Easy Paneer Recipes- Indulge in the ever so versatile, humble and an all-time favourite ingredient we all grew up with - paneer. Paneer is a type of fresh cheese common in South Asian cuisine. It's a special favuorite with North Indians, and in eastern parts of the Indian Subcontinent where it is generally referred to as chhena. Paneer is a type of fresh cheese that can be easily made at home. Since it is made with milk, it is naturally loaded with calcium. All you need are three ingredients - milk, lemon juice or vinegar, and a pinch of salt. When you mix the milk and lemon juice, the acidity in the lime causes the milk to separate into curds and whey. Strain the curds and you will get fresh, homemade paneer. Paneer or cottage cheese can be used to make a number of dishes.
With it's delicate milky flavour, paneer can be used in curries or served grilled as a side like the famous Paneer Tikkas from Punjab. In Bengal fresh paneer or chhena is used to make some of the much-loved desserts like rasgulla, rasmalai, chenna murki and many more. If you're buying paneer from the market, remember that you will find two varieties - hard and soft. Though the soft one is preferred by many, one must remember soft cottage cheese stays fresh for a lesser duration as compared to the hard one. Soft cottage cheese is great for salads while the hard one can be used to make snacks or in curries. And the best part? You can enjoy its delicious flavours anytime by ordering some lip-smacking dishes from your favourite food delivery app.
Here are our 13 best paneer recipes that will bring back warm memories and tickle your taste buds:
1. Hot Paneer Sandesh Pudding
With a dessert as healthy as this you don't have to worry about the weighing scale tipping to the wrong side. A guilt free sandesh made with paneer, no sugar and only organic fruits. No more fretting over healthy, vegetarian dessert with this guilt-free, mouth-watering dessert! Find the full recipe here.
2. Til-E-Paneer
Paneer cubes wrapped in an exciting flavor combination. Marinated with sesame seeds and yogurt, baked perfect and served with onion rings. This is a great starter dish for your next dinner party. Pair with a chutney of your choice and you have set the table to feast on! Find the full recipe here.
3. Dum Paneer Kali Mirch
A little black pepper magic is enough to make a recipe deviate from the usual. This paneer recipe is a fragrant curry brightened by black pepper. It has paneer chunks in a luscious creamy gravy with mild spices and black pepper. Serve with steamed rice or any Indian bread to have a wholesome meal. You can exclude the cream if you want to make it low fat. Click here for the recipe.
4. Paneer Kofta
This one is the winner on the table. Koftas never fail to entertain friends and family. Small rounds made with paneer and stuffed with aromatic goodness of raisins and khoya along with various spices, deep fried and simmering hot, doused in a deep, rich gravy. Tastes great with a hot crisp naan or a roti. Find the full recipe here.
5. Paneer Bhurji
The real crowd pleaser! Desi flavours of cottage cheese, tomatoes, dried fenugreek, and cashew nuts dominate the dish. Paneer bhurji can also be cooked for a light brunch or as a side dish for dinner. Click here for the full recipe.
6. Paneer Malpua
A delicious Indian dessert, Malpuas are popular, pancake like Indian dessert from North India which is usually prepared on festivals and special occasions. This version of malpua is made with paneer and khoya. This paneer Malpua is not only tasty but also a healthy dessert. Sugar syrup adds to a wonderful taste. Find the full recipe of paneer malpua here.
7. Paneer Makhni Biryani
Simple yet stylish. Fried cottage cheese cubes doused in a creamy gravy, layered with rice and cooked 'dum' style. Paneer makhni biryani is a perfect biryani recipe for vegetarians and a paneer lover's delight! Find the full recipe of paneer makhni biryani here.
8. Multani Paneer Tikka
Give the good old paneer tikka a new makeover. Here's an interesting recipe, paneer and vegetables are imbued with aromatic herbs and spices, wrapped in a besan mixture. It also boasts of the goodness of mushrooms in this paneer recipe! Click here for the recipe. Or, order it quickly from your favourite food delivery app.
9. Roomali Paneer and Chutney Butter
Throw in a little creativity and rustle up something new. Jammed with chutney and nuts, paneer pinwheels are baked with an aromatic butter crust. With inventive twists, this recipe is worth the effort. Find the full recipe here.
10. Paneer Kadhai Masala and Ajwain Rotis
This fiery dish often ordered at restaurants can now be re-created at home. Paneer, spices, tomatoes, and chillies tossed together and served with ajwain rotis. This dish boasts of a myriad of spices and healthy ajwain rotis. Find the full recipe here.
11. Paneer Butter Masala
A delicious and rich butter based paneer dish, cooked in a creamy, milk gravy with the goodness of tomato and onion. Perfect for dinner parties, this paneer recipe is a very popular one with an aroma that will instantly palpitate your taste buds. Click here for the full recipe of paneer butter masala.
12. Paneer Popcorn
Paneer popcorn is the vegetarian variation of classic chicken popcorn. You don't need to do a lot of preparation to make paneer popcorn, all you need to do is season the paneer, coat it in batter and fry it!
13. Honey Chilli Paneer
Honey chilli paneer is a delicious variation of our favourite honey chilli potato. This dish soothes the foodie heart with its sweet and spicy flavours.
Is Paneer Healthy?
Yes, paneer is considered healthy when eaten in moderation. It's rich in protein and calcium, making it great for bone health and muscle building. However, it's also high in fat, so portion control is important, especially for those watching calories or cholesterol.
Paneer Storage Tips: How To Keep It Fresh Longer
Refrigerate Immediately
Store paneer in an airtight container in the refrigerator as soon as possible to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odours.Soak in Fresh Water
Keep paneer submerged in cold water inside the container. Change the water daily to maintain freshness and softness.Add Salt for Longer Shelf Life
Mix a pinch of salt into the water to help preserve paneer for an extra day or two.Freeze for Extended Storage
If you need to store paneer for more than 2–3 days, wrap it in cling film or foil, place it in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze. Thaw in warm water before use.Avoid Leaving It Out
Paneer spoils quickly at room temperature. Never leave it out for more than 2 hours, especially in warm climates.
Most paneer recipes are quick and easy and go extremely well with rotis, naan or parathas. The best part is - paneer dishes are also creamy and delicious. Go on and try all of these to impress your friends and family.
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