Welcome to the magnificent world of paneer recipes, a compilation that promises to enchant your palate with over 30 spellbinding Indian paneer creations, ranging from restaurant-grade masterpieces to comforting home-style dishes.
This collection is a testament to the versatility of paneer. It includes not only restaurant-style and healthy home-style recipes from across the North and South of India but also easy snacks and beloved Indian sweets crafted from paneer, or chenna.
About Paneer
Paneer is a staple non-melting fresh cheese and an essential part of Indian cuisine. It holds a special place in the hearts and kitchens of vegetarian and non-vegetarian households alike.
Revered for its high protein and calcium content, especially among vegetarians, it is India’s favorite cheese.
Unlike other cheeses, paneer is unaged and made by curdling milk with a food acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, resulting in a soft, crumbly texture that is both versatile and delicious, ready to be transformed into an array of delightful recipes.
The texture of paneer closely resembles that of cottage cheese, yet it lacks the saltiness, making it ideal for cutting into cubes, frying, or crumbling over various dishes.
Its ability to soak up flavors makes it an ideal candidate for a variety of dishes, ranging from savory curries, quick appetizers, snacks, or sweet desserts.
This article explores a variety of paneer recipes that showcase its adaptability across appetizers, main courses, and even salads.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or new to Indian cuisine, these recipes offer a delicious journey through the rich flavors and textures that paneer can bring to a meal.
Paneer finds its way into a multitude of dishes, from curries and rice dishes to snacks, appetizers, and even desserts, highlighting its ability to blend seamlessly into both spicy, savory, and sweet creations. Its popularity shines in classic gravies like smooth and silky Paneer Makhani
or the nutritious Palak Paneer, although these well-known dishes barely scratch the surface of paneer’s potential.
Whether you are craving the smoky flavor of Paneer Tikka, the rich indulgence of Paneer Korma, or the comforting simplicity of homemade Paneer Bhurji, this collection has something to please everyone.
Vegan Paneer Alternatives:
If you are into a vegan diet or are lactose intolerant, and can’t have these versatile paneer dishes.
Fortunately, there are some satisfying vegan alternatives to dairy products, allowing everyone to enjoy a range of dishes from savory curries to sumptuous sweets without compromising on taste or ethics.
1. Tofu
Tofu is a great vegan swap for paneer, as it merges beautifully with Indian spices. It’s made from soybeans and has a similar texture. Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best paneer-like feel. You can marinate, fry, or add it directly into dishes like Tofu Paneer, Vegan Palak Paneer, or Tofu Tikka Masala. To make it taste more like paneer, try pressing out the water and adding lemon juice or nutritional yeast.
2. Tempeh
Tempeh is a soy product with a nutty taste and a bit of a grainy texture, making it a good paneer alternative for adding texture to your meals. It works well marinated and added to salads, wraps, and curries.
3. Nut-Based Paneer
If you are not into soy or are avoiding soy, try making paneer from nuts like almonds or cashews. Soak, blend, and set the mixture with lemon juice or vinegar for a flavorful, soy-free paneer substitute. It’s great in desserts or curries.
4. Chickpea Flour Paneer
There is also a vegan chickpea flour paneer variation. Chickpea flour (besan) can also make a soy-free and nut-free paneer alternative. Mix it with water and a coagulant to get a firm block. This high-protein option can be used in various dishes, adding a mild, earthy taste.
This paneer recipe collection is more than just a cookbook; it’s an invitation to explore the rich flavors and diverse textures of Indian cuisine through the lens of paneer.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, these recipes promise to transform your cooking experience and introduce you to new favorites that will become staples in your kitchen.
I prefer to make homemade paneer to use in my recipes, but all these dishes can be made with store-bought paneer.
Highlighted among the treasures is the Paneer Butter Masala Recipe, a curry lover’s dream featuring soft paneer cubes bathed in a creamy, aromatic curry that rivals any restaurant offering.
This and every other recipe in the collection is designed to bring restaurant-quality meals into the comfort of your home, using pantry staples to create flavors that linger in memory.
