Paneer Recipes: History, Types, And How To Make Them At Home

Introduction:

Paneer recipe is one of the most popular and versatile dishes in Indian cuisine. Paneer, also known as Indian cottage cheese, is a fresh cheese that is widely used in various Indian dishes. Paneer is made by curdling milk with the help of an acidic agent like lemon juice or vinegar. Paneer has a soft and crumbly texture, making it perfect for absorbing flavors and spices. Paneer is also an excellent source of protein and calcium, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of paneer, the history of paneer, how to make paneer, different types of paneer recipes, ingredients required for making paneer, and step-by-step instructions on how to make paneer recipe. We will also cover the frequently asked questions, tips for users, and a disclaimer.

Benefits of Paneer:

Paneer is a rich source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus, making it an excellent addition to a healthy diet. Paneer is also low in fat and carbohydrates, making it an ideal food for weight loss. Paneer is also rich in Vitamin B12, which is essential for maintaining nerve health. Paneer is also known to have a positive effect on blood sugar levels, making it an excellent food for people with diabetes. 

History of Paneer:

Paneer has been a part of Indian cuisine for centuries. It is believed that paneer was first made in the Indian subcontinent during the Vedic period. Paneer was made by curdling milk with an acidic agent like lemon juice or vinegar. Paneer was a popular food among the Indian royalty and was often used in various dishes. Paneer has now become a staple food in Indian cuisine and is widely used in various dishes across the country.

How to make Paneer Recipe:

Paneer is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. To make paneer, you will need milk and an acidic agent like lemon juice or vinegar. Here are the steps to make paneer:

1. Heat milk in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat.

2. Once the milk starts to boil, reduce the heat and add the acidic agent (lemon juice or vinegar) to the milk. Stir well.

3. The milk will start to curdle, and the whey will separate from the curd. Turn off the heat.

4. Strain the curdled milk through a cheesecloth or muslin cloth. Rinse the paneer under cold water to remove any traces of lemon juice or vinegar.

5. Hang the cheesecloth with the paneer for about 30 minutes to remove excess water. Your paneer is ready to use.

Types of Paneer Recipe:

Paneer recipe comes in various forms, and each has its unique taste and flavor. Here are some of the most popular types of paneer recipes:

1. Palak Paneer Recipe:

Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with spinach and paneer. The spinach is blanched and pureed, and then cooked with spices, onions, and tomatoes. The paneer is added to the spinach gravy and simmered until cooked. It is usually served with naan or roti.

2. Matar Paneer Recipe:

Matar Paneer is another popular North Indian dish made with paneer and green peas. The green peas are cooked with spices, onions, and tomatoes, and then the paneer is added to the gravy and simmered until cooked. It is usually served with rice or naan.

3. Shahi Paneer Recipe:

Shahi Paneer is a rich and creamy paneer dish made with a tomato-based gravy, cream, and cashews. The paneer is cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices, and then simmered in the creamy gravy until cooked. It is usually served with naan or rice.

4. Kadai Paneer Recipe:

Kadhai Paneer is a spicy paneer dish made with a tomato-based gravy and a special spice blend called kadhai asala. The paneer is cooked with onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers and then simmered in the kadhai masala until cooked. It is usually served with naan or roti.

5. Chilli Paneer Recipe:

Chilli Paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish made with paneer and a spicy and tangy sauce. The paneer is first deep-fried until crispy and then cooked with onions, bell peppers, and a sauce made with soy sauce, chili sauce, and vinegar. It is usually served as an appetizer or with fried rice.

6. Paneer Butter Masala Recipe:

Paneer Butter Masala is a popular North Indian dish made with paneer and a creamy tomato-based gravy. The paneer is cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices, and then simmered in a creamy gravy made with butter, cream, and cashews. It is usually served with naan or roti.

7. Paneer Bhurji Recipe:

Paneer Bhurji is a spicy and scrambled paneer dish made with onions, tomatoes, and spices. The paneer is crumbled and cooked with the onions and tomatoes until the mixture is dry and well combined. It is usually served with bread or paratha.

8. Paneer Tikka Recipe:

Palak Tikka is a vegetarian appetizer made by marinating spinach leaves in a blend of spices and yogurt, and then roasting them in a tandoor or oven until crispy. It is a healthy and delicious snack that is perfect for parties or as a starter for a meal.

9. Paneer Paratha Recipe:

Paneer Paratha is a popular Indian breakfast dish made with a flatbread stuffed with a filling of crumbled paneer, spices, and herbs. It is served hot with a side of yogurt, pickle, or chutney and is a flavorful and filling meal.

10. Paneer Sandwich Recipe:

Paneer Sandwich is a delicious and easy-to-make snack made with soft bread slices filled with a mixture of crumbled paneer, vegetables, and spices. It is a great option for a quick breakfast, lunch or snack and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.

