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This article is a part of Slurrp’s Back To School series, where we provide all the tips, recipes and guidance parents need to ensure that children resuming school this year get all the food and nutrition they need and deserve.
Think about the easiest ingredient every Indian parent or guardian can easily transform into a plethora of delicacies for kid's lunch box and you might inevitably think of paneer. Available easily and fresh across India, paneer is mostly sold in large and white slabs. These slabs can be chopped a million ways and even grated for use, and because it is very easy to cook quickly, paneer can be adapted into as many dishes for your kids tiffin box as you like.
But what, apart from the variety of recipes you can cook up with paneer, are the benefits of giving your kid a paneer-packed tiffin box? Paneer is a rich source of high-quality protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Including paneer in tiffin recipes provides children with the necessary nutrients for growth, development, and overall health. Paneer is a filling food that provides sustained energy throughout the day. It helps keep children satiated and prevents hunger pangs, ensuring they stay focused and energized during school hours.
But that’s not all, because paneer dishes are usually vegetarian and very easy to share. Get your kid some amazing paneer dishes for their lunch box and they will inevitably have a good time sharing it with their friends. Here are 10 amazing paneer recipes for kids tiffin box.
Video Credit: YouTube/Chef Ranveer Brar
Paneer Tikka
Paneer tikka is an easy and tasty recipe for kids' lunch boxes. Cut paneer into cubes and marinate them with yogurt, spices, and lemon juice. Skewer the paneer cubes and cook them on a stovetop or in the oven until golden and slightly charred. Pack them in the lunch box with a side of mint chutney for a protein-rich, flavorful, and kid-friendly meal option.
Paneer Popcorn
Crunchy, tasty and perfectly shareable, these paneer popcorns are perfect for your kid’s lunch box. Cut paneer into bite-sized cubes and marinate them with spices and a touch of cornflour. Coat the paneer cubes with breadcrumbs and shallow fry until crispy and golden. These bite-sized delights offer a protein-rich alternative to regular popcorn, making them a crunchy and wholesome addition to kids' lunchtime enjoyment.
Paneer Roll
Easy to eat and absolutely filling, this paneer roll is a must-have for your kid’s lunch box. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and paneer cubes with spices. Spread a chapati or tortilla with a layer of mint chutney and place the paneer mixture on top. Roll it tightly and slice into bite-sized rolls. These flavorful and protein-packed rolls make a convenient and satisfying meal for kids on the go.
Paneer Bhurji Quesadilla
Paneer bhurji quesadilla is a fusion twist perfect for kids' lunch boxes. Sauté crumbled paneer with onions, tomatoes, and spices. Take a tortilla, spread the paneer bhurji mixture, sprinkle cheese, and fold it in half. Toast on a pan until crispy and the cheese melts. This flavorful and cheesy quesadilla offers a protein-rich and kid-friendly lunch option that will surely be devoured with delight.
Paneer Cheese Pakoda
This one isn’t just perfect for your kid’s lunch box, but also monsoon season! Mix grated paneer, shredded cheese, gram flour, spices, and herbs to form a thick batter. Dip paneer slices in the batter and deep fry until golden and crispy. These cheesy pakodas are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible treat that kids will enjoy during lunchtime.
Paneer Corn Sandwich
Give your regular sandwich a monsoon-special twist with this one. Mix crumbled paneer, sweet corn kernels, bell peppers, and spices. Spread the filling between two slices of bread, add a layer of cheese, and grill until golden and the cheese melts. This flavorful sandwich combines the creaminess of paneer, the sweetness of corn, and the goodness of veggies, making it a delightful and wholesome lunchtime choice for kids.
Malai Paneer Burrito
The easiest way to make this one is by using leftiver malai paneer, but you can also make it from scratch. Sauté paneer cubes with onions, tomatoes, and spices, then add a touch of cream for richness. Warm a tortilla, spread the paneer mixture, and add lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of yogurt dressing. Roll it tightly and slice into burrito-sized pieces. This fusion-inspired burrito offers a flavorful and protein-packed meal that kids will savor.
Chilli Paneer Sticks
Chilli paneer sticks are a flavorful and easy-to-eat snack for kids' lunch boxes. Cut paneer into long, thin sticks and marinate them in a spicy sauce. Coat the paneer sticks in a mixture of breadcrumbs and cornflour, then bake or shallow fry until crispy. These tangy and spicy paneer sticks provide a protein-rich, finger-friendly option that kids will love to munch on during lunchtime.
Palak Paneer Roll
Another one that you can rustle up with leftovers or also make from scratch. Blend spinach with spices to create a vibrant palak puree. Sauté paneer with onions, tomatoes, and the palak puree. Spread the mixture on a roti or tortilla, add a sprinkle of cheese, and roll it up tightly. These green rolls provide a wholesome combination of spinach, paneer, and flavors, making it a kid-friendly lunchtime treat.
Paneer Samosa
Replace potaoes with paneer, and you can give this classic a protein-packed twist for your kid. Prepare a filling by combining crumbled paneer, peas, potatoes, and aromatic spices. Stuff the mixture into samosa wrappers and seal them. Deep fry or bake until golden and crispy. These bite-sized treats offer a flavorful and protein-rich option that kids will enjoy during lunchtime, adding a touch of excitement to their meal.
