Paneer, or Indian cottage cheese, is a beloved ingredient in North Indian homes and restaurants. Rich in protein and calcium, this vegetarian staple offers incredible versatility—used in everything from snacks and gravies to even desserts.
According to USDA data, 100 grams of paneer contains around 11 grams of protein, making it both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you enjoy a rich curry like Shahi Paneer or the comforting classic Saag Paneer, paneer truly holds a special place in Indian cuisine.
Here are three traditional paneer recipes every Indian food lover should try:
1. Shahi Paneer
Prep Time: 15 minutes   Cook Time: 25 minutes   Serves: 4
A regal Mughlai dish, Shahi Paneer features soft paneer cubes simmered in a rich gravy of cream, cashews, and tomato, finished with fragrant spices like cardamom and saffron. It pairs best with butter naan or jeera rice and is a favorite at Indian restaurant downtown.
Ingredients:
250 g paneer (cubed)
2 onions (sliced)
3 tomatoes (pureed)
12 cashews (soaked)
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp ghee
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp Kashmiri chili powder
Salt to taste
Pinch of saffron
Coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Blend soaked cashews and onions into a smooth paste.
2. Heat ghee, add the paste, and sauté until golden.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste, then tomato puree and spices. Cook until oil separates.
4. Add cream, saffron, salt, and paneer. Simmer 8 minutes.
5. Garnish with coriander and serve hot.
2. Saag Paneer
Prep Time: 10 minutes   Cook Time: 20 minutes   Serves: 3–4
A rustic and nutrient-packed dish, Saag Paneer combines spinach and mustard greens with pan-fried paneer in a spiced base. Commonly enjoyed with makki di roti, it’s a comforting choice at any Indian food main street location.
Ingredients:
300 g spinach and mustard greens (blanched and pureed)
200 g paneer (cubed)
2 tbsp ghee
1 medium onion (chopped)
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1 green chili (chopped)
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp turmeric
Salt to taste
2 tbsp cream or yogurt
Instructions:
1. Heat ghee and add cumin seeds.
2. Sauté onions, green chili, and ginger-garlic paste.
3. Add turmeric and spinach puree. Cook for 10 minutes.
4. Add fried paneer cubes, salt, and cream. Stir gently.
5. Simmer for 3–4 more minutes and serve hot.
3. Kadai Paneer
Prep Time: 10 minutes   Cook Time: 15 minutes   Serves: 4
Known for its bold flavors and smoky aroma, Kadai Paneer features bell peppers, onions, and paneer stir-fried in freshly ground spices. It’s a top pick at any Commercial Drive Indian restaurant.
Ingredients:
250 g paneer (cubed)
1 onion (cubed)
1 bell pepper (cubed)
2 tomatoes (pureed)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
2 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp freshly ground kadai masala
1/2 tsp chili powder
Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil and add cumin seeds.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste and tomato puree. Cook until thick.
3. Add spices and mix well.
4. Add onions and bell peppers, stir-fry for 3–4 minutes.
5. Add paneer cubes, toss gently, and cook for 3–5 more minutes.
6. Serve hot with naan or paratha.
Explore More Indian Vegetarian Favourites
Paneer is a timeless treasure in Indian food Vancouver culture. Its simplicity, richness, and adaptability make it a must-have in every vegetarian spread.
Explore more at one of our Vancouver Indian restaurants and discover custom menus and lunch near me options across locations.
