Paneer is a fresh, non-aged cheese that is a staple in South Asian cuisine. Because it's non-melting, paneer can be grilled, fried, or cooked on skewers without changing its shape, similar to tofu. It's commonly made from cow or buffalo milk that has been curdled with an acid like lemon juice or vinegar. Paneer is also known as Indian cottage cheese and has a mild flavor and firm texture. Paneer is low-carb and a good source of protein for vegetarians.
Paneer is a key ingredient in many dishes, including:
- Curries: Paneer is often added to curries like palak paneer (spinach curry) and paneer makhani (tomato-based curry).
- Flatbreads: Paneer is a popular filling for flatbreads like paratha and puri.
- Pakoras and kebabs: Paneer is often cut into cubes and fried and used in pakoras and kebabs.
Ingredients
Peanut Sauce
- 6 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 Tablespoons sriracha or any hot sauce
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Paneer & Veggies
- 2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil or use oil of choice
- 2-inch ginger root, peeled and chopped
- 8 large garlic cloves chopped
- 6 stalks green onions chopped + more greens for garnish
- 500 grams paneer cubed, pan-fried, and salted (1.5 cups)
- 3 cups water
- 4 medium carrots cut into thick matchsticks 2-inch length
- 2 celery stalks, washed and sliced
- 3 cups cauliflower florets, cut to bite size pieces
- 3 cup broccoli florets, cut medium to small size florets
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Stove-top Instructions
- Whisk ingredients for the peanut sauce in a bowl and set aside.
- Heat a heavy bottom pan on medium heat. Once hot, add the oils and then add the garlic, ginger and green onion.
- Stir sauce for 2 minutes and then stir in the celery, carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli along with water. Cover and let the veggies look until soften, around 7 to 8 minutes.
- Remove lid and stir in the paneer and sauce.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Enjoy as a soup or Serve hot on top of Rice
