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    Home » India » Paneer Side Dishes

    Paneer Side Dishes

    Published on Jul 3, 2023 Modified: Jul 4, 2023 by Alexandria Drzazgowski.

    Palak Paneer is a delicious green curry made with spinach and paneer cheese. While it is delicious on its own, it’s even more filling and comforting with some of these delicious Paneer Side Dishes ideas.

    A bowl of palak paneer served in a bowl with a spoon resting in it.

    Palak Paneer is a delicious green Indian curry that perfectly pairs blanched spinach and tomato paste with creamy, milky paneer cheese and authentic spices like garam masala. It’s so popular in India, and so easy to make, that you can find it being served for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.

    As you can imagine, when a dish is versatile enough to be eaten at any time of day, there are sure to be plenty of options for what to serve it with. And with Indian cuisine you can’t really go wrong.

    Don’t let all those options intimidate you! You have come to the right place. There are so many dishes that perfectly complement a tasty homemade palak paneer recipe and you can find several suggestions of new recipes here. 

    Jump to:
    • FAQs
    • Favorite Recipes
    • Expert Tips
    • What to Serve With
    • Paneer Side Dishes to Try 
    • Paneer Bread Roll Ups
    • Palak Paneer Stir Fry
    • Spiced Paneer Wraps
    • Paneer Puffs
    • Tandoori Paneer Tarte au Soleil
    • Tandoori Paneer Galette
    • Paneer Butter Masala Curry
    • Baked Paneer Cutlets
    • Healthy Paneer Popcorn
    • Instant Pot Matar Paneer
    • Hakka Restaurant Style Chilli Paneer
    • Paneer Pakora
    • Paneer Korma Curry
    • Savory Swirl Buns with Basil Pesto and Paneer Bell Pepper
    • Paneer Green Masala
    • Paneer Kathi Roll
    • Cheesecake Recipe without Cream Cheese
    • How To Make Paneer Bhurji
    • Restaurant Butter Paneer
    • Paneer Bhurji
    • Simple Paneer Bhurji
    • Paneer Tikka
    • Baked Potato Skins with Paneer and Veggies
    • Paneer Masala Cheesesteaks
    • Paneer Aloo Samosa
    • Paneer Kabab
    • Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza
    • Paneer Cheese Balls
    • Paneer Ghee Roast
    • Paneer Pizza with Greek Flavors

    FAQs

    What is Paneer?

    Paneer is Indian cottage cheese. It’s a fresh or non-aged cheese that only takes a couple of hours to make from scratch at home. 

    Milk and something acidic like lemon juice is combined over heat until it curdles to form this Indian cheese.

    What makes paneer truly unique is it is a cheese that does not melt. The cooking process transforms the proteins in the cheese, forcing them closer together. The more the cheese is cooked, the closer those proteins get, squeezing out the liquid and making the curds harder and chewier.

    When done correctly, fresh paneer is soft and spongy but solid enough to keep its shape when fried, grilled, or thrown into a bowl of sauce. The texture is very similar to firm tofu and, just like tofu, paneer soaks up the flavor of whatever sauce it is placed in.

    At authentic Indian restaurants, you may see Indian dishes like paneer butter masala or paneer tikka masala on the menu. There are so many delicious paneer recipes out there, so if you do decide to make homemade paneer, it definitely shouldn’t go to waste!

    Palak Paneer is the perfect paneer curry because it is a creamy dish that compliments the milky flavor of the cheese beautifully.

    Is Palak Paneer Healthy?

    As with all dishes, someone’s definition of healthy may vary, but generally, Palak Paneer is a nutritious meal. The sauce is loaded with spinach, tomatoes, garlic and ginger. 

    The paneer itself is a good source of protein and is low in carbohydrates, however, it is important to note that it is still a cheese and does contain lactose. Too much paneer may leave you feeling bloated and gassy. 

    To make your Palak Paneer even healthier, you can omit the heavy cream that is usually added at the end.

    What is the Difference Between Palak Paneer and Saag Paneer?

