Looking to shake up your dinner routine? Chef Ranveer Brar’s 10 unconventional paneer dishes show that cottage cheese can be more than a side. From spicy Chettinad to creamy egg ghotala, these recipes add depth to any meal.
Start with the egg ghotala‑inspired paneer: a silky blend of tomatoes, onions, capsicum, butter, and cream. Heat 2 tbsp butter, sauté an onion, half a cup of capsicum, then stir in half a cup of tomato puree, a pinch of chilli, coriander, turmeric, and a splash of cream before folding in a cup of shredded paneer. The result is a rich, velvety sauce that coats the cheese like a warm hug.
Next, try the mustard‑and‑poppy‑seed steam: blend two tablespoons each of mustard and poppy seeds with a green chilli, salt, and a splash of water, then mix with 200g paneer cubes and three tablespoons of yogurt. Steam in a covered bowl for twelve minutes, finish with a drizzle of mustard oil, and you’ll taste the earthy, nutty depth of Bengal’s kitchen secrets.
If you’re craving a meaty bite, paneer keema pav turns the classic into a vegetarian delight. Lightly fry 250g paneer, then combine it with a sauté of onion, ginger‑garlic‑chilli paste, and tomato puree in ghee; add peas, turmeric, chilli, coriander, and a pinch of kasuri methi. Serve the chunky filling on butter‑toasted pav, and the dish feels like a hearty comfort food without the guilt.
For a true South Indian kick, marinate paneer in a mix of ginger‑garlic paste, Kashmiri chilli, pepper, and coriander, coat with yogurt and cornflour, then deep‑fry until crisp. Toss the fried cubes in a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, chopped garlic, and green chillies, and you’ll have a fiery paneer that’s crisp on the outside and tender inside—perfect for a midnight snack or a weekend brunch.
Grab a block of fresh paneer from your local market, stock up on the spices listed, and pick one of these dishes to try this week. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes prove that paneer can be the star of any meal, adding texture, flavor, and a touch of Indian heritage to your table.