Curry to Kebabs: 7 Paneer-Based Recipes for Every Occasion

Paneer, also known as Indian cottage cheese, is a versatile ingredient in Indian cuisine that can be used to create a plethora of dishes. It is a rich source of protein and calcium, making it a healthy addition to any meal. Paneer-based dishes are loved by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike and are a staple in every Indian household. From traditional recipes like paneer butter masala and palak paneer to modern takes like paneer tikka and paneer bhurji, there is no dearth of innovative ways to incorporate paneer into your meals.

The beauty of paneer is that it can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. It is an incredibly adaptable ingredient that can take on a variety of flavours, spices, and cooking methods. Whether you are looking for a quick snack, a main course, or a dessert, there is a paneer-based recipe out there for every occasion.

Also read - Paneer And Cottage Cheese, Are They The Same Thing?

1. Paneer Parcels - Paneer parcels are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that is perfect for a quick bite or to serve as an appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 200 grams of paneer (cottage cheese)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small tomato, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala powder
• Salt, to taste
• 10-12 spring roll wrappers
• Oil, for frying

Instructions:

• In a bowl, crumble the paneer and add chopped onions, tomatoes, green chili, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well.
• Take one spring roll wrapper and place a tablespoon of the paneer mixture in the centre.
• Fold the wrapper in a triangular shape, making sure to seal the edges well. Repeat this process with the remaining spring roll wrappers and paneer mixture.
• Heat oil in a pan for frying. Once hot, carefully place the paneer parcels in the oil.
• Fry the parcels until they turn golden brown in colour. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
• Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce.

2. Paneer Potato and Corn Balls - Paneer potato and corn balls are a popular vegetarian appetizer that is both delicious and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 200 grams of paneer (cottage cheese), grated
• 2 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1/2 cup of sweet corn, boiled
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup of coriander leaves, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon of ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon of garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala powder
• Salt, to taste
• Bread crumbs, for coating
• Oil, for frying

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix grated paneer, mashed potatoes, boiled sweet corn, chopped onions, coriander leaves, ginger paste, garlic paste, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well.
• Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into balls.
• Roll the balls in bread crumbs to coat them well.
• Heat oil in a deep-frying pan on medium flame.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully add the paneer potato and corn balls to the pan.
• Fry the balls until they turn golden brown in colour.
• Remove from the oil and place them on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
• Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce.
  
  3. Paneer Pita Pockets - Paneer pita pockets are a delicious and healthy snack that can be prepared quickly and easily. Here's a simple recipe to make paneer pita pockets:

Ingredients:

• 200 grams of paneer (cottage cheese), grated
• 4-6 pita bread pockets
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small tomato, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala powder
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon of oil
• Lettuce leaves, sliced cucumber, and tomato slices for filling

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a pan on medium flame.
• Add chopped onions and green chili to the pan and sauté until the onions turn translucent.
• Add chopped tomatoes and sauté for a few more minutes until the tomatoes become soft.
• Add grated paneer to the pan and mix well.
• Add cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes.
• Cut the pita bread pockets in half and fill them with lettuce leaves, sliced cucumber, and tomato slices.
• Stuff the paneer mixture into the pita pockets.
• Serve hot and enjoy your delicious paneer pita pockets!

Note: You can also add other vegetables of your choice such as bell peppers or carrots to the paneer mixture to make it more nutritious.

4. Paneer Schezwan Frankie - Paneer schezwan frankie is a spicy and delicious Indian street food.

Ingredients:

• 200 grams of paneer (cottage cheese), cut into small cubes
• 4-6 frankie or tortilla wraps
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small tomato, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup of schezwan sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder
• Salt, to taste
• Oil, for frying
• Lettuce leaves, sliced cucumber, and tomato slices for filling

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a pan on medium flame.
• Add chopped onions and green chili to the pan and sauté until the onions turn translucent.
• Add chopped tomatoes and sauté for a few more minutes until the tomatoes become soft.
• Add paneer cubes to the pan and mix well.
• Add cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes.
• Add schezwan sauce to the pan and mix well. Cook for a minute or two until the paneer is coated well with the sauce.
• Warm the frankie or tortilla wraps in a pan or microwave.
• Place a lettuce leaf, sliced cucumber, and tomato slices on the wrap.
• Add the paneer schezwan mixture on top of the vegetables.
• Roll the wrap tightly and seal the edges.
• Serve hot and enjoy your delicious paneer schezwan frankie!

Note: You can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots to the paneer mixture to make it more nutritious.

5. Paneer Parsley Dip - Parsley paneer dip is a healthy and flavourful dip that goes well with crackers, chips, and vegetables

• Ingredients:
• 200 grams of paneer (cottage cheese), crumbled
• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper powder
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions:

• In a blender or food processor, add crumbled paneer, finely chopped parsley leaves, minced garlic, black pepper powder, salt, lemon juice, and olive oil.
• Blend or process the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
• Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning as per your preference.
• Transfer the dip to a serving bowl.
• Garnish with a few parsley leaves on top.
• Serve the dip with your favourite crackers, chips, or vegetables.
  
  6. Paneer Aur Hare Chana Salad - Paneer aur hare chana salad is a healthy and nutritious salad that is easy to make and tastes delicious.

Ingredients:

• 200 grams of paneer (cottage cheese), cut into small cubes
• 1 cup of boiled green chana (green chickpeas)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small tomato, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon of chaat masala powder
• Salt, to taste
• Lemon juice, to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnishing

Instructions:

• In a bowl, add paneer cubes, boiled green chana, chopped onions, chopped tomatoes, and chopped green chili.
• Add chaat masala powder and salt to the bowl and mix well.
• Drizzle some lemon juice over the mixture and toss well.
• Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as per your preference.
• Transfer the salad to a serving bowl.
• Garnish the salad with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve the salad chilled and enjoy your delicious and nutritious paneer aur hare chana salad!

Note: You can add other vegetables such as cucumber, bell peppers, or carrots to the salad to make it more nutritious.

7. Paneer Chili Dosa - Paneer chili dosa is a fusion dish that combines the South Indian dosa with Indo-Chinese flavours.

Ingredients for Dosa:

• 1 cup of dosa batter
• Oil, for frying

Ingredients for Paneer Chili:

• 200 grams of paneer (cottage cheese), cut into small cubes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small capsicum, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of tomato ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• Oil, for frying

Instructions:

• Heat a non-stick tawa or griddle on medium flame.
• Pour a ladle full of dosa batter on the tawa and spread it in a circular motion to make a thin dosa.
• Drizzle some oil over the dosa and let it cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Flip the dosa and cook for another minute.
• Remove the dosa from the tawa and keep it aside.
• In a pan, heat oil on medium flame.
• Add chopped onions, chopped capsicum, chopped green chili, and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the onions turn translucent.
• Add paneer cubes to the pan and sauté for a few more minutes until the paneer turns light brown.
• Add soy sauce, tomato ketchup, red chili powder, and salt to the pan. Mix well and cook for a minute or two until the paneer is coated well with the sauce.
• Take a dosa and place a spoonful of paneer chili mixture in the center.
• Fold the dosa from both sides to cover the paneer chili mixture.
• Serve the paneer chili dosa hot with coconut chutney or tomato ketchup.