Beyond gravies, explore the kingdom of appetizers with recipes like Paneer Tikka and Paneer 65, or dive into the comfort of home-style dishes like Paneer Jalfrezi. For those with a sweet tooth, the collection includes traditional and quick sweets like Rasmalai, Rajbhog, Chum Chum, Rasgulla, and Malai Ladoo, all made from the versatile chenna.
1.) Best Kalakand Recipe
Kalakand is a popular and delicious Indian sweet dish made by reducing milk and sugar along with paneer (cottage cheese). It has a soft and grainy texture.
2.) Chilli Paneer
Chilli Paneer, is a popular Indo-Chinese style starter or appetizer. This dish has Indian cottage cheese (paneer) and a spicy sauce.
3.) Dhaba Style Malai Kofta Recipe
Dhaba Style Malai Kofta is a rich and gluten free curry made using potatoes, and cottage cheese kebabs. These kebabs are dunked into onion tomaoto sacue.
4.) Fruit and Nut Couscous Paneer Pudding with Chocolate
This Fruit and Nut Couscous Paneer Pudding is rich, creamy with a classic texture. It has similarity to Indian rice pudding, aka Kheer. Serve as dessert.
5.) Hara Bhara Kabab
Hara Bhara Kabab is a popular appetizer or snack made with spinach, potatoes, peas, spices, and herbs. It tastes great with ketchup and Chai.
6.) Hariyali Paneer Tikka
Hariyali Paneer Tikka is a delectable appetizer that combines the paneer with a green marinade made from fresh herbs like mint and coriander.
7.) How to Make Paneer (Step-by-Step-Video)
This paneer recipe includes a simple video tutorial on How to Make Paneer at Home. With this easy recipe make your best Homemade Paneer each time.
8.) How to Make Soft Rasmalai At Home - Homemade Ras Malai
Rasmalai is a popular Bengali dessert where flattened cottage cheese balls are cooked in sugar syrup and then soaked in sweet, saffron flavored milk syrup.
9.) Indian Milk Cake (Alwar Ka Mawa)
Indian Milk Cake aka Alwar Ka Mawa is a traditional Indian milk fudge prepared with full cream milk, sugar, ghee, and a coagulant. Making this is very simple.
10.) Instant Pot Butter Paneer Recipe
This super easy, creamy, and delicious restaurant style butter paneer recipe is ready under 25 minutes. Enjoy the restaurant style Indian meal at home.
11.) Instant Pot Matar Paneer - Pressure Cooker Peas and Paneer
Learn to cook this classic, super easy and flavorful Instant Pot Matar Paneer Recipe cooked in a spicy, rich, and creamy gravy.
12.) Kadai Paneer
Kadai Paneer is a popular Indian curry where paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and bell peppers are cooked in tomato gravy with kadai masala. Serve with naan.
13.) Malai Ladoo
Malai Ladoo or Paneer Ladoo is a creamy, delicious, and melt-in-mouth sweet made with just a few basic ingredients. Great for Diwali, Holi.
14.) Mango Kalakand
Mango Kalakand is a delectable Indian dessert (mithai) made from whole milk and mango puree. This one-pan dessert is made from scratch.
15.) Matar Paneer - Peas and Cottage Cheese Curry
Restaurant Style Matar Paneer is a famous creamy and comfy Punjabi curry recipe hailing from the Northern part of India. Goes well with any bread or rice.
16.) Mix Veg Recipe
Mix Veg or Mixed Vegetable recipe is an Indian side dish made using lots of assorted fresh vegetables, and spices. Goes well with roti, naan.
17.) Mughlai Navratan Korma - White Gravy Navratan Kurma
Mughlai Navratan Korma is a Royal Vegetarian Indian Curry. It hails from Mughlai cuisine. This restaurant style curry makes a wonderful side dish.
18.) Palak Paneer - Spinach and Indian Cottage Cheese Gravy
Palak Paneer is one of the most popular Indian curries cooked with spinach and paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Make best palak paneer with this video recipe.
19.) Paneer Afghani
Paneer Afghani Curry is a rich, classic, and flavorful side dish made with paneer, yogurt, cashews, and a green gravy. Perfect side dish.
