Paneer (popularly known as cottage cheese around the world) is one of the most widely eaten dishes in India. And rightly so, because any variant of it only tastes better. However, if you are planning on taking a break from the regular paneer dishes that are normally available- paneer makhni, palak paneer, paneer butter masala etc, here’s a list of paneer-based dishes you can definitely try at home.
The best part- they’re not just the stuff you eat as a part of a huge meal- they can be made as snacks, or just for occasions where you want a paneer dish with a twist.
1. Paneer dip/spread
Eating chips the old-fashioned way? Have bread but butter is too unhealthy? Well, if you’re looking something that is a yummy and healthy companion for your chips, try making a cottage-cheese spread at home. It’s simple, and doesn’t require too many ingredients. You can easily dip your chips or spread it on butter and enjoy that evening snack.
2. Paneer Wrap
A perfect snack for the kids when they get back from school and start feeling hungry. All you need is some rotis and chopped paneer with a few vegetables. This is also a wonderful way of making your kids eat rotis, especially if they’re fussy. 🙂
3. Healthy Eggs with Cottage Cheese
This dish is a good idea for the health conscious people out there. Egg yolk contains cholsterol, but the egg whites are a good source of protein. So, boil eggs and replace the egg yolk with some minced, spiced up paneer. It’s healthy, and it’s absolutely delicious. It makes for good breakfast or a snack.
4. Paneer Cutlets
Everybody loves a little bit of deep fried wonders. And what better way than to make them using paneer? Take some paneer, potatoes, chillies and spices, and make yourself a treat on a relaxing Sunday evening.
5. Veg Paneer Sandwich
If you’re out of ideas for what to pack for lunch for yourself or your kids, paneer sandwiches are a safe bet. They’re yummy, and they’ll successfully break the monotony of having chapatti and sabji for lunch everyday.
6. Paneer Cigar Rolls
Spring rolls with a twist. Instead of just adding vegetables in these deep fried rolls, add a little bit of paneer to it and enjoy it with ketchup or a sauce of your choice. (Tip: There are ready-made wraps available in stores, so you’ll only have to make the stuffing at home. )
7. Paneer Lollipop
This one’s for all the vegetarians who can’t have chicken lollipops, and want variety in their starters.
8. Stuffed Capsicum with Paneer
This dish is another great idea for a starter if you’re having a small get together with your friends at home. The sizes of the starters can vary depending on the capsicums available in the market.
9. Bread Paneer Rolls
Bread, paneer, and some oil. That’s all it’ll take to make this dish that can work as a starter, or a lunch snack.
10. Paneer Pakora
Who can forget the classics? The solution to all your monsson blues- paneer pakoras with masala chai, or mint chutney and ketchup. For those lazy, rainy afternoons.
11. Cottage Cheese Cake
This one’s for all the fancy baking enthusiasts. Cheesecakes are a delight to eat, and a perfect challenge for the ones who love to bake. This cheesecake uses cottage cheese as a filling, and the toppings can be anything you wish for. 🙂
12. Malai Ful Khaja
A South Asian take on the Mediterranean Baklava, Malai Ful Khaja is a tasty dessert made normally without paneer, but the paneer adds a wonderful texture and taste to the dessert.
So what’s cooking tonight?