Are you tired of repeating the same snacks? With limited time, finding quick, nutritious recipes bursting with flavour can be challenging. Well, a nutritious paneer recipe for snacks is the perfect option. From crispy, golden bites to cheesy delights with a twist of spices, there’s a paneer recipe for every mood and occasion. The best part? These recipes require minimal preparation and are full of protein, calcium, and healthy fats, making them delicious and wholesome. Perfect for last-minute plans or a lazy weekend indulgence, these paneer recipes for snacks are a hit with kids and adults alike.
But with so many recipes, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we’ve curated seven quick and easy paneer recipes for snacks that you can whip up at home with readily available ingredients. Whether you prefer spicy, tangy, or cheesy flavours, these dishes have you covered.
Table Of Contents
1. 7 Quick Paneer Recipes For Snacks
2. Is Paneer A Good Snack?
3. The Final Say
4. FAQs
5. References
7 Quick Paneer Recipes For Snacks
From quick and easy bites to more occasion-friendly appetisers, these seven paneer recipes for snacks are perfect for a healthy, high-protein diet experience. So, let’s explore, and you can try finding something here to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. You can visit ToneOp Eats to experience the taste and wellness of nutrient-dense and calorie-counted paneer meals.
1. Paneer Spring Rolls With Edamame
With edamame combining its protein and fibre properties with paneer, the result is a light snack that provides essential nutrition for a healthy body. Consuming paneer delivers the necessary amino acids and calcium to benefit your muscle and bone system. Edamame and its antioxidants and low-calorie content keep you energised while providing health benefits.
Ingredients:
- Paneer - 200g (cut into thin strips)
- Edamame (shelled) - 1 cup
- Spring roll wrappers - 10
- Carrot - 1 (julienned)
- Bell pepper - 1 (thinly sliced)
- Soy sauce - 2 tbsp
- Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tsp
- Cornflour - 2 tbsp (mixed with water for sealing)
- Oil - 2 tbsp (for shallow frying)
Steps to Make This Paneer Recipe For Snacks:
1. Boil the edamame in salted water for 5 minutes. Drain and mash lightly using the back of a spoon. Set aside.
2. Heat 1 tbsp healthy olive oil and add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the mashed edamame, julienned carrots, and sliced bell peppers to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crunchy.
4. Pour in soy sauce, mix well, and cook for 1 more minute. Now, let the mixture cool completely.
5. Place a clean spring roll wrapper on a clean surface. Put 2-3 tbsp of the cooled filling in the centre and place a strip of paneer on top.
6. Fold the bottom edge over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll tightly to form a cylindrical shape, sealing the edge with the cornflour mixture. Repeat with all wrappers.
7. Heat healthy olive oil and shallow fry the rolls until golden brown.
8. Serve with a spicy dip or sweet chilli sauce.
2. Paneer Quesadillas With Tortillas
Paneer quesadillas are healthy Indian snacks that add protein and calcium to your snack menu. Paneer supports strong bones and teeth, while whole wheat tortillas offer fibre that aids digestion. When paired with fresh vegetables like bell peppers and onions, this recipe becomes a balanced snack that’s both tasty and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- Paneer - 200g (crumbled)
- Whole wheat tortillas - 4
- Bell peppers - 1 (chopped)
- Onion - 1 (chopped)
- Cheese - 1 cup (shredded)
- Red chilli powder - ½ tsp
- Cumin powder - ½ tsp
- Oil - 1 tbsp
Steps to Make This Paneer Recipe For Snacks:
1. Heat oil, add the chopped onions and bell peppers, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
2. Add the crumbled paneer, red chilli powder, cumin powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and properly cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Warm a tortilla on a heated skillet for 30 seconds on one side. Flip the tortilla and sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on half of it.
4. Add 2-3 tbsp of the paneer mixture to the cheese. Fold the paneer tortilla in half to cover the filling.
5. Cook the quesadilla on low to medium heat, flip it carefully and cook the other side until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
6. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into wedges. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
7. Serve warm with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
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3. Roasted Cauliflower & Paneer Popcorn
This snack is guilt-free, wholesome & healthy for kids with deep-fried options. Cauliflower is low in carbs, high in fibre, and packed with vitamins like C and K. Paneer provides protein and calcium for muscle and bone health. This recipe keeps the calorie count in check by roasting instead of frying while delivering a crispy and flavourful treat.