Categories in Paneer Recipe:

Paneer recipe can be broadly categorized into three categories: 

1. Gravy-based Paneer Recipe: 

This category includes paneer recipes that are made with a rich and flavorful gravy. Some popular examples include Shahi Paneer, Paneer Butter Masala, and Paneer Bhurji.

2. Dry Paneer Recipe: 

This category includes paneer recipes that are cooked without any gravy. Some popular examples include Paneer Tikka, Paneer Sandwich, and Paneer Paratha.

3. Semi-dry Paneer Recipe: 

This category includes paneer recipes that have a thick and creamy consistency, but are not entirely in a gravy form. Some popular examples include Kadai Paneer and Chilli Paneer.

Ingredients Required for Making Paneer:

Paneer is a fresh cheese that is popular in Indian cuisine and is used in many different dishes. The following are the ingredients required to make paneer at home:

1. Milk: 2 liters of whole milk is required to make about 200-250 grams of paneer.

2. Lemon Juice or Vinegar: About 3-4 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar is required to curdle the milk and separate the curd from the whey.

3. Water: 2-3 cups of water is required to rinse the paneer after it has been made.

4. Cheesecloth: A piece of cheesecloth or muslin cloth is required to strain the curd and separate the whey.

The process of making paneer involves heating the milk, adding the lemon juice or vinegar, and then straining the curd to separate it from the whey. The curd is then wrapped in cheesecloth and pressed to remove any excess water. Once the paneer is ready, it can be used in a variety of dishes, such as palak paneer, matar paneer, and shahi paneer.

Steps to Make Paneer Recipe:

Here are the steps to make paneer recipe:

1. Heat 2 liters of milk in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat.

2. Once the milk starts to boil, reduce the heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk. Stir well.

3. The milk will start to curdle, and the whey will separate from the curd. Turn off the heat.

4. Strain the curdled milk through a cheesecloth or muslin cloth. Rinse the paneer under cold water to remove any traces of lemon juice or vinegar.

5. Hang the cheesecloth with the paneer for about 30 minutes to remove excess water.

6. Cut the paneer into small cubes or as per the recipe requirements.

7. Use the paneer in your desired recipe.

How Much Time to Make Paneer Recipe:

It takes around 30-40 minutes to make paneer recipe, including the preparation time.

Palak Paneer Recipe in Hindi (हिंदी):

पालक पनीर रेसिपी एक लोकप्रिय दाल थाली का खास व्यंजन है। यह एक स्वस्थ खाने का विकल्प है जो पालक के साथ स्वास्थ्यवर्धक पनीर को मिलाता है।

यहां हम आपके लिए पालक पनीर रेसिपी का संपूर्ण विवरण प्रस्तुत कर रहे हैं।

इसके लिए आपको निम्नलिखित सामग्री की आवश्यकता होगी:

सामग्री:

- पनीर - 200 ग्राम (छोटे टुकड़ों में कटा हुआ)

- पालक - 500 ग्राम

- हरी मिर्च - 2-3 (बारीक कटा हुआ)

- टमाटर - 2 (बारीक कटा हुआ)

- प्याज - 1 (बारीक कटा हुआ)

- धनिया पत्ती - 2 टेबल स्पून (बारीक कटा हुआ)

- तेल - 2 टेबल स्पून

- जीरा - 1 टीस्पून

- हींग - आधा चम्मच

- लाल मिर्च पाउडर - 1 टीस्पून

- हल्दी पाउडर - 1 चम्मच

- धनिया पाउडर - 1 टीस्पून

- गरम मसाला पाउडर - 1 चम्मच

- नमक स्वादानुसार

विधि:

1. सबसे पहले, पालक को अच्छी तरह से धो लें और उसके तने को अलग कर दें। अब एक पैन में तेल गरम करें और उसमें जीरा डालें।

2. जब जीरा सुनहरा हो जाए तो उसमें हींग, हरी मिर्च, टमाटर, प्याज और धनिया पत्ती डालें। सबको अच्छी तरह मिलाएं और इसे थोड़ी देर तक पकाएं।

3. कढ़ाई में तेल गर्म करें और उसमें जीरा, हींग और लाल मिर्च का पाउडर डालें।

4. अब इसमें कटी हुई प्याज़ डालें और सुनहरी भूरी ना होने तक भूनें।

5. अब इसमें टमाटर और नमक डालें और अच्छी तरह से मिलाएँ।

6. इसमें पालक डालें और आधा चम्मच गुड़ डालें।

7. अब इसमें पनीर के टुकड़े डालें और 2-3 मिनट तक पकाएँ।

8. अब इसमें 1 चम्मच लाल मिर्च पाउडर डालें और मिलाकर दो-तीन मिनट तक पकाएँ।

9. तैयार पालक पनीर को धनिया पत्ते से सजाकर गरमा गरम सर्व करें।

 Shahi Paneer Recipe in Hindi (हिंदी):

 क्या आप शाही पनीर बनाने की रेसिपी या तरीका खोज रहे हो. हमारे द्वारा बताई गयी विधि से आप शाही पनीर को आपने घर पर आसानी से बना सकते हो.

