At Wholygoodness, we’re all about vegan cooking, but we know that many of our readers may be interested in vegetarian options, too.
Paneer is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine, used in a variety of dishes for its mild flavor and protein content.
While paneer is a dairy product, making it unsuitable for vegans, these recipes are perfect for those who follow a vegetarian diet.
But don’t worry—if you’re vegan and still craving these delicious dishes, we’ve got you covered with our own take on a vegan paneer alternative that’s just as flavorful and easy to make.
Let’s dive into the best Indian paneer recipes, and keep reading to find our vegan-friendly version!
Paneer Breakfast
Paneer isn’t just for dinner parties or snacks. It can also be used as a delicious and filling breakfast food that is packed with flavor and protein.
1. Paneer Uttapam Recipe
A savory breakfast pancake topped with grated paneer and vegetables, paneer uttapam is a nutritious meal. It’s perfect for busy mornings when you need a grab-and-go option.
Paneer Appetizers And Snacks
Paneer is an excellent ingredient for appetizers and snacks. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a satisfying snack, these paneer-based recipes are sure to impress.
2. Paneer Popcorn
A vegetarian twist on the classic popcorn chicken, paneer popcorn offers a different texture but the same bite-sized fun. With its mild flavor and firm structure, paneer is perfect for this dish.
3. Paneer Tikka
A classic Indian appetizer, paneer tikka is made with marinated cubes of paneer and vegetables, skewered and cooked in the oven, grill, or air fryer. The yogurt-based marinade with warming spices makes this a flavorful starter.
4. Crispy Paneer Fingers
Similar to mozzarella sticks, these paneer fingers are crispy on the outside with a mild, soft interior. Perfect for kids or gatherings, they’re a great alternative to fried cheese sticks.
5. Paneer Manchurian Dry
This Indo-Chinese fusion dish packs a punch of flavor. Deep-fried paneer cubes are tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
6. Paneer Pakora
Paneer pakoras are deep-fried paneer fritters with a crispy coating and soft inside. The balance of spices in the batter perfectly complements the mild paneer.
7. Paneer Bhurji Sandwich
A quick and easy snack, paneer bhurji is scrambled paneer seasoned with spices, then used as a filling for toasted sandwiches.
8. Broccoli Paneer Mayo Sandwich
This healthy sandwich combines broccoli, paneer, and spices for a protein-packed, flavorful snack. Toasting the sandwich adds a satisfying crunch.
Paneer Salads
Paneer is a great addition to salads, offering a mild flavor and protein boost that pairs well with fresh vegetables.
9. Cumin Paneer Salad
In this vibrant salad, paneer is flavored with cumin and tossed with pomegranate seeds, chilies, and mixed greens. It’s a refreshing yet filling lunch option.
10. Grilled Paneer Salad
Grilled paneer adds a smoky flavor and firm texture to this salad. The paneer is coated in warming spices and served with fresh vegetables, making it a colorful, healthy dish.
Paneer Curries And Stir-Fries
Paneer shines in curries and stir-fries, making them hearty and satisfying meals.
11. Paneer Butter Masala
A creamy, mild curry, paneer butter masala (or paneer makhani) features paneer in a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
12. Instant Pot Matar Paneer
Matar paneer, made with peas and paneer in a tomato gravy, is a simple yet delicious curry. Using an Instant Pot speeds up the process, making it a quick weeknight meal.
13. Kadai Paneer
This stir-fry curry combines paneer with bell peppers and a flavorful masala blend. The textures and spices make it an exciting and tasty meal.
14. Paneer Jalfrezi
A spicier dish, paneer jalfrezi features stir-fried vegetables and paneer, all coated in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s an easy yet impressive meal.
15. Instant Pot Palak Paneer
Palak paneer is a vibrant green spinach curry with paneer, made extra convenient in an Instant Pot. The rich, earthy flavors make this a nourishing, comforting meal.
16. Paneer Bhurji
Scrambled paneer with spices and vegetables, paneer bhurji is a versatile dish that can be served with bread, rice, or on its own. It’s quick to make and full of flavor.
17. Malai Kofta
Paneer koftas (fried paneer and potato balls) served in a creamy, mildly spiced gravy make this a special-occasion dish. It’s rich and decadent, perfect for when you want to impress guests.
Paneer Main Courses
There’s more you can do with paneer than just curries and stir-fries. Here are some other main courses that highlight this versatile cheese.
