Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese) Recipes

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 (not runny as in the rest of the world) and then cut into cubes or slices. 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!

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How to Make Paneer

Lakshmi Wennäkoski-Bielicki / Getty Images

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

Christine Glade / Getty Images

This mildly flavored palak paneer dish is super healthy too. If paneer is not on hand or you want a dairy-free option you can also use tofu or veggies like cauliflower or potato.
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Mutter Paneer

The Spruce

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!
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Navratan Korma

Nociveglia/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

This delicious Mughlai dish gets its name Navratan (meaning nine gems) from the nine different veggies, fruit, and nuts used in it! Serve navratan korma with hot Naans and you're sure to impress!

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Tandoori Paneer Tikka

The Spruce

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

pandiyan v / Getty Images

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

Aaloo Paratha.
Aparna Balasubramanian / Getty Images

Use fresh crumbly paneer for this to get a lovely creamy taste for paneer paratha!
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Toasty Paneer Sandwich

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A yummy and nutritious snack, this toasty paneer sandwich can be made up in minutes. It is great for breakfast, brunch and even school lunch boxes.

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Chilli Paneer

Photosindia.com / Getty Images

This delicious chilli paneer dish is an Indian adaptation of a Chinese recipe! It makes for a terrific snack! Here's the recipe...
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Paneer Szechuan

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 Szechuan!
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Rasgulla

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!
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Rasmalai

Uzma Alam / EyeEm/ Getty Images

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

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Sandesh

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.