Paneer Recipes: Simple, Flavorful Dishes from Indian Kitchens

When you think of paneer, a fresh, unaged Indian cheese made by curdling milk with lemon or vinegar. Also known as Indian cottage cheese, it's the star of countless vegetarian meals across India, prized for its soft texture and ability to soak up bold spices. Unlike Western cheeses, paneer doesn’t melt—it holds its shape, making it perfect for frying, grilling, or simmering in rich gravies. It’s not just food; it’s a canvas for spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala that define Indian home cooking.

Paneer works with everything. You’ll find it in Paneer Butter Masala, a creamy tomato-based curry that’s India’s most ordered vegetarian dish, tucked into spicy street-side kebabs, or tossed into stir-fries with bell peppers and onions. It pairs naturally with dosa, a fermented rice and lentil crepe, or alongside steamed basmati rice and plain yogurt to balance the heat. Unlike halloumi, which is salty and grilled, paneer is mild and absorbs flavor—making it more versatile in Indian kitchens.

What makes paneer recipes so popular isn’t just taste—it’s simplicity. You can make paneer at home in under 30 minutes with just milk and lemon juice. No aging, no special equipment. Once you have it, the options explode: paneer tikka on skewers, paneer bhurji scrambled like eggs, or even sweet paneer desserts soaked in syrup. The posts below cover everything from how to avoid dry, rubbery paneer to the exact spice blends used in restaurant-style curries. You’ll find tips on marinating, frying without splatter, and making gravy that clings to every cube. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or just want to nail that perfect paneer butter masala, you’ll find clear, no-fluff guidance here—no fancy tools, no hard-to-find ingredients, just real results.