    Palak Paneer and Saag Paneer are often used interchangeably, but they are made in different ways and result in vastly different flavors. Both are vegetarian curry that feature paneer, but saag paneer is made with a mixture of leafy greens that the chef has easy access to, while palak paneer is strictly spinach. 

    Both are popular paneer dishes.

    What does Palak Paneer mean in English?

    Palak Paneer in Hindu translates to Spinach Indian Cottage Cheese in English. The name is a good summary of what you get. Spinach sauce over paneer.

    Why is my Palak Paneer Bitter?

    Spinach can have a very bitter taste at times. Most chefs add a bit of cream to their palak paneer to reduce some of that bitterness. If you have not added any cream yet, give it a try.

    What is a Good Substitute for Paneer?

    You can purchase a block of paneer at an Indian grocery store or easily make it at home to add to this delicious curry. If neither of these options is plausible for you, there are also a few substitutes. 

    You could use Mexican queso or queso fresco, mild feta (in a block), or extra firm tofu. Paneer is referred to as an Indian cottage cheese and while the flavor may be similar to cottage cheese, the texture is not the same and will not work for this recipe.

    Is Palak Paneer Spicy?

    Depending on the chef making the dish, Palak Paneer has a mild to medium heat. The spicy sauce is flavored with green chilies and red chilli powder, but the soft chunks of paneer are mild and creamy. The spinach and cream in the recipe help to take some of the heat away.

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    Favorite Recipes

    1. This Easy Palak Paneer Recipe on the stovetop is quick to make and full of flavor!

    2. What I love about Palak Paneer is how easy it is to make, but using the Instant Pot makes it even easier.

    3. Dassana shares two versions of palak paneer, a restaurant version and a homestyle palak paneer.

    Expert Tips

    • Paneer is easy to make at home because it is a fresh cheese that only calls for milk and lemon juice. Give it a try!
    • If you use store-bought paneer you can make it extra soft by allowing it to soak in water for about 15 minutes before using it. 
    • Many people like to pan-fry the paneer and add the fried paneer to the sauce. 

    What to Serve With

    Sides: Naan bread, jeera rice, roti, paratha, cumin rice, biryani rice, saffron rice, basmati rice, fresh vegetables, hummus

    Condiments: red onion, fresh tomatoes, yogurt, cream, milk, cashew cream, cashew nuts

    Paneer Side Dishes to Try 

    Paneer Bread Roll Ups

    Paneer bread roll ups on a plate with a side of dipping sauce to the side.

    Paneer bread roll is an easy snack made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese). These savory bread roll-ups are great for lunchboxes, picnics, and can be served as finger food. They are one of the easiest dishes to make and are great for meal prep too.

    Read More

    Palak Paneer Stir Fry

    Palak paneer stir fry in a bowl.

    Palak paneer stir fry is an easy and simple dish made with spinach and Indian cottage cheese (paneer). This wholesome paneer palak sabzi is very versatile and can be served in many ways.

    Read More

    Spiced Paneer Wraps

    Spiced paneer wraps on a plate with a lemon wedge on the side.

    Spiced Paneer Wraps with coriander yoghurt and mango chutney. Cubes of paneer marinated in tikka masala paste then fried until crispy. Served in a flour tortilla with crispy salad, mango chutney and yoghurt.

    Read More

    Paneer Puffs

    Paneer puffs served on a plate.

    Try these Paneer Puffs, or more popularly known as Paneer Patties, made using the Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry sheets. These puffs can be relished at breakfast time, or these are even a great option to have as evening snacks with a hot cup of tea.

    Read More

    Tandoori Paneer Tarte au Soleil

    Tandoori Paneer Tarte au Soleil on parchment paper.

    Tandoori Paneer Tarte au Soleil is a fun vegetarian French-Indian fusion appetizer made with store-bought puff pastry and a generous filling of grated paneer and vegetables in a finger-licking Tandoori marinade. It is then cooked in the air fryer for the perfect flaky texture all over.

    Read More

    Tandoori Paneer Galette

    Tandoori Paneer Galette with a bowl of green sauce next to it.

    Tantalizing Tandoori Paneer fills a moreish and crumbly pastry. This vegetarian French-Indian dish has Paneer Tikka pieces combined with crunchy vegetables. This is fusion food at its finest!

