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.
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.
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Palak Paneer Stir Fry
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.
Spiced Paneer Wraps
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.
Paneer Puffs
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.
Tandoori Paneer Tarte au Soleil
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.
Tandoori Paneer Galette
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!
Paneer Butter Masala Curry
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.
Baked Paneer Cutlets
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.
Healthy Paneer Popcorn
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.
Instant Pot 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.
Hakka Restaurant Style Chilli 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!
Paneer Pakora
Super easy paneer pakora recipe that everyone can make in a jiffy with a few common ingredients. These are delicious and extremely addictive.
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.
Savory Swirl Buns with Basil Pesto and Paneer Bell Pepper
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.
Paneer Green Masala
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
Paneer Kathi Roll
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!
Cheesecake Recipe without Cream Cheese
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.
How To Make Paneer Bhurji
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.
Restaurant Butter Paneer
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!
Paneer Bhurji
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.
Simple Paneer Bhurji
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.
Paneer Tikka
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.
Baked Potato Skins 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.
Paneer Masala Cheesesteaks
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.
Paneer Aloo Samosa
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.
Paneer Kabab
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!
Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza
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.
Paneer Cheese Balls
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.
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.
Paneer Pizza with Greek Flavors
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.
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