18. Paneer Paratha
A popular flatbread stuffed with paneer, paneer paratha makes a hearty main course. It’s great alongside curries or as part of a larger spread.
19. Paneer Biryani
Paneer biryani is an all-in-one dish combining paneer and rice with aromatic spices. It’s easy to make and full of flavor.
20. Saag Paneer
A combination of spinach and paneer, this dish is thickened with coconut milk for a rich, comforting meal. It’s a simple yet satisfying vegetarian main course.
Paneer Desserts
Paneer can even be used in desserts. Its mild flavor makes it a perfect base for sweet treats.
21. Paneer Kheer
Similar to rice pudding, paneer kheer is made with milk, sugar, and nuts, with crumbled paneer replacing the rice. It’s a sweet, creamy dessert with a bit of crunch.
22. Rasgulla
Paneer balls soaked in syrup, rasgulla is a soft, spongy dessert that’s incredibly popular in India.
23. Rasmalai
Rasmalai is similar to rasgulla, but the paneer balls are served in a sweet, milky sauce. It’s an extra indulgent dessert, perfect for special occasions.
Vegan Paneer Alternative
For our vegan readers, you don’t have to miss out on these amazing dishes! You can easily make a vegan version of paneer at home using tofu or a homemade dairy-free cheese.
- Tofu Paneer Substitute: Firm tofu is a fantastic stand-in for paneer. Its texture is similar, and it absorbs the flavors of curries and marinades just like paneer does. Simply marinate the tofu in your favorite spices, and use it in place of paneer in any of the recipes above.
- Homemade Vegan Paneer: If you want to make your own vegan paneer, blend soaked cashews with lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and agar-agar to create a firm, sliceable cheese. This homemade version works wonderfully in dishes like palak paneer or paneer tikka.
These vegan alternatives allow you to enjoy all the classic Indian dishes without compromising on flavor or texture.
Our Vegan Palak Paneer Recipe
We’ve created a vegan version if you’re following the same diet as us.
For this version, we’re swapping out the paneer for tofu.
This Vegan Palak Paneer is creamy, nutritious, and full of flavor, making it a perfect comfort food for any time of the year.
Ingredients:
- For the Tofu Paneer:
- 1 block of firm tofu (pressed and cut into cubes)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- For the Spinach Gravy:
- 4 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1-inch piece of ginger (grated)
- 1 green chili (optional, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ cup coconut milk (or any non-dairy cream)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tofu Paneer:
- In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice, turmeric, cumin powder, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the tofu cubes to this marinade and gently toss to coat. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly fry the tofu cubes until golden on all sides. Set aside.
- Prepare the Spinach Gravy:
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, ginger, and green chili (if using), cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, ground coriander, turmeric, cumin powder, and garam masala. Cook until the tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes thick, about 5-7 minutes.
- While the tomato mixture is cooking, blanch the spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and blend it into a smooth puree.
- Stir the spinach puree into the tomato mixture and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the coconut milk (or non-dairy cream) and mix well. Adjust the seasoning with salt.
- Combine the Tofu and Spinach:
- Gently fold the tofu cubes into the spinach gravy and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve:
- Serve your Vegan Palak Paneer hot, alongside basmati rice, naan, or roti.
Tips:
- You can use cashew cream or almond cream instead of coconut milk for an even creamier gravy.
- If you prefer a smoky flavor, lightly grill the tofu cubes before adding them to the spinach gravy.
Health Benefits of Paneer
Paneer isn’t just delicious—it also offers several health benefits.
- High in Protein: Paneer is an excellent source of protein, making it a great meat substitute.
- Rich in Calcium: Paneer is high in calcium, supporting strong bones and teeth, which is especially important for children and pregnant women.
- Regulates Blood Sugar: The magnesium in paneer helps regulate blood sugar levels, promoting better overall health.
- Aids Digestion: Paneer contains phosphorus, which helps your body absorb nutrients and promotes healthy digestion.
Final Thoughts
Paneer is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of meals throughout the day, from appetizers and snacks to main courses and even desserts.
While these recipes are perfect for those who follow a vegetarian diet, vegan alternatives like tofu or homemade cashew paneer allow everyone to enjoy these rich, flavorful dishes.
Incorporating paneer—or its vegan counterparts—into your diet brings not only great taste but also valuable health benefits.