    Read More

    Paneer Butter Masala Curry

    Paneer butter masala curry in a skillet.

    This easy Paneer Butter Masala recipe makes a quick and tasty Indian curry. Paneer cheese is simmered in a creamy cashew-based sauce. It is coconut-free and flavored with a few simple Indian spices. It’s ready in just 25 minutes.

    Read More

    Baked Paneer Cutlets

    Baked paneer cutlets on a plate with cucumber

    Baked Paneer cutlet recipe with step by step photos – easy to prepare crisp and tasty cutlets made with paneer and vegetables without the need to deep fry. makes excellent protein-rich snacks especially for vegetarians.

    Read More

    Healthy Paneer Popcorn

    Bowl of paneer popcorn bites wiht a side of ketchup.

    Healthy paneer popcorn recipe with step-by-step photos and video. Completely oil-free and baked. low-fat, low-calorie healthy snack/appetizer which is suitable vegetarian diets especially if you are trying to lose weight or counting calories.

    Read More

    Instant Pot Matar Paneer

    Tortillas alongside a bowl of matar paneer.

    Low calories Instant Pot Matar Paneer is a slimmed-down version of classic Indian Matar Paneer. Suitable for weight loss and calorie counting diets. Vegetarian and gluten-free. Vegan options included.

    Read More

    Hakka Restaurant Style Chilli Paneer

    Bowl of Hakka restaurant style Chili Paneer.

    This Hakka restaurant style chilli paneer is a quick and easy vegetarian meal idea. Packed with a sweet, tangy and spicy sauce with crisp peppers and onions, this is a fantastic way to encourage meatless meals in your home, that’s ready in 20 minutes!

    Read More

    Paneer Pakora

    Paneer pakora served on a plate with dipping sauce.

    Super easy paneer pakora recipe that everyone can make in a jiffy with a few common ingredients. These are delicious and extremely addictive.

    Read More

    Paneer Korma Curry

    Skillet of paneer korma curry.

    Velvety vegetarian Paneer Korma Recipe; an easy and quick Indian cottage cheese curry with almonds, spices and yogurt. Make sure to cook the curry on low heat as this is a curd-based curry and overheating can cause curdle.

    Read More

    Savory Swirl Buns with Basil Pesto and Paneer Bell Pepper

    Savory swirl buns with basil pesto and paneer bell on a plate next to the baking dish.

    This savory swirl buns with basil pesto and paneer bell pepper masala is a good fusion of taste from Italy and India. Adding pesto sauce to this creates a different flavor profile to the traditional paneer bell pepper masala.

    Read More

    Paneer Green Masala

    Paneer green masala on a plate with tortillas and lime wedges with red onion slices garnished on the side.

    Paneer green masala is an adaptation of the North Indian Hariyali Paneer. This is made by simmering paneer in a masala of coriander, mint, cashewnuts amongst other spices. This is a lovely accompaniment to rice, pulaos, chapathis or rotis

    Read More

    Paneer Kathi Roll

    Paneer kathi rolls with lime wedges and red onion slices garnished on the side.

    Paneer Frankie or Paneer Kathi roll are wraps made with parathas or tortillas stuffed with pan-fried paneer tikka, bell peppers, and onions. These wraps are filled with pickled onions, spiced with chaat masala and green chutney. A street-style recipe that is easy to get addicted to!

    Read More

    Cheesecake Recipe without Cream Cheese

    Cheesecake made without cream cheese with a couple of slices removed from the pan and served on plates.

    This baked cheesecake recipe without cream cheese is everything that is delicious and decadent. The secret to the thickened, creamy and luscious cheesecake filling lies in the combination of cottage cheese, fresh cream and condensed milk. If you have these three ingredients in your pantry, you are pretty much ready to make this no-cream cheese cheesecake recipe.

    Read More

    How To Make Paneer Bhurji

    Paneer bhurji in a skillet.

    Paneer bhurji makes a great breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This spicy dish uses homemade paneer to create a scrambled egg-like texture that will make your family’s mouths water. Ready in less than a half hour, you can make this paneer bhurji recipe on a busy weeknight as a breakfast for dinner option or as a weekend breakfast the whole family will enjoy.

