Cottage Cheese Recipes Indian Style

By
Petrina Verma Sarkar
Petrina Verma Sarkar
Food writer Petrina Verma Sarkar is a native of India with extensive knowledge of the country's regional cuisines.
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Updated on 08/15/21
Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese)

Veena Nair / Getty Images

In India, cottage cheese is the perfect alternative for vegetarians! Paneer, the name it is known by in India, is often homemade in big blocks and then cut into cubes or slices. It's not runny, as it is in the rest of the world. Its delicate milky flavor easily absorbs and adapts to the flavors of other ingredients used in a dish with it. As a result, it is very versatile. Here are a few of my favorite Paneer recipes. Enjoy!

Featured Video
  • 01 of 10

    How to Make Paneer

    How to Make Your Own Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese)

    Nothing beats the taste of fresh, homemade paneer! First things first. Learn how to make paneer.

  • 02 of 10

    Palak Paneer

    Palak Paneer

     Christine Glade / Getty Images

    This mildly flavored palak paneer dish is delicious. If paneer is not on hand or you want a dairy-free option, you can also use tofu or add veggies such as cauliflower or potato.

  • 03 of 10

    Mutter Paneer

    Mutter paneer peas cottage cheese

    The Spruce / Teena Agnel

    This North Indian curry made with mutter (peas) and paneer (cottage cheese) is probably the most frequently ordered dish in Indian restaurants. Make mutter paneer in your home and you've got a sure crowd pleaser!

  • 04 of 10

    Badami Murgh Korma (Indian Chicken Korma)

    Badami Murgh Korma (Indian Chicken Korma)

    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

    Korma originates in northern India and is a family-friendly dish since it appeals to all palates. Almond meal adds depth and flavor to this deliciously filling meal. Serve the korma dish with hot naan and you're sure to impress!

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    Tandoori Paneer Tikka Kebabs

    Tandoori Paneer Tikka Kebabs

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

    Soft, juicy chunks of paneer marinated in Tandoori masala and then grilled with veggies! Tandoori paneer tikka kebabs are a great dish to serve at your next barbecue.

  • 06 of 10

    Grilled Paneer in Tandoori Seasoning

    Grilled Paneer in Tandoori Seasoning

    The Spruce / Stephanie Goldfinger

    This simple grilled paneer dish can be made ahead of time and grilled quickly when you're ready to eat.

  • 07 of 10

    Indo-Chinese Paneer Sichuan

    Paneer Szechuan - Indo-Sichuan Style Paneer

    Veryhuman / Wikimedia Commons

    This easy recipe uses previously prepared Indo-Chinese Szechuan Sauce that can be made ahead and stored in your fridge for future use. Guests will love this paneer Sichuan.

  • 08 of 10

    Rasgulla

    Rasguilia Indian dessert recipe

    ​The Spruce / Teena Agnel

    Soft, spongy balls of cottage cheese soaked in chilled sugar syrup. Nicely made Rasgulla melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more . . . always!

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Ras Malai

    Ras Malai

     

    Uzma Alam / EyeEm / Getty Images

    Ras Malai is dumplings made from cottage or ricotta cheese soaked in sweetened, thickened milk delicately flavored with cardamom.

  • 10 of 10

    Sandesh

    Sandesh mishti

    Manubahuguna | Dreamstime.com

    No Bengali meal is complete without mishti or sweets and none is more loved by the Bengalis than Sandesh. It is surprisingly easy to make.