Paneer, a fresh Indian cheese, is a versatile and beloved ingredient in vegetarian cooking. Its mild flavor and firm texture make it a perfect protein addition to a variety of vegetable dishes.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Indian cuisine or simply looking to incorporate more flavorful vegetarian meals into your routine, paneer-based recipes deliver both nutrition and satisfaction.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some delicious veg recipes with paneer that are easy to prepare at home. From rich curries to vibrant stir-fries, these dishes combine fresh vegetables and paneer to create meals that are both hearty and healthy.
Plus, we’ll share tips on how to get the best texture from your paneer, creative variations, and serving ideas to make your meals even more enjoyable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Paneer is a fantastic ingredient for vegetarians and anyone looking to boost their protein intake without meat. It absorbs spices beautifully, giving your dishes a delicious depth of flavor.
The combination of paneer and vegetables provides a well-balanced meal rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein.
These veg recipes with paneer are not only packed with nutrition but also incredibly adaptable. You can customize them with your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice levels, and even make them vegan with a few tweaks.
They are perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive enough for guests.
Additionally, paneer dishes often come together with simple pantry staples and fresh produce, making cooking enjoyable and stress-free. If you want more inspiration, check out our Paneer With Veggies Recipe For a Quick Healthy Meal for a vibrant, easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
- 250g paneer (cubed)
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors, chopped)
- 1 medium onion (finely sliced)
- 2 medium tomatoes (pureed or finely chopped)
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup water (optional, for gravy)
Equipment
- Non-stick frying pan or skillet
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Serving dish
Instructions
- Prepare the paneer: Cut the paneer into 1-inch cubes. If you prefer a firmer texture, lightly fry the cubes in a teaspoon of oil until golden on all sides. Set aside.
- Heat oil and temper spices: In a non-stick pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 20 seconds.
- Sauté onion and ginger-garlic paste: Add the sliced onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add spices and tomatoes: Stir in turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well. Add the tomato puree or chopped tomatoes and cook until the oil starts separating from the masala, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Mix in the chopped bell peppers and green peas. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine paneer and cook: Gently add the paneer cubes and mix carefully so they don’t break. Pour in half a cup of water if you prefer a gravy. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Finish with garam masala and garnish: Sprinkle garam masala over the dish, stir gently, and cook for another minute. Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy with roti, naan, or steamed rice.
Tips & Variations
For the best paneer texture, try soaking store-bought paneer in warm water for 10 minutes before cooking to keep it soft and moist.
You can easily swap out vegetables depending on what you have on hand. Zucchini, carrots, or spinach make great additions or substitutes.
For a creamier version, add a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.
Looking for a vegan alternative? Use firm tofu instead of paneer.
Marinate tofu in a little lemon juice and turmeric before cooking to mimic the flavor and texture.
If you want to explore more veg recipes with paneer, try our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners which pair paneer with rich sauces and fresh veggies for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 18 g |
Fat | 22 g |
Carbohydrates | 10 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Calcium | 250 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This paneer and vegetable dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside warm naan or roti to soak up the flavorful gravy.
For a lighter meal, enjoy it with steamed basmati rice or quinoa.
Add a fresh cucumber raita or a tangy salad to balance the rich taste of paneer. You might also want to complement your meal with one of our delightful Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite for some refreshing crunch.
Conclusion
Veg recipes with paneer are a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious, protein-rich meal full of vibrant colors and flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, paneer’s versatility shines through in these dishes.
These recipes are both simple to prepare and highly adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. By incorporating fresh, seasonal vegetables and aromatic spices, you can create meals that are both comforting and exciting.
We hope this guide inspires you to experiment with paneer in your kitchen. Don’t forget to check out other delicious vegetarian recipes on our site to keep your menu fresh and exciting, such as our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
Happy cooking!
đź“– Recipe Card: Paneer Tikka Masala
Description: A delicious and creamy paneer curry with rich spices. Perfect for a quick and satisfying vegetarian meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 250g paneer, cubed
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden.
- Add ginger garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Mix in tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
- Add turmeric, red chili, coriander powder, and salt; cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in yogurt and cook on low heat for 5 minutes.
- Add paneer cubes and garam masala; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 22 g | Carbs: 12 g
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