Paneer is a favourite in Indian vegetarian cooking. It has a soft texture, mild flavour, and ability to absorb spices, which makes it a star in everything from rich restaurant-style curries to crispy snacks and wholesome meals. At a family gathering, a festive celebration or a regular weekday dinner, paneer dishes are a hit. What is interesting about paneer is the large variety of recipes that can be made with just that one ingredient.
If you are a fan of Indian food, we have for you 30 delicious paneer recipes to try out in 2026.
1. Paneer Butter Masala
A favourite North Indian dish is Paneer Butter Masala, which has soft paneer cubes in a creamy tomato, butter and cashew-based gravy. It has a mild sweet and rich flavour that goes great with naan and jeera rice.
2. Palak Paneer
This healthy mix of fresh spinach puree, paneer cubes, garlic and aromatic spices. A great option for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
3. Shahi Paneer
Cashew-based, with cream, tomatoes, and in the style of traditional Indian spices, Shahi Paneer presents a rich and sweet gravy, which is a take on Mughlai cuisine.
4. Kadai Paneer
In a wok, I fry capsicum, onions, and tomatoes, and what I put in is my own special ground masala, which I make fresh each time. This is great for those who like it bold.
5. Matar Paneer
A classic mix of green peas and paneer in an onion-tomato-based gravy, this traditional dish goes very well with roti and steamed rice.
6. Paneer Tikka
Marinated in a blend of spices and grilled to a light char, Paneer Tikka is a popular starter served with mint chutney.
7. Chilli Paneer
This East Asian favourite features crispy paneer cubes with capsicum, onions, soy sauce and chilli sauce. We also have it in dry and gravy versions.
8. Paneer Lababdar
In a restaurant-style preparation, we have paneer that is cubed and grated, tomatoes, cashews and cream, which create a thick and flavorful gravy.
9. Paneer Bhurji
Paneer that has been crumbled and cooked with onions, tomatoes, green chillies and spices makes a quick and satisfying breakfast or side dish.
10. Paneer Do Pyaza
This traditional recipe uses large amounts of onions, paneer and aromatic spices to put together a delicious semi-dry curry.
11. Paneer Pasanda
Paneer slices are fried up and served in a rich, mild sauce, which makes this a great option for special occasions.
12. Achari Paneer
Pickle-flavoured spices, mustard oil and yoghurt are used in Achari Paneer, which presents a distinctive tangy and spicy taste.
13. Paneer Tikka Masala
Grilled paneer in a spicy tomato-based gravy, which is a delightful mix of smoky and creamy flavours.
14. Methi Malai Paneer
Freshly picked fenugreek leaves, cream and paneer are used in this mildly spiced dish, which has a distinct aroma.
15. Paneer Kolhapuri
For spice enthusiasts, this Maharashtrian-style curry is a fiery blend of roasted spices, coconut and thick gravy.
16. Paneer Jalfrezi
Paneer cooked with a mix of colourful bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and spices, which makes for a quick and flavorful stir-fry.
17. Paneer Handi
Slow-braised in a rich base of onions and tomatoes with cream and traditional spices, at a Paneer Handi we take you back to the dhaba experience.
18. Tawa Paneer
Prepared on a griddle, this street food favourite is made with capsicum, onions and spicy masala, which goes great with buttered pav or roti.
19. Paneer 65
Crispy deep-fried paneer pieces are in a mix of yoghurt, curry leaves and South Indian spices, which we present as a tempting starter.
20. Paneer Pakora
Paneer pieces in a seasoned gram flour batter, which are deep-fried until golden, make a great evening snack with hot tea.
21. Paneer Cutlet
A mix of mashed potatoes, crumbled paneer and vegetables is formed into patties and fried until crispy.
22. Paneer Sandwich
Packed with spiced paneer, onions, vegetables and cheese, this toasted sandwich is a convenient breakfast or lunch box option.
23. Paneer Paratha
Paneer that is crushed and mixed with green chillies, coriander and spices is put into wheat flatbread and cooked in ghee.
24. Paneer Kathi Roll
Spiced paneer tikka, onions and chutney in a soft flatbread, which is a filling and convenient meal.
25. Paneer Biryani
Fragrant basmati rice, marinated paneer, mint and aromatic spices are put together and slow-cooked to present a full-flavoured one-pot meal.
26. Paneer Pulao
A healthier take on biryani, we have here a dish that includes paneer, vegetables and whole spices, which makes for an easy lunch.
27. Paneer Fried Rice
Indo-Chinese flavours, cooked rice, vegetables, sauces and paneer cubes make this a quick and tasty meal.
28. Paneer Manchurian
Crispy paneer pieces in a tangy Manchurian sauce, which is a great variation for Indo-Chinese food lovers.
29. Paneer Kheer
A traditional Indian dessert which features crumbled paneer, milk, sugar, cardamom and dry fruits, Paneer Kheer is very creamy and satisfying.
30. Paneer Sandesh
This Bengali sweet is made with fresh chhena, sugar and cardamom. It has a fine texture and mild taste, which makes it a great dessert.
Conclusion
Paneer is a base for an unlimited number of delicious vegetarian dishes. We have included in these 30 recipes a variety of options for different times of the year. From rich curries and spicy appetisers to rice dishes and traditional desserts, there is a wide range of options. If you like the creaminess of Shahi Paneer, the smokiness of Paneer Tikka, or the simplicity of Paneer Bhurji, you will find what you are looking for. In 2026, liven up your regular meals by trying out these classic and flavorful paneer recipes.
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