As far as north Indian homes and restaurants are concerned, paneer is a must-have. Paneer, or cottage cheese, is one of the most versatile cheeses, and it’s also filled with calcium and protein.

Did you know that 100 grams of paneer contain only 11 grams of protein, according to USDA data! There are several reasons why this vegetarian treat is so popular, including its great nutritional content. One of them may be that paneer can make a variety of cuisines, from snacks and main dishes to desserts.

For example, the rich and creamy Indian paneer gravy may be found in Punjabi cuisine, as well as tea-time favourites paneer pakoras and delicious and creamy paneer butter masala. The following traditional Indian paneer recipes are a must-try for anybody who loves experimenting with different Indian paneer dishes at home.

Paneer Makhani

There is nothing greasy about rich, creamy food. In this dish, paneer pieces are mixed with various spices, butter, and crisp onions and tomatoes to create a traditional Indian stew. Serve with rice or roti for a filling dinner that’s sure to satisfy your hunger. One of the famous paneer gravy recipes, it is the favourite of many!

Tomato gravy mixed with paneer cubes and a variety of spices is delicious! If you’re hosting a dinner party, this mouthwatering paneer curry is sure to impress.

Ingredients of Paneer Makhani

• 240 gms paneer
• 4-5 large tomatoes (quartered)
• 3-4 tbsp cashews
• 4 tbsp fresh cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted white butter
• 2 tsp oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 Cloves
• 2 green cardamoms
• 5-6 Black peppercorns
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder
• 2 tbsp green coriander and ginger, chopped
• 2 tsp sugar
• to taste rock salt

Cooking Instructions for Paneer Makhani –

1. Cook tomatoes, ginger, and cashew nuts in water for 10 minutes.
2. Blend tomatoes into a paste.
3. Add the cumin seeds, cloves, green cardamom and black peppercorns when the oil is hot. Make a paste of these spices and turmeric powder, then add the Kashmiri red chilli powder, salt, sugar and simmer the sauce for 10 to 12 minutes over a medium-high flame.
4. Then, cut the paneer into cubes and combine it with the smooth gravy.
5. Garnish finely chopped coriander and fresh cream.

Check Paneer Makhani Recipe

Dum Paneer Kaali Mirch

Black pepper enhances the flavour of this aromatic curry. This meal is often a hit at dinner parties and luncheons, and it never fails to satisfy the taste senses. A dum or pressure cooker is used for cooking the paneer cubes in fragrant spices without allowing steam to escape. Cooked rice or any Indian bread will complete the meal. For a dinner gathering, prepare these wonderful yet unusual popular paneer recipes to impress your guests!

Key Ingredients for Dum Paneer Kaali Mirch

• 1 tsp oil
• 4 cloves (laung)
• 4 Green cardamoms (elaichi)
• 1-inch piece cinnamon (Dalchini)
• 1 Onion (fry it until brown and blend with little water for paste)
• 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste with 4 green chillies
• 3 tbsp Dahi / yogurt
• 1 tsp dhania/coriander powder
• 1 tsp pepper powder
• 3/4 tsp cumin powder (jeera powder)
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp cream
• 1/4 tsp rang mirch / paprika
• Haldi / turmeric 1/4 tsp
• 1/4 tsp garam masala
• 250 g paneer
• for garnishing coriander and fresh mint leaves

Recipe for Kali Mirch with Dum Paneer

1. Oil should be heated, and cloves, cardamom and cinnamon should be added to the oil to create a pleasant, aromatic aroma.
2. Now, add the onion paste and simmer until the onion paste is tender.
3. Add the ginger, garlic, and green chilli paste to the mixture and mix well. Saute.
4. Dahi or yogurt can be added to the recipe.
5. Incorporate coriander powder, cumin powder, pepper powder, Haldi or red chilli, and cook.
6. Add a pinch of salt. Heat the cottage cheese cubes, cream, and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan until the cottage cheese is melted.
7. Make sure the pan is sealed with aluminium foil and covered with a lid.
8. Slow down the heat for around 15 minutes.
9. Then, if you’d want to dry it out, remove the lid and continue to boil it.
10. Add salt if necessary. Garnish with coriander and mint leaves if desired.

Paneer Pakoda

Apart from paneer gravy recipes, these classic paneer pakoras are a favourite chai accompaniment in many Indian families. Tossed in a spicy besan batter and deep-fried till golden brown, paneer cubes may be one of your family’s favourite treats to make at home. Then serve it with luscious mint chutney.

On a rainy day, this is the perfect snack to enjoy with a nice cup of tea. When the besan batter has hardened, the paneer is deep-fried till it is golden brown.

Ingredients of Paneer Pakodas

• 1/2 cup besan
• Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp 
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp green chilli
• to taste salt
• 3 tsp soda
• 500 gms refined oil
• 250 gms paneer

Learn how to make paneer pakodas/pakoras

1. Mix besan (gram flour), turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, green chillies, soda, and salt to taste in a bowl.
2. Mix everything together and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
3. Toss refined oil into a pan and heat it.
4. Pour batter over the paneer and deep-fried it till golden brown.
5. It’s important to serve it hot.

These three amazing popular paneer recipes have an impact on the hearts of the north Indians! As much as they like chicken, paneer also has a corner in their heart. Apart from the nutritional factors, the gravies especially tend to impress and make the mouth water. To know of more paneer recipes, stay tuned!

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