शाही पनीर को बनाने के लिए आपको पनीर के टुकड़ो को टमाटर और प्याज की ग्रेवी में पकाना है. यह रेसिपी बहुत पुराने समय से चली आ रही है. इसको शाही लुक और फील देने के लिए काजू का इस्तेमाल किया जाता है. इसको आप बहुत ही आसानी से अपने घर पर बना सकते हो. अगर आपके घर पर बहुत सारे मेहमान आ जाये तो आप इसको बना सकते हो.

सामग्री:

• पनीर 250 ग्राम
• प्याज 2
• टमाटर 1
• अदरक 1 इंच
• लहसुन 8-10 कली
• धनिया पाउडर 1/2 टी स्पून
• लाल मिर्च 1/2 टी स्पून
• हल्दी 1/4 टी स्पून
• गरम मसाला 1/2 टी स्पून
• दही 2 स्पून
• नमक स्वादानुसार
• चीनी 1/2 टी स्पून
• गरम मसाले साबुत (खड़े)
• तेल या घी 2 टेबल स्पून
• जीरा 1 पिंच
• तेजपत्ता 1
• इलाइची 2
• दालचीनी 1 टुकड़ा
• लौंग 2 -3
• काजू 5 -7

१) Shahi Paneer Recipe बनाने के लिए सबसे पहले आप कढ़ाई ले और उसमे तेल गर्म होने के लिए रख दे. तेल गर्म होने के बाद उसमे जीरा और तेजपत्ता डाल दे. कुछ समय तक इनको भुने.

२) इसके बाद साबुत गरम मसालो को भी भी डाल तेल में भुनने के लिए डाल दे. ( जैसे लौंग, इलाइची ,दालचीनी ) इन सब को डालने के बाद लगभग 1 मिनट तक भून ले.

३) इसके बाद प्याज और टमाटर का पेस्ट का पेस्ट डाल दे. इसको 1 से 2 मिनट तक भून ले.

४) आगे के लिए आप अदरक लहसुन का पेस्ट और काजू का पेस्ट बना कर डाल दे. इन सब को लगभग 4 से 5 मिनट पकाये.

५) इन सब के बाद आप लाल मिर्च पाउडर, हल्दी पाउडर और धनिया पाउडर डाल दे. थोड़ा सा पानी डाल कर इन सब को 2 से 3 तक अच्छे से पका ले.

६) इसके बाद आप एक बड़ा बाउल लेकर उसमे पनीर के छोटे टुकड़े, दही और चीनी को डालकर अच्छे से मिला ले. मिलाने के बाद सारे पेस्ट को कड़ाई में डाल कर लगभग 5 मिनट तक पक्का ले.

७) शाही पनीर बन कर तैयार है. आप इसे गरम ही परोसे.

सुझाव:

१) हमेशा शाही पनीर को बनाने के लिए कच्चे पनीर का ही प्रयोग किया जाता है. अगर आपको कच्चा पनीर पसंद नहीं है तो आप पनीर को हल्का फ्राई करके काम में ले सकते है.

२) अगर आपको ग्रेवी एकदम क्रीमी चाहिए तो आप 5वे स्टेप के बाद गैस को बंद करके सरे मसलो को ठंडा कर ले. जब मसाले ठन्डे हो जाये तब इनको मिक्सचर की मदद से पीस ले. इस से आपकी ग्रेवी एक दम क्रीमी और पतली हो जायेगी. यह सब करने के बाद 6वे स्टेप से वापिस शुरू कर दे.

३) जो भी दही आप इस्तेमाल करे वह एकदम ताजा होना जरुरी है. अगर खट्टा हो तो इस्तेमाल न करे.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :

1. What is paneer made of?

Paneer is made by curdling milk with an acidic agent like lemon juice or vinegar.

2. Is paneer healthy?

Paneer is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus, making it a healthy addition to a balanced diet.

3. What are the different types of paneer recipes?

Some popular types of paneer recipes include Palak Paneer, Matar Paneer, Shahi Paneer, Kadai Paneer, and Chilli Paneer.

4. How long can paneer be stored?

Paneer can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

5. Can paneer be frozen?

Yes, paneer can be frozen for up to 3-4 months.

Tips for Users:

1. Always use fresh milk to make paneer.

2. Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

3. Do not overheat the milk, as it can affect the texture of the paneer.

4. Rinse the paneer under cold water to remove any traces of lemon juice or vinegar.

5. Hang the cheesecloth with the paneer for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.