudding. Click on a star to rate it!
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