    Read More

    Restaurant Butter Paneer

    Close up of restaurant butter paneer in a skillet.

    Restaurant style butter paneer is a delicious dish of Indian cheese cooked in a creamy cashew and tomato based curry. It’s perfectly seasoned for a mild, slightly sweet taste that tastes just like what you would get in a restaurant. You’ll love making this easy butter paneer for your family to enjoy for dinner in the comfort of your own home anytime!

    Read More

    Paneer Bhurji

    Paneer bhurji served in a bowl.

    This is easy, quick and the best Paneer Bhurji recipe ever! Scrambled paneer or Indian cottage cheese stir-fried along with capsicum in tomato onion masala, gives so soft and delicious vegetarian side dish in just 15 minutes. 

    Read More

    Simple Paneer Bhurji

    Simple paneer bhurji served in a bowl.

    Egg bhurji is a favourite comfort food. Having it with parathas or bread makes for a wholesome meal. But sometimes when you are in the mood for something slightly different, it is paneer bhurji that works so well. 

    Read More

    Paneer Tikka

    Paneer tikka on skewers.

    Paneer tikka is a quintessential and much-loved Indian starter or appetizer. Thick chunks of paneer or cottage cheese are marinated in a spicy marinade and grilled on tawa or Air fryer for an absolutely delightful treat.

    Read More

    Baked Potato Skins with Paneer and Veggies

    Baked potatoes topped with paneer and veggies.

    Today I am sharing Baked Potato Skins with Paneer & Veggies, where in the potatoes are baked and then the skin is loaded with a mixture of fresh Paneer, Avocado and fresh veggies like carrot.

    Read More

    Paneer Masala Cheesesteaks

    Paneer masala cheesesteak sandwiches served on a plate with a side of fries.

    Cheese on cheese? YES. Paneer cheese is tossed in a spicy vegetable mixture, served on a hero and topped with a cheese sauce! This Paneer Masala Cheesesteak-style roll is the perfect, spicy vegetarian option.

    Read More

    Paneer Aloo Samosa

    Paneer aloo samosas served on a plate with 2 dipping sauces in small bowls.

    Impress your guests with a platter of freshly-made restaurant-quality Paneer Aloo Samosas! The buttery samosa dough is kneaded and shaped by hand, filled with shredded Indian cheese – paneer – which soaks up a ton of flavor with the spiced potatoes, and then deep-fried to crispy perfection. This vegetarian Indian appetizer is a classic snack served with chutneys at restaurants or gatherings.

    Read More

    Paneer Kabab

    Paneer kababs served on a plate.

    This paneer kabab recipe is a vegetarian appetizer that shouts the coming of spring and summer from the rooftops! Soft cubes of Indian cottage cheese and vegetables are marinated, skewered, and grilled to perfection in the oven or on the grill. Mmm!

    Read More

    Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza

    Tandoori paneer naan pizza sliced up.

    Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza is made with marinated paneer, red peppers, onions, and grape tomatoes, in an Air Fryer or Oven. This is a delicious and quick fusion pizza for the times when you are craving pizza! Vegetarian, easy, and convenient. 

    Read More

    Paneer Cheese Balls

    Paneer cheese balls served with a side of dipping sauce.

    Paneer Cheese Balls Recipe is an easy starter recipe that can be put together in no time. These crispy & delicious Paneer Cheese Balls are perfect as a tea time snack or party appetizer. 

    Read More

    Paneer Ghee Roast

    A forkful of paneer ghee roast.

    Paneer Ghee Roast is a quick, spicy and delicious recipe. This flavourful paneer recipe can be served as a starter or with roti, rice or dosa. Learn how to make this delightful Vegetarian recipe in just a matter of few minutes.

    Read More

    Paneer Pizza with Greek Flavors

    Paneer pizza with Greek flavors and a side of hummus.

    Paneer Pizza made with Greek Flavors because I just had to see how Indian Food and Greek Food worked together.  I am so glad I tried it, but, this pizza turned out to be so delicious and easy. 

    Read More

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