Paneer is extremely popular across several regions and cuisines in India. Made from split milk, it is a rich source of protein that can be used to build lean muscle when consumed in moderate proportions, lightly spiced or added to salad. Paneer dishes are a favoured part of northern Indian cuisine too, with paneer makhni, butter masala and palak paneer being all-time favourites.
Image credit: Swasthi's Recipes
This dairy product is highly versatile, it can be used in sweet and savoury dishes and infused with many different flavours. Over time, paneer has also been incorporated into western European and continental cuisines with paneer steak becoming a popular variant for vegetarians.
Paneer can also be used to whip up delicious snacks and appetizers that work well as a munching with a drink or a dish to binge on at an informal dinner party. A number of different snacks can be prepared using paneer and here are some delicious options that will liven up your next dinner party:
Paneer 65
Paneer 65 has become increasingly popular over the last few years as a starter or a peppy snack made with southern Indian flavours. A tempering of curry leaves, chopped onions and grated ginger and garlic is mixed with cumin and coriander powder, garam masala and turmeric before adding some shallow-fried paneer to make what is an absolutely irresistible starter.
Paneer Popcorn
Vegetarians experiencing FOMO while others gorge on a plate of crispy chicken popcorn, fret not. Paneer popcorn is a suitable substitute made from small, bite sized paneer pieces that are rolled in bread crumbs and deep-fried to attain that indulgent, crispy exterior. Serve paneer popcorn with a sprinkling of paprika to season them from the outside.
Paneer Chaat
A recipe made-up to do away with afternoon hunger pangs, paneer chaat involves coating paneer with tangy chutney made from methi, mustard, tamarind, green chillies and more. This paneer chaat can be served with spicy green chutney and a layer of dahi, some crushed potatoes and chopped onions for a proper chaat feel.
Paneer Pakora
A simple snack to whip up on a rainy or chilly day, paneer pakora is nothing but chunks of paneer rolled in besan flour, deep-fried to achieve a lovely crisp. Paneer pakoras retain the slightly sweet taste of paneer so add some red chilli powder to the batter to give it a bit of a kick. Adding some semolina into the thick coating batter also helps to achieve a nice crisp.
Paneer Roll
A crunchy paneer roll is a take on simple bread roll and involves mixing paneer, potatoes and cheese into a dough that can be rolled into little cylinders. Deep-fried to achieve a crispy, golden-brown layer, a paneer roll is an indulgent pakora made tastier and tangier with the addition of amchur into the paneer-potato mixture.
Image credit: Apron Chefs
Stir-Fried Paneer
A popular street-food take on the chilli recipe, paneer stir-fry is made by shallow frying chunks of paneer and tossing them in a wok along with cabbages, onions and capsicum. Add some soy sauce and vinegar as well as chopped spring onions in the wok to make a delicious appetizer for your next dinner party.
Paneer Tikka
Make paneer tikka at home on a pan by chopping up chunks of the cottage cheese and marinating them in curd, ginger-garlic paste, some tandoori masala and a host of different condiments. Also add veggies like tomatoes, capsicums and onions to the marination mix and insert them in skewers before roasting.
Paneer And Corn Croquettes
Another recipe that is absolute fried goodness, paneer and corn croquettes can add an oomph to your next weekend party. Mix crushed paneer with grated corn and season it with ginger-garlic paste, some chillies and pepper before rolling into round balls deep fried in hot oil. Coat the rolls in potatoes and breadcrumbs for making croquettes. Cutlets can also be made using the same mix without the thick potato layer.