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People are big fans of paneer, or cottage cheese, which has given birth to a wide array of dishes in Indian cuisine. Be it for lunch, dinner, or snacks, paneer has played a vital role in the platter of Indian households. One can include paneer in every course.
Paneer is the quintessential dairy product in Indian cuisine and has a history dating back to ancient India. Its origins can be traced to the Vedic period, making it one of the oldest forms of cheese in the world.
Paneer is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential nutrients. It is an excellent source of high-quality protein, making it an essential component of vegetarian diets. Additionally, paneer contains calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, which are crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth. The protein and healthy fats in paneer also help curb hunger, making it a satisfying and nutritious addition to meals.
Indian paneer snacks are quite popular and can be enjoyed in the evening with a cup of chai. Be it tikkas, kababs, or pakoras, paneer can take over the platter of snacks in any way. Soft and succulent paneer chunks, be they roasted, grilled, sautéed, or fried with spices, make the perfect snack. Take a look at the seven paneer snack dishes that you can easily make at home:
- Achaari Paneer Tikka
Achaari Paneer Tikka is a tantalising Indian appetiser that marries the creamy goodness of paneer with the bold and zesty flavours of traditional pickling spices, known as ‘achaar’ in Hindi. This dish is a culinary masterpiece that combines the rich, smoky notes of tandoori cooking with the tangy and spicy kick of pickling spices like mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, and fennel seeds. The paneer cubes are marinated in achaari masala, yoghurt, and various aromatic spices before being skewered and grilled to perfection.
- Paneer Besan Chilla
This dish combines the creaminess of paneer with the versatility of besan to create a delightful pancake-like creation. To prepare this dish, besan is mixed with crumbled paneer, finely chopped vegetables, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs.
The resulting batter is then spread evenly on a hot griddle or skillet and cooked until it forms a golden, crispy crust on the outside while remaining soft and savoury on the inside.
- Paneer Anardana Kabab
This kabab is made with paneer mixed with the tangy and slightly sweet notes of anardana (dried pomegranate seeds). To craft this flavorful dish, crumbled paneer is infused with a mix of anardana, aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and a binding agent like gram flour or corn starch. The resulting mixture is then shaped into small, bite-sized kababs or patties and grilled or pan-fried to perfection.
- Paneer Pakora
This is a crispy and delightful snack that is the all-time favourite of the Indians. Thick slices of paneer are coated in a spiced gram flour batter, which is typically seasoned with spices like cumin, coriander, and ajwain for an extra kick of flavour.
These delectable paneer pieces are then deep-fried until they turn golden brown and crispy. The result is a delightful fusion of textures, with the outer layer offering a satisfying crunch and the inner paneer remaining soft and creamy.
- Paneer 65
You might have always eaten chicken 65, but this dish is for vegetarians to try. To prepare this tantalising dish, bite-sized cubes of paneer are marinated in a vibrant mixture of yoghurt, red chilli powder, ginger-garlic paste, and a medley of spices, including cumin and coriander. After marinating, the paneer pieces are deep-fried to achieve a crispy,golden-brown exterior while retaining their soft and creamy interior.
Once fried, they are typically tossed in a tempering of curry leaves, green chilies, and aromatic spices to further enhance their flavour. Paneer 65 is known for its tantalising blend of heat, spice, and tanginess, making it a popular appetiser or side dish in South Indian cuisine.
- Paneer Chaat
This is a refreshing and colourful salad recipe. Paneer cubes are gently marinated with a medley of spices like chaat masala, cumin, and red chilli powder, lending them a burst of savoury flavour.
These seasoned paneer pieces are then combined with a vibrant mix of finely chopped vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, along with fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. The chaat is further elevated with a drizzle of tangy tamarind chutney and a sprinkle of crunchy sev.
- Baked Paneer Samosa
A delightful filling of crumbled paneer combined with an array of aromatic spices and herbs is often accompanied by a medley of finely chopped vegetables. What sets them apart is their cooking method; instead of deep-frying, these samosas are brushed with a minimal amount of oil and baked to golden perfection, resulting in a crisp, flaky exterior that is both lighter and lower in calories.
