Paneer, also referred to as Indian cottage cheese, is a fresh cheese made by adding an acid derived from food to curdled milk. A firm block of cheese is produced by staining the whey through muslin cheesecloth. Additionally, unlike many other types of cheese, paneer is entirely vegetarian-friendly. Therefore, it is mostly used as a substitute for meat alternatives. With its creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors, it’s a staple ingredient in many households. If you’re short on time, these easy paneer recipes are perfect for a quick and delicious meal. In this blog, we will explore easy to make paneer snacks. The paneer snacks list includes classics like paneer tikka, paneer pakoras, and paneer bhurji sandwiches. These paneer snacks recipes can be easily made at home with all the ingredients available in your kitchen.
Here is the Easy Paneer Recipes to try at Home
Recipe 1: Paneer Tikka
Ingredients used for making Paneer Tikka
For Marinade:
- 250 grams of paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup thick yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For Assembling:
- Sliced onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes
- Skewers (wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, add yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, lemon juice, salt, and vegetable oil. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
- Add the paneer cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors.
- After marinating the paneer, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes onto the skewers, as you prefer.
- Preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush it with a little oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the paneer turns golden and has grill marks. Add a little oil or butter for added flavor during grilling.
- Once the paneer tikka is cooked, take it off the grill. Serve this delicious paneer snacks recipes hot with a sprinkle of chaat masala or mint chutney. And for a gourmet twist, don’t forget to try Nova Paneer – it’s the perfect complement to this dish!
Tips and Variations:
Impress your guests with these easy-to-make paneer snacks variations that require minimal effort. These varieties of paneer snacks recipes are ideal for any occasion because they are not only mouthwatering but also aesthetically pleasing. Try out some of the variations and follow the tips mentioned below, including experimenting with Nova Paneer for a premium taste.
- For a smoky flavor, you can use a charcoal grill or add a piece of charcoal to the grill pan, light it until it turns red, and then place it in a small bowl within the grill with a drop of oil.
- Marinate the paneer for a longer duration up to 4 hours for an intense flavor.
- Customize your paneer tikka by adding other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to the skewers.
- Experiment with different marinade ingredients like kasuri methi or spices for unique variations.
- For a creamier version, add a spoonful of fresh cream or hung yogurt to the marinade.
- Don’t forget to soak wooden skewers in water before using them to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Recipe 2: Paneer Pakora
Ingredients used for making Paneer Pakora
- 250 grams of paneer cut into rectangular or triangular pieces
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 2 tablespoons rice flour
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- A pinch of baking soda
- Salt to taste
- Water (approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cup) for the batter
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, add chickpea flour, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add water to make a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- In a deep-frying pan or kadai, heat enough vegetable oil for deep frying over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the hot oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is hot enough.
- Dip each paneer piece into the batter, ensuring it’s well-coated. Gently shake off excess batter. Carefully slide the coated paneer pieces into the hot oil. Fry them in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry until the pakoras turn golden brown and crispy, usually 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- The delicious paneer pakoras are all set to be munched out! Serve these quick paneer snacks with your favorite chutney or dipping sauce. Whip up a batch of quick paneer snacks recipes and treat yourself to mouthwatering flavors when you are short on time. And for a delightful upgrade, try using Nova Paneer in some of your pakoras.
Check out some of the Serving Suggestions
With our easy-to-follow paneer snacks recipes, it takes less time. No wonder cooking with paneer has never been simpler thanks to these easy paneer recipes. Try our quick paneer snacks list that are perfect for impromptu gatherings or snack cravings.
Let’s check out some of the exciting serving suggestions with paneer pakoras. Paneer pakoras make for an irresistible snack or appetizer that’s perfect for enjoying with family and friends. Their crispy exterior and creamy paneer filling make them a crowd pleaser at any get together party at home.
- Pair paneer pakoras with mint chutney or tamarind chutney for a delightful flavor. For added variety and a gourmet touch, consider using Nova Paneer in your pakora recipes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
- Consider serving them with a side of sliced onions and lemon wedges to add zing.
- Present these crispy delights on a platter with some chaat masala sprinkled on top for an appealing look and an extra burst of flavor.
Recipe 3: Paneer Bhurji Sandwich
Ingredients used for making Paneer Bhurji Sandwich.
For Paneer Bhurji:
- 200 grams of paneer crumbled into it
- Finely chop 1 onion
- Finely chop 1 tomato
- Finely chop 1 green chili
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
For Assembling the Sandwich:
- Bread slices
- Butter for toasting
- Sliced cheese
- Sliced cucumber, tomato, and lettuce
Instructions of Preparing Paneer Bhurji:
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until onions turn translucent.
- Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften, and the oil begins to separate. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir well.
- Gently crumble the paneer into the pan. Mix it with the tomato-onion mixture, ensuring even distribution of spices. Cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and set aside.
Assembling the Sandwich:
- Take bread slices and lightly toast them with a little butter or margarine until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Place a generous amount of the prepared paneer bhurji on one slice of bread. You can add a slice of cheese on top of the bhurji, though it is optional. For a truly premium experience, try Nova Paneer as a filling in your sandwich instead.
- Also you can layer the sandwich with slices of cucumber, tomato, and lettuce for extra freshness.
- Place another toasted bread slice on top to complete the sandwich. Slice the sandwich diagonally for easy handling and presentation. Serve this easy paneer recipes hot that will impress your family and friends without the hassle
Customization Ideas
- Experiment with these easy paneer recipes with different types of bread, such as whole wheat, for unique textures and flavors. For a spicy kick, add green chutney or sliced jalapenos to the sandwich.
- Customize your sandwich with your favorite cheese, whether it’s cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella. You can also elevate your sandwich by using Nova Paneer cubes for a gourmet twist.
- Enjoy your homemade paneer bhurji sandwich as a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a flavorful and filling snack.
Conclusion
So why wait any longer? Try out the easy to make recipes mentioned in the paneer snacks list. No doubt from appetizers to main courses, try these variety of easy paneer recipes to satisfy your food cravings. Whether you prefer classic paneer tikka for the main course or enjoy pakoras and paneer bhurji sandwiches for evening snacks, all can be easily prepared with everyday kitchen ingredients. Experience exceptional quality and flavor by trying Nova Fresh Paneer. Get creative by experimenting with paneer in various combinations and savor the goodness of paneer snack recipes with Nova Fresh Paneer!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the different ways to eat paneer?
Paneer can be enjoyed in numerous ways, such as in curries, grilled dishes, sandwiches, or salads, making it a versatile ingredient in Indian cuisine. It is a popular choice among vegetarians and is often used as a substitute for meat in many dishes. - How to make paneer taste better?
Enhance paneer’s flavor by marinating it with spices or herbs before cooking, or by adding it to flavorful sauces and gravies. Another way to enhance paneer’s flavor is by grilling or frying it to add a smoky or crispy texture. Make paneer with tangy ingredients like tomatoes or lemon juice to elevate its taste. - How long should we cook paneer?
Paneer cooks quickly. Usually, it only needs 2-3 minutes per side when grilling or sauteing. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the paneer slices. Thicker slices may require a few extra minutes to ensure they are cooked thoroughly and have a golden crust. - What is the healthiest way to eat paneer?
For a healthier option, opt for grilled or roasted paneer instead of fried, and pair it with plenty of vegetables for a balanced meal.