Top 15 Must-Try Paneer Dishes Across India
Paneer stands as a culinary superstar in Indian kitchens. This soft, velvety cheese delivers both nutrition and incredible taste. Every 100 grams packs 11-13 grams of protein and 208-480 mg of calcium. That makes it a powerhouse for vegetarians seeking delicious meals.
Taste Atlas recently highlighted paneer's versatility. They compiled a list of 24 best-rated dishes featuring this dairy delight. We have curated the top 15 from their recommendations. These dishes showcase paneer's magic across various Indian cuisines.
1. Shahi Paneer, Punjab
This regal dish hails from Mughal cuisine. Cooks combine paneer cheese with onions and cashews. They simmer everything in a rich, spicy tomato-cream sauce. People often call it the Royal Paneer. Families traditionally prepare it for special occasions and festive gatherings.
2. Malai Kofta, Northern India
Malai Kofta offers a vegetarian twist on meatball curry. Chefs fry balls made from potato and paneer. They then serve these dumplings in a creamy sauce. This Mughal-era dish pairs perfectly with naan bread and steamed rice.
3. Saag Paneer, Punjab
Saag Paneer brings together paneer and leafy greens. Cooks use mustard, fenugreek, spinach, or collard greens. They mash the greens and blend them with tomatoes and spices. This hearty dish tastes wonderful with rice or fresh naan.
4. Paneer Naan, India
This stuffed flatbread starts with a dough of flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and yogurt. Bakers fill it with paneer, coriander, masala spices, and cumin. They bake it on a tava pan until golden brown. A final brush of melted butter or ghee completes the treat.
5. Vindaloo, Goa
Vindaloo curry gained fame in Goa and England. While originally made with pork, cooks now use paneer too. Portuguese explorers introduced the dish in the 15th century. Local chefs added Indian spices like tamarind, cinnamon, cardamom, and hot chilies.
6. Paneer Makhani, Punjab
Paneer Makhani is a classic Punjabi curry. Its rich gravy features ghee, tomatoes, cashews, and cream. Spices like green chili peppers, garam masala, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom add depth. Ginger, garlic, and fenugreek leaves round out the flavor.
7. Jalfrezi, Eastern India
Jalfrezi is a semi-dry curry. Cooks fry marinated paneer pieces with turmeric, coriander, and cumin. This creates a thick gravy. The dish typically includes onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and green chili peppers.
8. Paneer Tikka, Northern India
Paneer Tikka works great as a snack or appetizer. Chefs marinate paneer and vegetables, then cook them in a tandoor. They serve it with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of chaat masala. Onion rings often accompany the dish.
9. Kadai Paneer, India
Kadai Paneer gets its name from the wok used for cooking. Key ingredients include paneer, onion, bell peppers, and red chili peppers. Whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, fennel, cloves, and coriander seeds infuse the dish. A thick gravy of onions, ginger, and tomatoes binds everything together.
10. Palak Paneer, Punjab
Palak Paneer originated in Punjab but now enjoys nationwide popularity. Cooks dunk paneer cubes in a thick sauce of puréed spinach. They mix in tomatoes, garam masala, garlic, and various spices. This dish pairs beautifully with roti, naan, or rice.
11. Matar Paneer, Punjab
Matar Paneer is a vegetarian main course from Punjab. It combines peas and paneer cheese in a garam masala-spiced tomato sauce. The rich, thick curry appears on lunch and dinner tables across India. People enjoy it with rice and flatbreads like naan, kulcha, roti, or paratha.
12. Chilli Paneer, North India
Chilli Paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese appetizer. Cooks cut paneer into cubes, batter them, and fry until crisp. They then toss the cubes in a sweet, sour, and spicy sauce. The dish comes in dry, semi-dry, and restaurant-style gravy versions.
13. Paneer Kulcha, Punjab
Paneer Kulcha is a leavened flatbread stuffed with paneer cheese. The dough contains flour, dahi, ghee, sugar, salt, water, baking soda, and powder. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, it often appears during winter months. Serve it with chole, raita, yogurt, or chutneys.
14. Sandesh, Bengal
Sandesh is a traditional Bengali sweet. Makers use milk, chhena or paneer, sugar, and flavorings like cardamom and saffron. They shape the mixture into small paneer balls. A garnish of pistachios, almonds, or crushed pineapple adds the finishing touch.
15. Paneer Kathi Roll, Bengal
Paneer Kathi Roll is a beloved Indian street food. It features flatbreads wrapped around fillings. This version uses paneer cubes marinated in garam masala, dahi, ginger-garlic powder, red chili powder, and salt. It makes for a quick, satisfying meal on the go.
These fifteen dishes demonstrate paneer's incredible adaptability. From savory curries to sweet desserts, paneer enhances every culinary creation. Each region of India adds its unique touch, creating a diverse tapestry of flavors. Next time you crave vegetarian fare, consider trying one of these celebrated paneer dishes.
