Paneer, also known as “Indian cottage cheese” is one of the most versatile and enticing food items from South-Asian cuisine. A popular north Indian ingredient, Paneer is also known as ‘chhenna’ in eastern parts of India. Protein and calcium are naturally contained in paneer, making it the perfect substitute for non-vegetarian protein sources. To savor Paneer in its finest form, try these stunning recipes:
12 Famous Paneer Dishes In India
1. Paneer Butter Masala
Butter with Paneer sounds like a delicious combination, and so it is. It is said that this dish originated in Delhi’s Moti Mahal Restaurant where the Punjabis invented this epic dish using north Indian spices and flavors. This flavorful curry is made of rich Indian spices, onions, tomatoes, cashews, and paneer. This rich, creamy curry is certainly a foodie’s dream.
2. Palak Paneer
Punjab is home to most of the world’s best paneer dishes. Palak paneer is the amalgamation of spinach puree and paneer to form this amazingly delicious recipe. Aside from the unique taste, texture, and flavors of spinach and paneer, we are well aware of the health benefits it provides.
3. Mughlai Paneer
Mughlai paneer, also known as Shahi paneer comes all the way from the royal kitchens of Mughal emperors. The royal kitchens introduced various aromatic herbs and spices to India. This luxurious, rich, creamy gravy of shahi paneer is made of hung curd, onions, and nuts. This dish is known as the “food for royalty” because of its enchanting ingredients and taste.
4. Chilli Paneer
Paneer with some Chinese twist? Oh yes! This dish can make you drool just by the name of it. Chilli paneer comes in three different varieties i.e. dry, gravy, and semi-dry. Marinated in exotic herbs and spices, Paneer is then fried crisp and added to sautéed veggies especially onions and bell peppers. Finally, they are coated with spicy chili-garlic sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
5. Paneer Tikka
This is the most famous North Indian appetizer you’ll find in any Indian restaurant. It is easy to cook and extremely delicious to bite on. All you need to do is marinate the paneer chunks and diced veggies in tandoori spiced yogurt. Once that’s done, skewer them and grill them on a stovetop, oven, or air fryer. Enhance your taste by adding some mint chutney to the platter.
6. Paneer Pakora
Paneer pakora is an excellent pick for the instant snack cravings for you and your family. These are quite easy to make and are incredibly tasty. Prepare the marination that consists of besan and flavorful spices in a bowl. Marinate the paneer chunks evenly and stir fry. These crispy, flavorful paneer pakoras are a total hit.
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7. Paneer Bhurji
Paneer Bhurji aka scrambled paneer is one of the most unchallenging paneer dishes and it is yummy to the core. It is a quick and delicious option if you are in a hurry. Just crackle some spices in a hot pan, add veggies, and lastly add the crushed paneer. Cook it for 15 mins at least and it’s done. Enjoy it with some bread or phulkas.
8. Paneer Parantha
Indian flatbreads can be made in several different ways. You can be extremely experimental when it comes to Paranthas. The Paneer in the parantha can be used as stuffing or mixed directly into the dough. Don’t forget to add your favorite chutney or dahi raita to enhance the flavors.
9. Paneer Popcorn
Paneer popcorn is an appetizing snack option for your evening cravings. You’ll be blown by the crispy, crumbly texture of these popcorns. The paneer cubes are well-coated in the batter containing flour and spices. After that, these are tossed one by one in the bread crumbles and fried. For the extra crunch, give it a double coat and fry. Serve it with some ketchup on the side and enjoy!
10. Paneer Biryani
If you are a vegetarian and can’t enjoy the authentic taste of Biryani, this Paneer Biryani recipe comes to the rescue. It can be made in the absolute same way by just substituting chicken with paneer. To make the Biryani extremely flavorful and delish, it should be dum-cooked or steam cooked instead of a pot.
11. Kalakand
Your taste buds will be flooded with love, sweetness, and juicy flavors as you indulge in this milky delight. The best part is that these are made in no time with very limited ingredients i.e. paneer, milk, sugar, and some cardamom powder for garnishing. These can be a perfect dessert option for your Diwali get-togethers and other various occasions.
12. Rasmalai
A classic Indian dessert coming from Bengali cuisine is, Rasmalai. There is nothing better than such succulent, creamy, spongy treats. Rasmalais are infused with such delicacy and flavors that you will be left spellbound by every bite.
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