Paneer: Indian Cuisine’s Most Versatile Ingredient

Paneer is one of the most distinctive dairy ingredients in Indian cuisine. It is a fresh Indian cheese made by curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar, resulting in a soft, creamy, and milky flavor. Unlike many other cheeses, paneer does not melt, making it incredibly versatile. It is also a great source of protein and can be used in curries, kababs, breads, and even desserts.

Paneer can easily be made at home using simple kitchen staples. Bring milk to a boil, add lemon juice or vinegar, and stir gently until it curdles. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth, rinse the curds under cold water, and squeeze out the excess liquid. Press the paneer under a heavy pan and refrigerate for about an hour before cutting it into pieces for cooking.

There are countless dishes you can make with paneer, and below we have rounded up some mouthwatering recipes for you to try:

1. Matar Paneer

Matar Paneer is the most common and popular paneer dish made in Indian kitchens. Start by sautéing fresh ginger, garlic, onions, and tomatoes, then blend them into a smooth paste. In a heated pan, add spices like cumin, coriander, and red chili powder, followed by the prepared paste. 

Stir in yogurt and peas, allowing the mixture to simmer. Finally, add the paneer cubes and let everything cook together for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

2. Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is a flavorful, nutritious, and delicious dish. Start by blanching the spinach in a separate pot. In a pan, heat oil and sauté onions, cumin seeds, ginger, and garlic until fragrant. Blend the blanched spinach with green chillies, then add this puree to the pan and mix well. In another pan, lightly fry the paneer pieces on both sides. Add the paneer to the spinach mixture, finish with cream, and stir gently to combine.

3. Tawa Paneer

Tawa Paneer is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together easily for festive occasions like Diwali or Dussehra. Marinate paneer in yogurt and add spices such as Kashmiri chilli powder and garam masala. In a heated pan, sauté onions, green chillies, tomatoes, bell peppers, and additional spices until the mixture forms a flavorful base. 

Add the marinated paneer and cook for around 10 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve with your favorite Indian flatbread or rice.

4. Paneer Tikka Kababs

If you are searching for an easy vegetarian option for your next BBQ party, Paneer Tikka Kababs are the perfect choice. Paneer cubes, onions, and bell peppers are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, ginger-garlic paste, and mustard oil, then threaded onto skewers and grilled for 5–7 minutes per side. 

Serve these smoky kababs with your favorite chutney or dipping sauce. These charred vegetarian skewers are so irresistible and well-seasoned.

5. Malai Paneer

Malai Paneer is a rich, indulgent dish featuring pan-fried paneer slices simmered in an ultra-creamy sauce made with onions, cashews, and fresh malai. The combination of mild spices, malai, and dried methi leaves gives it a luxurious texture and depth of flavor. 

Each bite truly melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of creaminess and spice.

6. Butter Paneer

Looking for a vegetarian alternative to the beloved Butter Chicken (Chicken Makhani)? Meet Butter Paneer — the rich, creamy, and indulgent dish that delivers the same makhani magic without the meat.

The luscious gravy begins with unsalted butter and whole spices like bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and green cardamom. After sautéing the spices, add onions, cashews, tomatoes, and additional seasonings. Cook on medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring often, then allow the mixture to cool for 15–20 minutes before blending it into a smooth, velvety puree.

In a separate pan, heat butter and oil. Add red chili powder and ginger-garlic paste, followed by the blended gravy. Stir well to combine, then add heavy cream.  Gently fold in the paneer and let it simmer.   Finish with kasuri methi and butter.

Garnish with a drizzle of cream and fresh cilantro. Serve hot with fresh garlic naan. 

7. Paneer Kalakand

The holiday season is upon us. Paneer Kalakand is a quick, effortless dessert that comes together in minutes before setting in the refrigerator. Made with simple pantry staples like milk powder, condensed milk, cardamom powder, and fresh paneer, this dessert turns into a rich, decadent delight.

8. Paneer Bread Pakodas

Paneer Bread Pakodas are sure to be the showstopper at your next tea party. This unique, eye-catching dish comes together in under 20 minutes and is made without the traditional besan coating. Crispy on the outside and filled with a spicy, creamy paneer mixture on the inside, it’s a divine twist on a beloved classic.

9. Schewan Paneer Puffs

Schezwan Paneer Puff is a must-have appetizer. This fusion snack brings together bold Indo-Chinese flavors with buttery, flaky puff pastry. Each puff is filled with a delicious mix of paneer, bell peppers, aromatic spices, and Schezwan sauce, then baked to golden perfection. This savory goodness is packed with flavor in every bite. 

Paneer’s versatility makes it a true star of Indian cuisine. From creamy gravies to grilled kababs, stuffed breads, and even indulgent desserts, paneer fits seamlessly into every course. We hope our in-house recipes inspire you to experiment, explore its many delicious possibilities and bring more vibrant, homemade flavors to your kitchen.