Be inspired by these 10 paneer curry recipes you’ll love with both classic and modern ideas for cooking with the delicious Indian cheese.
Paneer is a fresh, non-melting cheese that’s popular in Indian cuisine.
It’s made from milk that has been curdled with lemon juice or vinegar, and then pressed into a block.
Paneer has a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a soft, crumbly texture.
It is often used in curries, tikka masalas, and other Indian dishes.
Where does paneer come from?
The exact origins of paneer are unknown, but it is believed to have originated in India.
There are several theories about how paneer was first made, but the most likely explanation is that it was accidentally created by curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar.
Paneer quickly became popular in India, and it is now enjoyed all over the world.
Where to buy paneer
Paneer is available in most grocery stores, either in the dairy section or in the international aisle.
It is also available at many Indian grocery stores. Paneer can be found in blocks or cubes.
if you can’t find paneer where you live, you can try making your own (it’s easier than you think!).
Here’s my favourite Homemade Paneer Recipe and Masala Paneer Recipe.
Tips for making paneer curry
- Use high-quality paneer for the best flavour and texture
- Don’t overcook the paneer, or it will become dry and crumbly
- Add your spices gradually, tasting as you go, to get the perfect flavour balance
- Soak shop bought paneer in hot water for 15 minutes before using. Drain and pat dry before frying or add straight into your dish
Popular paneer curry dishes
There are many popular paneer curry dishes, but some of the most well-known include paneer makhani (butter paneer), matar paneer, paneer bhurji, palak paneer, shahi paneer and paneer tikka masala.
Be inspired by these 10 Paneer Curry Recipes You’ll Love
10 Paneer Curry Recipes You'll Love
Try one of these delicious paneer curry recipes the next time you're cooking up an Indian feast!
Matar Paneer
Matar Paneer is a popular Indian dish made with paneer cheese and peas in a creamy tomato-based sauce. It's a delicious and nutritious vegetarian curry.
This recipe for Matar Paneer is also easy to make, making it an amazing option for home cooks or people new to Indian food.
Matar Paneer is typically served with rice, naan or roti, but feel free to choose your favourite accompaniments.
Restaurant-Style Shahi Paneer
Soft, creamy Mughlai Restaurant-Style Shahi Paneer is a true celebration of rich flavours and treasured spices. Scoop this vegetarian curry up with hot paratha, naan or roti.
If you’re not a bread lover, this Shahi Paneer also pairs beautifully with rice, should you wish to opt for a simple curry and rice bowl for dinner.
Paneer Tikka Masala
Learn how to make the most delicious Paneer Tikka Masala, just like your favourite Indian restaurant!
Pieces of paneer (cottage cheese) and vegetables are first marinated in yoghurt and spices, and then skewered and grilled to smoky perfection.
The tikka pieces are then removed from the skewer and folded into a creamy curry sauce made with tomatoes, spices and cream. Here's an easy to follow video recipe and video.
The Ultimate Saag Paneer
The Ultimate Saag Paneer recipe is pure MAGIC! Soft paneer chunks in a creamy mustard greens & spinach curry. Every bite will melt in your mouth.
Saag Paneer is the more character-laden cousin of Palak Paneer, made with mixed greens like mustard leaves (sarson) instead of spinach alone.
The velvety texture and subtle spicing of this recipe for Saag Paneer ensures the peppery mustard leaves and juicy paneer are the true stars of the show.
Brown Butter Paneer Makhani
I thought I knew true love, but then I met Brown Butter Paneer Makhani. The toasty, nutty aroma of brown butter (or beurre noisette) transforms the traditional Paneer Makhani we all know and love into something even more sensational.
Combine aromatic spices with a creamy cashew and tomato base, gently brown some butter in a pan and create the Makhani-style sauce of your dreams. This is the only way I’ll make Paneer Makhani from now on.
Paneer Curry
Try this easy Paneer Curry recipe with a delicious mix of aromatic Indian spices. Sauté the soft cubes of Indian cottage cheese in a golden onion and tomato masala. The flavours of cumin, black pepper, ginger and garam masala add warmth and excitement.
A kadai-fried curry like this (without too much sauce) is perfect to serve with naan, roti or paratha. I even like using it as a dosa filling when making Paneer Masala Dosa. If you prefer your Paneer Curry with a thick Indian gravy, try Paneer Makhani or Matar Paneer.
Melt-Away Malai Kofta
I call this creamy paneer kofta curry Melt-Away Malai Kofta simply because they melt away as soon as you put them in your mouth. Malai Kofta are the ultimate North Indian vegetarian curry recipe to dazzle friends and family.
My simple paneer and potato kofta are golden on the outside and a brilliant white colour on the inside. Each bite is soft, a little spongy and slick with a smooth and creamy tomato sauce. In my home, Malai Kofta is an essential curry for special occasions.
This Indian vegetarian curry of paneer (cheese) and potato kofta is a real celebration of rich flavours and warming spices.
Easy Creamy Palak Paneer
I will always order Palak Paneer if it’s on the menu in a restaurant. For me, a bowl of creamy spinach and cheese is mandatory. I could forgo rice and bread and quite simply eat a bowl of Palak Paneer with a spoon.
The trick to a super green sauce is to cook the spinach as little as possible. Just apply enough heat to wilt it at the beginning and heat the finished sauce just to warm all the ingredients through.
Paneer Butter Masala
One of my favourite paneer dishes is Paneer Butter Masala, whereby chunks of soft paneer are folded into a creamy and sharp tomato sauce made luxurious with unadulterated butter.
Hand me a teardrop sheet of puffy, soft naan to mop up all of that sauce and I’m in seventh heaven.
Restaurant-Style Matar Paneer
The soft and creamy cubes of Indian cottage cheese pairs so well with simple fresh garden peas, making this vegetarian curry a pillar of Desi restaurant and home-style cooking.
The base gravy for this Matar Paneer recipe contains ground almonds and tomatoes for a delectable creaminess and sharp tang.
The spicing is warm but complex, making you wonder if you really just made that at home in the comfort of your own kitchen, without having to go to a restaurant or pick up a takeaway menu. Mad skills.
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