Try these quirky paneer dishes, and you won't regret it!
What's the story
Water chestnut and paneer are two versatile ingredients that can be used to create a range of delicious vegetarian dishes. Water chestnut's crunchy texture and paneer's creamy consistency make them a perfect pair for a variety of cuisines. Here are five unique vegetarian dishes that highlight the delightful combination of these two ingredients, giving you a taste of something different.
Dish 1
Stir-fried water chestnut and paneer
Stir-frying water chestnuts with paneer is an easy way to relish their textures. Simply saute sliced water chestnuts with cubes of paneer in oil, add soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for flavor. The dish is quick to prepare and retains the crunchiness of the water chestnuts while making the paneer soft. It can be served as an appetizer or side dish.
Dish 2
Water chestnut paneer tikki
Water chestnut paneer tikki is an innovative take on the classic Indian snack. Mash boiled potatoes, grated water chestnuts, and crumbled paneer together. Add spices like cumin, coriander, and chili powder for flavor. Shape the mixture into patties and shallow fry them until golden brown. These tikkis can be served with mint chutney or yogurt dip.
Dish 3
Paneer stuffed water chestnut caps
For a creative twist on stuffed vegetables, use water chestnut caps filled with spiced paneer mixture. Hollow out large water chestnuts to form caps and fill them with a mixture of crumbled paneer mixed with herbs like cilantro or mint, along with spices like garam masala or turmeric powder. Bake until the caps are tender, yet firm enough to hold their shape.
Dish 4
Water chestnut paneer salad bowl
A refreshing salad bowl featuring sliced raw or lightly blanched water chestnuts combined with cubes of marinated grilled paneer makes for a nutritious meal option. Toss in mixed greens like lettuce leaves, arugula, spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, avocado chunks, and a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
Dish 5
Creamy water chestnuts paneer curry
This creamy curry features cooked pieces of both main ingredients simmered together in a rich tomato-based sauce flavored with aromatic spices such as cumin seeds, mustard seeds, fenugreek leaves, and a pinch of saffron strands. Serve hot over steamed basmati rice, accompanied by naan bread, roti, paratha, or any other preferred flatbread option available locally.