Delicious Indian Recipes That Celebrate Cottage Cheese: A Creamy Culinary Delight
Explore the world of Indian recipes with cottage cheese, where flavor and tradition meet. Cottage cheese, known as paneer in India, is a versatile ingredient used in a variety of dishes, from creamy curries like Paneer Butter Masala to sizzling appetizers like Tandoori Paneer Tikka. These recipes are perfect for adding a rich, protein-packed twist to your meals.
1. Paneer Bhurji: A Quick and Flavorful Scramble
Paneer Bhurji is a delicious Indian dish made with scrambled paneer (Indian cottage cheese), onions, tomatoes, and spices. It is typically served with flatbreads like roti or paratha.
Ingredients:
- 250 grams paneer, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon hing (asafetida)
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 1-2 green chilies, crushed
- 1-inch ginger, crushed
- 4-5 large garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (optional: de-seeded)
- Spices: salt, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala
Preparation Method:
Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with chapati or paratha.erve hot with buttered toast, chapatis, or as a filling in sandwiches for a nutritious breakfast.
Heat Oil and Ghee: In a pan over medium heat, add oil and ghee.
Add Spices: Once hot, add cumin seeds and fennel seeds; let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add hing and stir.
Sauté Onions: Add chopped onions along with the crushed green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Cook until the onions turn light brown (about 5 minutes).
Add Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 3 minutes until softened.
Mix in Spices: Add the spices (salt, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala) and mix well.
Add Paneer: Gently fold in the crumbled paneer and mix without mashing it. Cook for an additional 3 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
| Nutrient | Value | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 473 | 24% |
| Total Fat | 38g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 21g | 107% |
| Cholesterol | 100mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 22mg | 1% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 7g | 3% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | – |
| Protein | 29g | 52% |
| Calcium | 361mg | 36% |
| Iron | 0.2mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 225mg | 5% |
2. Palak Paneer: A Creamy Spinach Delight
Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with fresh spinach and paneer (Indian cottage cheese). It is known for its rich flavor and vibrant green color, making it a favorite in many households. Below is a detailed recipe along with its nutritional information.
Ingredients:
- 350 grams spinach (palak)
- 150 grams paneer, cubed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 2 green chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 3 tablespoons cream for richness
Preparation Method:
- Prepare Spinach: Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes, then transfer to ice water. Drain and blend into a smooth puree.
- Cook Onions and Spices: In a pan, heat oil or ghee. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste, followed by chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes are soft. Add salt and garam masala.
- Combine Spinach and Paneer: Add the spinach puree to the pan and mix well. Gently fold in the cubed paneer and cook for another 5 minutes. If using cream, stir it in at this stage.
- Serve: Garnish with additional cream if desired and serve hot with naan or rice.
Serving Suggestion: Perfect with naan, paratha, or jeera rice, Palak Paneer makes for a hearty meal that is both nourishing and fulfilling.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 369 | 18% |
| Total Fat | 29.8g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 18.5g | 93% |
| Cholesterol | 87.9mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 454mg | 20% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10.6g | 4% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6g | 10% |
| Sugars | 5.1g | – |
| Protein | 17.2g | 34% |
| Calcium | 554mg | 55% |
| Iron | 3.4mg | 19% |
3. Homemade Paneer: The Essential Base
Making homemade paneer is a straightforward process that requires minimal ingredients and offers a fresh, soft cheese perfect for various dishes. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make paneer at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter whole milk
- Juice of 1 whole lemon or 1 tablespoon white vinegar mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- Optional:
- Handful of fresh coriander, finely chopped
- 2 red chilies, finely chopped
- A small piece of ginger, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
Method:
- Heat the Milk: Pour the milk into a pan and gently heat it on low-medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Acid: Just before the milk begins to boil, reduce the heat further. Slowly add the lemon juice or vinegar while stirring continuously. The milk will start to curdle and separate into curds and whey.
- Let it Sit: Once the milk has fully separated (the whey should look clear), turn off the heat and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- Strain the Curds: Place a colander over a large bowl and line it with muslin cloth. Pour the curds into the cloth to strain out the whey. Rinse the curds under cold water to remove any acidic flavor.
- Form the Paneer: Gather the corners of the muslin cloth and twist it to form a ball, squeezing out excess liquid. Place this wrapped paneer on a plate with another plate on top, adding weight to help it set.
- Refrigerate: Let it sit for at least an hour or two in the refrigerator before unwrapping.
You can enjoy your homemade paneer immediately or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 300 | 15% |
| Total Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 80mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 200mg | 9% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | – |
| Sugars | 6g | – |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Calcium | 400mg | 40% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
4. Paneer Butter Masala: A Rich Indulgence
Paneer Butter Masala is a rich and creamy Indian dish made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a buttery tomato-based gravy. It’s known for its delightful flavor and is often served with naan or rice.
Ingredients:
- For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 4 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 2 tablespoons cashew nuts (optional)
- 2 teaspoons Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- For the Paneer:
- 200 grams paneer, cubed
- ½ cup fresh cream
- 2 tablespoons kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Preparation Method:
Garnish: Sprinkle kasuri methi and garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.on: Best enjoyed with naan or pilaf.
Heat Butter and Oil: In a pan, heat butter and oil together. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Sauté Onions: Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
Tomato Puree: Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
Add Cashews: If using, blend cashews with a little water to make a paste and add it to the gravy.
Spices: Mix in Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, salt, and sugar. Stir well.
Add Paneer: Gently fold in the paneer cubes, ensuring they are coated with the gravy.
Creamy Finish: Pour in fresh cream and mix well. Cook for an additional few minutes until heated through.
| Nutrient | Value | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 389 | 19% |
| Total Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 50mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 906mg | 38% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugars | 21g | – |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Calcium | 2070mg | 207% |
| Iron | 4.9mg | 27% |
Conclusion
Cottage cheese, or paneer, is a staple that reflects the diversity and richness of Indian cuisine. From quick and healthy breakfasts to indulgent dinners, paneer can adapt and enhance various recipes, making it a must-have in any kitchen. By trying these delicious recipes, you can experience the delightful flavors and textures that paneer brings to Indian cooking. Enjoy your culinary journey with these creamy delights that celebrate the unique charm of Indian gastronomy!