The most delicious dish in the vegetarian thali is ‘Paneer.’ Vegetarians love paneer as it is a source of protein. The paneer dishes are deliciously flavourful, aromatic, rich, and creamy. Paneer is also known as ‘Indian Cottage Cheese.’ Everyone cherishes it. If you are wondering what paneer is, it is Indian cheese made from curdled milk. Traditionally paneer is made by curdling hot milk using lime juice, vinegar, yogurt, or citric acid. It is a soft, creamy cheese that doesn’t crumble easily.
The process refers to curdling milk with a special variety of green leaves, berries, etc. The method of this making process finds its origin in the Indus Valley Civilization. However, Modern Paneer usually traces back to the Persian and Afghan rulers. They introduced it in the 16th century, primarily in North India.
Try these delicious paneer dishes At Little India
Paneer Butter Masala
This famous Indian gravy is rich and creamy with homemade paneer cubes in tomato, butter, and cashew sauce. Also, it has a lovely tang coming from tomatoes. The puree of ripe tomatoes is sautéed and cooked really well till oil or butter leaves its sides. The cashews and cream make the gravy slightly sweet and velvety. The list of spices to add to this gravy is not so much, but to get the brilliant orange color, we add Kashmiri chili powder. Finally, some Kasuri methi ( fenugreek leaves) for the flavor.
Paneer Makhani
This dish features succulently cooked cottage cheese cubes in a smooth tomato cream sauce lightly spiced with a hint of tang and sweetness. The word makhani means “buttery.” One can make this creamy, tangy gravy with tomatoes, cream, and spices. Paneer Makhani is similar to paneer butter masala but slightly different in the proportion of spices.
Saag Paneer
Saag Paneer or Palak Paneer is delicious Indian cheese and spinach curry. This dish is one of the main choices for vegetarians. Start with blanching and pureeing the spinach. The next step is to sautee the spinach puree with the onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, and spices. And finally, add the paneer cubes and simmer till the saag paneer is ready. This dish tastes delicious with paratha, roti, or plain basmati rice.
Mutter Paneer
This popular Indian dish is made with Indian cottage cheese, green peas, and a perfect amount of spices. It is delicious and has many variations. The sauteeing technique in this dish makes it taste delicious and unique, as this step enhances the subtle flavor of onions and tomatoes in the gravy. However, adding a dash of sugar or cream balances the sourness of the tomato.
Why not come and visit Little India of Denver? If your mouth is also watering for a taste of these delicious Paneer Dishes, they are available for both lunch & dinner options.
Little India is among the top searched, rated, and recommended Indian restaurants in the city of Denver with four locations, one on 330 E. 6th Avenue, second on 2390 S. Downing St., third in 32nd & Lowell Highland, and fourth on 29th Avenue Central Park, are easy to access five-star Indian food.
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