what is paneer?
Paneer is a fresh cheese commonly used in Indian cuisine. It’s made by curdling milk with an acidic substance like lemon juice or vinegar, separating the curds from the whey, and then pressing the curds to form a solid block. Paneer is mild in flavor and has a firm, crumbly texture, making it versatile for various dishes like curries, snacks, and desserts.
how to cook paneer?
To cook paneer, start by cutting it into cubes. Sauté the cubes in a bit of oil until they’re golden brown. You can add spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric for flavor. Use the cooked paneer in dishes like curry, stir-fry, or grilled skewers. Enjoy your paneer creation.
where to buy paneer?
You can typically find paneer in Indian grocery stores or well-stocked supermarkets. You may also check with local dairy or specialty food stores. If you can’t find it locally, consider making paneer at home using milk, lemon juice, or vinegar.
Handi Paneer Recipe
Ingredients:
250g paneer (cottage cheese), cubed
1 cup yogurt
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, pureed
1/2 cup cashew nuts, soaked in water
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon coriander powder
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons oil
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Blend the soaked cashews and yogurt to make a smooth paste.
Heat oil in a handi or deep pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute.
Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt.
Mix well.Pour in the cashew-yogurt paste and cook until the mixture thickens.
Add paneer cubes and gently mix to coat them with the gravy.
Sprinkle garam masala and simmer for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
Paneer Tikka Recipe
Ingredients:
250g paneer (cubed)
1 cup thick yogurt
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 tablespoon red chili powder
1 tablespoon turmeric powder
1 tablespoon garam masala powder
1 tablespoon chaat masala powder
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Skewers
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, chaat masala, salt, lemon juice, and vegetable oil to make the marinade.
Add paneer cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated well.
Let it marinate for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).Thread the marinated paneer onto skewers.
Place the skewers on a baking tray lined with foil or parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the paneer is golden brown and cooked through.
You can also grill them for a smoky flavor.
Serve hot with mint chutney and lemon wedges.
Enjoy your homemade Paneer Tikka.
