With the festive season just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your festive menu. And what better way to elevate your festive feast with some savory to sweet paneer dishes? Paneer, a versatile ingredient, can be used to create a variety of dishes from appetizers to desserts. Whether you prefer it grilled, fried, or in a creamy curry, there are endless possibilities to impress your guests with unique delicious recipes using Nova paneer.
Explore Delicious Paneer Recipes for Festive Occasion
Paneer is made from curdled milk having mild flavor and soft texture make it the perfect for a variety of spices and herbs, allowing it to absorb flavors beautifully. From savory curries to sweet desserts, paneer is a staple in many Indian households, especially during festivals when families gather to celebrate and share meals.
Paneer Tikka: A Grilled Delight
Paneer tikka is often served as a starter during celebrations, bringing people together with its smoky flavors and vibrant presentation. It’s perfect for parties, and its aroma fills the air with anticipation.
Ingredients:
500g Nova paneer, cut into cubes
– 1 cup yogurt
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
– 1 tsp garam masala
– 1 tsp red chili powder
– 1 tsp turmeric powder
– Salt, to taste
– Bell peppers and onions, cut into chunks
– Skewers
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric, and salt to create a marinade.
- Add paneer cubes and vegetables to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Allow to marinate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Preheat the grill or oven to 200°C (400°F). Thread the marinated paneer and vegetables onto skewers.
4. Grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer is golden and slightly charred. Serve hot with mint chutney and lemon wedges.
Paneer Butter Masala: A Rich, Creamy Classic
Paneer butter masala is a favorite in Indian households during celebrations. Its rich and creamy texture paired with spices makes it a dish that everyone looks forward to, often served at weddings and festive gatherings.
Ingredients:
250g paneer, cubed
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 cup tomato puree
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
– 1 tsp cumin seeds
– 1 tsp garam masala
– 1 tsp red chili powder
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a pan, heat butter and add cumin seeds. Once they sizzle, add chopped onions and sauté until golden. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the tomato puree, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for about 10 minutes until the oil separates from the masala.
- Add garam masala and cubed paneer, mixing gently. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with naan or rice.
Paneer Pulao
Paneer Masala Pulao is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that combines the richness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with the fragrant spices of Indian cuisine. It’s a perfect one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Here’s a recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 cup paneer, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 green chili, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
- Ghee or oil for frying
Instructions:
- Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly in water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes. Drain the rice and set aside.
- Heat ghee or oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add the bay leaf, cardamom powder, and cinnamon stick. Once cooked add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a few more seconds. Add the chopped tomato and green chili.
- Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the mixture is well combined. Add the garam masala powder, red chili powder, and turmeric powder. Stir well. Add the soaked rice and mix well with the masala.
- Add 2 cups of water and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the paneer cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides.
- Once the rice is cooked, gently fluff it with a fork. Add the fried paneer cubes to the pulao and mix well. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve the Paneer Masala Pulao hot with raita or yogurt. Enjoy this flavorful and comforting dish!
Sweet Treat-
Paneer Burfi
Paneer burfi is a delightful way to end a festive meal. Its rich taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a beloved dessert, often prepared for Diwali and other celebrations.
Ingredients:
– 200g paneer, grated
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
– Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios) for garnish
Instructions:
- In a pan, combine grated paneer, sugar, and milk. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add cardamom powder and mix well.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased plate, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool and set.
- Once set, cut into squares and garnish with chopped nuts.
See Also: Benefits of Paneer Everyone Must Know
Conclusion
Celebrate the Festive Season with yummy Paneer recipes. From savory appetizers like Paneer Tikka to rich curries like Paneer Butter Masala, and even desserts like Paneer Burfi, there’s a paneer recipe for every occasion. With Nova Paneer, you can create dishes that are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making your festive gatherings truly memorable. So, this festive season, impress your guests with these delectable recipes that are sure to be a hit at any celebration.