Everything You Need to Know About the Versatile Paneer
Have you tried paneer yet? If you already have, you know that paneer is something one can never have enough of. You may be familiar with paneer if you have dabbled with Indian or Pakistani cuisine before. It is a great ingredient that can instantly add life to any party or get-together.
A Simple Cheese Packed with Flavor
Paneer is also known as Indian cottage cheese. It is a simple cheese that requires no special equipment or complicated techniques. You can make your own paneer at home with some lemon juice, vinegar or a cup of whey, muslin cloth, and a strainer. You will have delicious paneer in a matter of minutes!
The Wide Range of Health Benefits in Paneer
While it may seem like a humble ingredient, paneer should not be snubbed! It is packed with flavor and a wide range of health benefits such as:
Provides Protein
Eating raw paneer is a great way to infuse protein into your daily diet. It is high in protein and can easily be added to salads, sabzis, and stir-fry.
Helps You Keep Your Weight in Check
Did you know that this cheese helps you lose weight? Paneer is high in protein which helps you feel full for a longer period. This helps you avoid over-eating especially when you are keeping your weight in check.
Gives You a Source of Many Nutrients
Other than protein, paneer is also high in other nutrients such as calcium, iron, vitamin B complex, folate, and phosphorus. This is great for overall health and digestion.
Promotes Strong Bones and Teeth
Paneer is rich in calcium which ensures stronger bones and teeth. It also has vitamin D which helps in the prevention of cavities.
Gives You That Energy Boost
Eating paneer is a great way to instantly energize the body. It is recommended to eat paneer post-workout as it can help fulfill your daily calorie needs. Studies also show that children who eat paneer have higher energy levels than children who don’t.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Paneer is loaded with magnesium, which ensures that your blood sugar levels are balanced. This ensures the slow release of sugar into the blood to prevent abrupt spikes in your blood sugar levels. Because of this, paneer is also known to boost your immune system and heart health!
Some Paneer Dishes for You to Try
Are you excited to try some paneer? You can try the following paneer dishes:
Palak Paneer
This is one of the most popular dishes in Indian cuisine. It is made with succulent paneer cubes in a smooth spinach sauce. This dish is a vibrant green due to the spinach leaves (Palak in Hindi) combined with onions, tomatoes, herbs, and spices.
Shahi Paneer
This succulent dish is made with soft paneer in a gravy of yogurt and nuts. The paneer is simmered in an onion-nut paste and enriched with yogurt and mild spices.
Handi Paneer
This traditional Indian dish consists of paneer and creamy gravy cooked in a handi or a shallow Indian pot with a wide bottom. The gravy is made with cashews, ghee, onions, ginger, garlic, tomatoes, yogurt, and a variety of herbs and spices. Some of these spices include cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, coriander, turmeric, garam masala powder, and fenugreek leaves.
Conclusion
The paneer may be a simple cheese but it is packed with flavor and health benefits. It is a versatile cheese that can be added to various dishes. Surely, you won’t get enough of this cheese once you try it!
Are you looking for the best Indian restaurant in Vancouver to feast on paneer dishes? We at Karakoram Restaurant offer you the flavors of Western, Middle Eastern, Pakistani, and Indian cuisines. You can head on to our website to check out our menu and conveniently order online.