Paneer, the beloved Indian cheese, offers a perfect canvas for a variety of vegetable-based dishes that are as wholesome as they are delicious. If you’re a fan of vibrant, flavorful, and hearty vegetarian meals, a paneer recipe with vegetables is an ideal choice to brighten up your dinner table.
This dish combines the creamy, mild flavor of paneer with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, spices, and herbs, creating a satisfying and nutrient-rich meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser with its rich textures and aromatic spices.
Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up any day of the week without compromising on taste or nutrition.
In this post, we’ll walk you through a classic paneer and vegetable recipe that balances taste and health effortlessly. You’ll learn why this dish is a fantastic addition to your vegetarian recipe collection, the essential ingredients and equipment you need, and step-by-step instructions to ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Let’s dive into the world of paneer and veggies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This paneer with vegetable recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will appeal to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Here are some reasons why this dish stands out:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a nutritious home-cooked meal.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from paneer and vitamins from fresh vegetables, it supports a balanced diet.
- Versatile: You can customize the vegetables based on seasonal availability or your preference.
- Rich Flavor: The blend of Indian spices enhances every bite without overpowering the natural taste of paneer and veggies.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in more vegetables for picky eaters.
Ingredients
- 250 grams paneer (cubed)
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors, chopped)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 medium tomato (chopped)
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup carrots (diced)
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or mustard oil)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup water (optional, for gravy)
Equipment
- Non-stick frying pan or skillet
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Serving dish or bowl
Instructions
- Prepare the paneer: Cut the paneer into 1-inch cubes. If you prefer, lightly pan-fry the cubes in 1 tablespoon of oil until they turn golden on all sides. Set aside.
- Sauté the spices: Heat the remaining oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for about 1 minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Cook the onions and tomatoes: Add the chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil starts to separate.
- Spice it up: Add turmeric, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes to roast the spices.
- Add vegetables: Toss in the bell peppers, carrots, and green peas. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spice mixture.
- Simmer: Pour in 1/4 cup water if you want a saucier dish. Cover and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add paneer and finish: Gently fold in the paneer cubes and sprinkle garam masala over the mixture. Cook for another 3-4 minutes so the paneer absorbs the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Tips & Variations
“To keep paneer soft and prevent it from crumbling, soak the cubes in warm water for 10 minutes before cooking.”
- You can substitute paneer with tofu for a vegan-friendly version, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Try adding other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn for more variety.
- For a richer dish, add a splash of cream or cashew paste towards the end.
- If you like it spicy, increase the red chili powder or add chopped green chilies along with onions.
- To make a dry version, skip adding water and sauté the veggies and paneer until they are nicely coated with spices.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 18 grams |
Fat | 20 grams |
Carbohydrates | 8 grams |
Fiber | 3 grams |
Calcium | 200 mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients and portions used.
Serving Suggestions
This paneer with vegetable dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a traditional experience, serve it alongside warm naan or roti.
Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice (cumin rice) also complement the flavors well. For a lighter meal, enjoy it with a fresh green salad or a bowl of cucumber raita.
To create a complete meal, consider pairing it with other Indian vegetarian delights such as dal (lentil curry) or a simple vegetable soup. If you’re interested in exploring more veggie-packed dishes, check out our Paneer With Veggies Recipe For a Quick Healthy Meal or discover flavorful options in Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore.
For a sweet finish, you might want to try our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Conclusion
Cooking paneer with vegetables is a wonderful way to create a dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. This recipe brings together the creamy texture of paneer and the freshness of assorted vegetables, enhanced by a blend of aromatic spices that make every bite a delight.
It’s a versatile dish that can easily be tailored to suit your taste and dietary preferences, making it a staple for any vegetarian kitchen.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Not only does it satisfy your hunger, but it also provides a wholesome meal packed with essential nutrients.
Next time you’re looking to impress with a healthy and tasty dish, remember this paneer and vegetable recipe — your family and guests will thank you!
📖 Recipe Card: Paneer Recipe Veg
Description: A delicious and easy-to-make paneer vegetable curry. Perfect for a wholesome vegetarian meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g paneer, cubed
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
- Add turmeric, coriander, red chili powder, and salt; mix well.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add paneer cubes and water; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle garam masala and stir gently.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 12 g
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