20.) Paneer Bhurji Dry - Scrambled Paneer (Video Recipe)
Paneer Burji or scrambled Indian cottage cheese is a healthy and quick paneer dish cooked with onion, tomatoes and spices. Goes great with roti, paratha.
21.) Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
Make the ultimate Paneer Butter Masala recipe: creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor. Perfect with naan or rice. Easy to make at home.
22.) Paneer Jalfrezi
Paneer Jalfrezi is a delicious vegetarian stir-fry curry that has a heavenly melange of paneer, onions, and bell peppers in a spicy onion tomato sauce.
23.) Paneer Khurchan
Paneer khurchan is a very delicious and easy North Indian curry recipe prepared with paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Ready in 30 minutes.
24.) Paneer Korma Recipe | Shahi Paneer Korma Curry
Paneer Korma Or Paneer Kurma is a Mughlai vegetarian curry where paneer is cooked in a creamy onion and nut based gravy. Perfect with naan.
25.) Paneer Lababdar Recipe
Paneer Lababdar recipe is a rich, creamy, and delicious North Indian curry made with paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese) and spicy gravy. Best served with naan.
26.) Paneer Manchurian
Paneer Manchurian is a spicy, and delightful Indo-Chinese dish which is considered to be one of the most delicious Indo-Chinese recipes.
27.) Paneer Pakora
Paneer Pakora is a quick and delicious deep-fried Indian snack made using paneer (Indian cottage cheese), gram flour, and some spices.
28.) Paneer Paratha
Paneer Paratha is a popular Indian flatbread stuffed with a delightful mixture of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), onions, and spices.
29.) Paneer Pasanda
Paneer Pasanda is a popular and delicious Indian curry dish made with paneer and a rich, creamy sauce that is infused with spices.
30.) Paneer Pulao
Paneer pulao is a fragrant, healthy, delicious, and mildly spiced paneer rice prepared with paneer, basmati rice, herbs, and spices.
31.) Paneer Stuffed Naan Recipe
Indian Paneer Stuffed Naan — this crispy Indian Naan is stuffed with a classic and delectable mixture of Indian paneer, onions and some spices.
32.) Paneer Tikka
Learn how to make succulent paneer tikka at home! A healthy, gluten-free dish with crispy edges, soft inside. Perfect for BBQs.
33.) Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe (Restaurant Style Paneer Tikka Masala Curry) is a popular North Indian curry which is extremely delicious, saucy, and luscious.
34.) Potato Paneer Stuffed Roasted Red Cabbage Cones
Potato Paneer Stuffed Roasted Red Cabbage Cones is an easy and delicious gluten free recipe. Omit paneer to make it vegan. Serve it as a snack or a side dish.
35.) Rajasthani Govind Gatta Curry - Govind Gatte Ki Sabji
Govind Gatta is a delicious curry where gram flour stuffed with paneer dumplings are boiled, fried and cooked in onion, yogurt gravy. Goes well with roti.
36.) Rajbhog Recipe - Kesar Rasgulla
Rajbhog is a popular and traditional Bengali Sweet. Here, crushed dry fruit stuffed paneer cheese balls are cooked in a saffron cardamom flavored sugar syrup.
37.) Rasgulla Recipe - How To Make Soft and Spongy Rasgulla
Spongy Rasgulla is a popular Indian sweet recipe where melt-in-mouth soft paneer balls are cooked in a sugar syrup. Learn to make Bengali rasgulla at home.
38.) Restaurant Style Paneer Do Pyaza Recipe
Learn How To Make Restaurant Style Paneer Do Pyaza recipe with a quick step-by-step video tutorial. Onions and paneer are dunked in a creamy rich sauce.
39.) Tawa Paneer
Discover the delectable world of Tawa Paneer, a rich and flavorful Indian dish featuring paneer (cottage cheese) infused with aromatic spices.
40.) TikTok Tortilla Wrap Hack (6 Vegetarian Filling Ideas)
This mesmerizing tortilla wrap hacking works with all the things, and the filling options are limitless. You can create any wrap with this hack.
41.) Vegetable Jalfrezi
Vegetable Jalfrezi or Veg Jalfrezi is a mixed vegetable stir-fry that goes well with any type of flatbreads and rice! It also tastes delicious.
