Ella Walter
Indian cuisine is famous for its delicious paneer dishes. Paneer is a type of non-melting, fresh cheese with a firm and springy texture, similar to halloumi. It's made by curdling hot milk with an acidic ingredient like lemon juice, and it's widely used in Indian cooking as a vegetarian source of protein and calcium. There are many dishes that can be made with paneer, including curries, rice dishes, snacks, appetisers, and even desserts. Some popular paneer dishes include palak paneer, paneer butter masala, chilli paneer, and paneer pakora. Whether you're a vegetarian or a meat-eater, paneer is a versatile and tasty ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Main course, side dish, snack, dessert |
| Cuisine | Indian, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Persian |
| Texture | Soft, crumbly, chewy, meaty, springy |
| Flavor | Mild |
| Melting Point | High |
| Common Forms | Cubes, scrambled, unset |
| Common Ingredients | Spinach, gravy, rice, chickpeas, vegetables, spices, nuts, seeds |
| Example Dishes | Palak paneer, saag paneer, chilli paneer, paneer tikka masala, paneer curry, paneer pasanda, paneer popcorn, paneer pizza pockets, paneer pakora, paneer paratha, paneer cheesecake |
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What You'll Learn
Curries
Paneer is a basic kind of non-melting cheese used in Indian cuisine. It is widely used in curries, and there are many different types of paneer curries to try.
One of the most popular is paneer butter masala, a creamy, silky, and flavorful curry. The curry is cooked in butter, giving it its characteristic buttery flavor, and includes spices, onions, tomatoes, cashews, and cream. Saag paneer is another well-loved vegetarian dish, made with mixed greens and paneer, and served with rice or roti.
For a simple yet flavorful dish, try kadai paneer gravy, made with freshly ground kadai masala spices and bell peppers. Malai paneer is another simple curry where paneer is pan-fried and served in a creamy gravy without tomatoes. This goes well with yellow rice, jeera rice, roti, or parathas.
If you're looking for a more indulgent dish, try malai kofta curry, a popular North Indian dish. It's made with crisp-fried paneer, potatoes, spices, and herbs, served in a creamy malai gravy. This recipe is often reserved for special occasions or parties.
Paneer curries can be spiced up with fresh chillies, or kept mild with cinnamon, garam masala, curry powder, and paprika.
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Rice dishes
Paneer is a type of Indian cheese that is widely used in rice dishes, curries, snacks, appetizers, and even desserts. Here are some delicious rice dishes that can be made using paneer:
Paneer Pulao
Paneer Pulao is a fragrant and mildly spiced one-pot rice dish. It is made with freshly ground pulao masala, basmati rice, onions, spices, herbs, and paneer. The rice is cooked with whole spices and vegetables like onions, peas, and carrots, and then topped with crisp, pan-fried paneer. This dish can be served with raita, mango pickle, roasted papad, or a side salad.
Paneer Fried Rice
Paneer fried rice is an Indian-Chinese fusion dish that is comfort food for many. It is made by stir-frying rice with vegetables, spices, and sauces, and then adding fried paneer cubes. This dish can be customised with a variety of vegetables and sauces to suit one's taste. It is a protein-rich meal that can be served with Manchurian or any gravy-based curries.
Spicy Paneer Fried Rice
This dish is made by marinating cold paneer with thick yoghurt, ground spices, and salt, and then frying it. The fried paneer is then added to the fried rice and mixed well. This dish can be made with precooked rice, and the level of spiciness can be adjusted to one's preference.
Yellow Rice with Malai Paneer
Malai Paneer is a curry made with pan-fried paneer in a creamy gravy. It tastes delicious when served with yellow rice, jeera rice, or rotis and parathas. This dish does not use tomatoes but still has a fabulous flavour and colour.
Saag Paneer with Rice
Saag Paneer is a restaurant favourite, made with mixed greens and pan-fried paneer. It is a flavourful veggie curry that goes well with rice or tandoori roti. The base of the curry is made with spinach, giving it an earthy flavour and a vibrant green colour.
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Snacks
Paneer is a basic kind of non-melting Indian cheese used in a variety of dishes. It is a common source of protein and calcium for vegetarians. Here are some snack ideas that can be made with paneer:
Paneer Cutlets
Paneer cutlets, also known as paneer tikki, are Indian pan-fried patties made with paneer, spices, and vegetables. The patty dough is spiced with Indian spices like ginger, red chilli powder, turmeric, and garam masala. The dough is then shaped into patties and pan-fried, baked, or air-fried until crisp.
Garlic Paneer
Garlic paneer is a dry dish made by tossing paneer in a spicy and hot homemade garlic sauce. The sauce is made with fresh garlic, red chillies, salt, vinegar, and sugar, and is blended into a coarse paste before being tossed in hot oil. The paneer is then added to the sauce and tossed until coated.
