Also read our guide on what is paneer and where to buy it for advice on sourcing this ingredient.

How to make paneer

Making this Indian cheese at home couldn’t be simpler. All you need is milk, lemon juice and a bit of time. Make your own then use in our recipes below.

Easy paneer recipes

Saag paneer

This simple Indian side dish, featuring crisp, golden cubes of paneer spiced with cumin and chilli, will go down a treat on curry night. Plus, it only takes 30 minutes to prepare.

Two white bowls of golden cubes of paneer and wilted spinach on a blue background with a naan

Paneer tikka masala

Swap chicken for paneer to make a creamy, dreamy vegetarian masala. You'll need some tikka curry powder for this one (find it at most supermarkets).

Chilli paneer fry

Golden crisp cubes of paneer are fried with ginger, garlic, chilli and soy in this veggie meal for four. Serve with fried rice or noodles.

Vegetable and paneer dum biryani

This veggie biryani from The Curry Guy, Dan Toombs, is great served on special occasions – lift the lid at the table and enjoy the fantastic aroma as the steam fills the room.

Paneer and chickpea curry

This one-pan curry is a quick, healthy and easy midweek meal. Using a tikka paste takes any effort out of dinner but still adds lots of flavour.

A white plate topped with a chickpea and paneer curry with two chapatis on the side

Dahl coconut recipe with crispy paneer

A surprisingly low-calorie dinner, with cubes of golden paneer on top of gently spiced dahl. Best eaten with lots of chapatis.

Two bowls with yellow lentils in topped with cubes of crispy fried cheese

Light paneer curry

Cook this veg-heavy curry for a healthy vegetarian meal. The peas add extra protein while ginger and plum tomatoes make a light, fragrant sauce.

Shahi paneer

Check out our simple and rich shahi paneer. This vibrant Indian dish is an easy veggie curry recipe that's gluten free.

Paneer tikka with pea and mint relish

Paneer is perfect for grilling as it gets super crisp on the outside but retains its soft centre. Serve on skewers with green peppers alongside a refreshing relish for an easy vegetarian BBQ treat.

Paneer Tikka Recipe with Pea and Mint Relish

Saag paneer (palok)

Paneer makes the best vegetarian Indian meal, served here with spinach and plenty of Indian spices. Serve with rice and naan on the side.

Potato and paneer kebabs

Paneer is a mild-tasting cheese that's great for absorbing flavours – marinate in lemon juice and gunpowder spice before grilling on skewers to make for a simple starter or light lunch.

A plate of paneer skewers with cucumber and carrot salad next to a board of more skewers

This indulgent naan is stuffed with kale, melted paneer and spices to make a crowdpleasing sharing dish as part of an Indian-inspired spread. Serve with mango chutney or alongside your favourite curry.

Paneer masala

This recipe for paneer masala is a great vegetarian alternative to the classic chicken tikka masala, that meat eaters will love too! Packed with flavour, this dish is easy to make, gluten free and under 500 calories – what's not to love?

Chilli paneer skewers

Marinated in chilli, cumin and yogurt, this BBQ paneer is great stuffed into flatbreads or wrapped in naans along with a cooling coconut raita and fruity mango salad.

A round flatbread topped with bbq paneer skewers on a wooden board with a blue background

BBQ paneer with beetroot, coconut and crispy shallots

This recipe for BBQ paneer with beetroot, coconut and crispy shallots comes from gourmet kebab restaurant Le Bab. It's easy and vegetarian but packed full of flavour.

BBQ Paneer Recipe with Crispy Shallots, Beetroot and Coconut

Mutter paneer

Mutter paneer is a traditional north Indian curry. The texture of fresh peas stands up well against the paneer, but frozen is fine too. This can be ready in just 30 minutes, and you won't feel like you're missing out, even though it's veggie. Serve it as a side curry with some naan or rice.