Paneer Tikka
Paneer tikka is a high-fat, gluten-free, vegetarian, and high-protein snack. It is made by pan-frying paneer with oil and spices. This snack is keto-friendly and can be made in an air fryer or pan-fried on a stove.
Paneer Sandwich
A paneer sandwich is made by spreading hung curd or strained yogurt on French baguette bread. Then add lettuce, garlic paneer, and load with fresh onions, tomatoes, and grated carrots.
Paneer Pasanda
Paneer Pasanda is a dish of pan-fried stuffed sandwiches served with a creamy and rich gravy.
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Appetisers
There are numerous appetisers that can be made with paneer, a type of Indian cheese with a low-moisture content that keeps its texture firm and springy even when cooked.
One option is to make garlic paneer, a quick, easy, and delicious appetiser made with Indian cheese, garlic, red chillies, and spices. This dish can be made healthier by tossing the paneer in a wok or pan. The garlic paneer can be served hot as a starter or side with fried rice, noodles, or wraps.
Another appetiser option is to make chilli paneer, a popular Indo-Chinese dish made by tossing crisp paneer in a sweet, sour, and hot chilli sauce. This dish is commonly served as street food with hakka noodles.
Paneer 65 is another appetiser option, made by coating chunks of paneer in a spicy batter before dunking them into hot oil and frying them until golden brown. This crunchy dish is sure to impress fellow foodies.
Spiced pan-fried paneer is another easy appetiser option that can be made in 15 minutes. The paneer pieces are nicely browned on the outside and chewy in the centre.
Finally, a simple way to prepare paneer as an appetiser is to marinate it for a few minutes before grilling to form a charred crust.
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Desserts
Paneer is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. Here are some delicious dessert recipes that feature paneer:
Paneer Kheer
Paneer kheer is a delightful twist on the traditional Indian kheer, a milk-based creamy dessert. Instead of rice, this version uses crumbled paneer, resulting in a smooth and rich texture. It can be garnished with fried dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and raisins. Paneer kheer can be served warm or chilled and is a perfect dessert for festive celebrations or when you crave something sweet and comforting.
Paneer Sandesh
Soft and delicate, paneer sandesh is a Bengali speciality. It is made with fresh paneer and often served chilled. This dessert is subtly sweet and pairs well with a cup of chai or as an after-dinner treat. It is often garnished with pistachios or saffron, adding a hint of luxury to this light dessert.
Paneer Jalebi
Paneer jalebi is a unique twist on the traditional Indian sweet jalebi. It is made by frying the batter in a distinctive circular shape and then soaking it in sugar syrup. The addition of paneer gives it a crispy exterior and a juicy, soft interior, creating a delightful texture contrast.
Paneer Pudding
Paneer pudding is a soft and indulgent dessert that combines paneer, milk, and sugar. The result is a smooth, rich custard with hints of vanilla or cardamom. This dessert can be served warm or chilled and is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a quiet moment of bliss.
Paneer Rasmalai
Paneer rasmalai is a traditional Bengali dessert featuring soft, spongy paneer dumplings soaked in sweet, saffron-infused milk. It is topped with cardamom and pistachios, creating a fragrant and rich dessert experience. The creamy texture and vibrant flavours make it ideal for celebrating special occasions.
Date Paneer Cheesecake
This innovative cheesecake replaces cream cheese with paneer, resulting in a firm texture. It is sweetened with dates and can be topped with chocolate, adding a touch of sweetness. This dessert is diabetic-friendly and can be made in smaller portions for parties or get-togethers.
These dessert recipes showcase the versatility of paneer, proving that it can be moulded, mashed, and flavoured to create irresistible sweets that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
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Frequently asked questions
Paneer is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. Here are some easy recipes:
- Spiced skewers
- Grilled dishes
- Wraps
- Pakoras
- Fritters
- Salads
Paneer is used in many popular curries, including:
- Palak paneer
- Paneer makhani
- Malai paneer
- Paneer butter masala
- Saag paneer
- Matar paneer
- Paneer pasanda
While paneer is commonly used in curries, it can also be used to make unique dishes such as:
- Paneer pizza pockets
- Paneer paratha
- Paneer popcorn
- Paneer pakora
- Paneer satay with peanut sauce
- Paneer cheesecake
Paneer is a type of cheese that can be added to almost any dish as a source of protein and calcium for vegetarians. It is commonly used in Indian cuisine and can be added to:
- Curries
- Rice dishes
- Snacks
- Appetizers
- Desserts
- Sandwiches
- Scrambled dishes