Ingredients:
- Paneer - 200g (cubed)
- Cauliflower florets - 2 cups
- Chickpea flour - ½ cup
- Paprika - 1 tsp
- Garlic powder - 1 tsp
- Black pepper - ½ tsp
- Oil - 2 tbsp
Steps to Make This Paneer Recipe For Snacks:
1. In a standard mixing bowl, combine chickpea flour, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cooking salt. Mix well to create a dry spice mix.
2. Add the paneer cubes and cauliflower florets to the bowl. Drizzle with 2 tbsp oil and toss until everything is well coated with the spice mix.
3. Spread the paneer and cauliflower evenly on the prepared baking tray, ensuring they are not overlapping for even roasting.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for nearly 25-30 minutes, flipping the popcorn pieces halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
5. Once golden and slightly crispy, remove carefully from the oven and let cool for nearly 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve warm with a side of fresh mint chutney or yogurt-based dip.
4. Steamed Veggies Paneer Cutlets
These cutlets are a healthy and flavourful way to include more vegetables. Paneer provides high-quality protein, while steamed vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans contribute essential vitamins and fibre. This low-oil recipe is perfect for enjoying a guilt-free snack with grilled paneer for weight loss that supports digestion.
Ingredients:
- Paneer - 150g (crumbled)
- Mixed steamed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans) - 1 cup (mashed)
- Bread crumbs - ½ cup
- Ginger paste - 1 tsp
- Green chilli - 1 (finely chopped)
- Coriander leaves - 2 tbsp (chopped)
- Oil - 2 tbsp
Steps to Make This Paneer Recipe For Snacks:
1. In a standard mixing bowl, combine crumbled paneer, mashed steamed vegetables, ginger paste, green chilli, and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well to properly form a smooth dough-like consistency.
2. Add bread crumbs gradually to bind the mixture. Adjust the amount if needed to ensure the mixture holds its shape.
3. Divide the paneer mixture into small portions and shape each into round or oval cutlets.
4. Heat a non-stick pan and drizzle with 1-2 tbsp oil. Place the cutlets and properly cook on medium heat for nearly 3-4 minutes on each side, flipping gently to avoid breaking.
5. Cook until both cutlet sides are golden brown and crisp.
6. Serve hot with homemade mint chutney or tomato ketchup.
5. Paneer, Avocado & Tomato Salad
This refreshing salad combines the creamy texture of avocado with the juicy sweetness of tomatoes and the richness of paneer. Paneer, with its twin benefits of protein and calcium, meets your heart health needs. At the same time, avocado brings vitamin E and monounsaturated fats, and tomatoes deliver nutrition from vitamin C and lycopene. This snack combination supplies comprehensive nutritional benefits to support overall wellness.
Ingredients:
- Paneer - 150g (cubed or crumbled)
- Avocado - 1 (diced)
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 cup (halved)
- Cucumber - 1 (sliced)
- Lemon juice - 2 tbsp
- Olive oil - 1 tbsp
- Black pepper - ½ tsp
- Salt - to taste
- Fresh basil leaves - a handful
Steps to Make This Paneer Recipe For Snacks:
1. Prepare the paneer by cutting it into small cubes or crumbling it.
2. Lightly sauté the paneer in a dry, non-stick pan for 2-3 minutes until slightly golden. Let it cool.
3. Wash and dice the avocado, slice the cucumber, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Set aside.
4. In a standard mixing bowl, combine the sautéed paneer, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
5. Drizzle lemon juice and olive oil over the salad. Add black pepper plus salt to taste, and mix everything well.
6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added aroma and flavour.
7. Serve immediately as a light snack or appetiser.
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6. Garlic Paneer & Lentil Soup
This comforting soup is rich in protein and fibre, thanks to lentils and paneer. Garlic adds immune-boosting properties, while the light broth hydrates and nourishes. It’s a wholesome snack option that’s filling and packed with nutrients like dietary fibre, iron, zinc and folate.
Ingredients:
- Paneer - 200g (cubed)
- Red lentils - ½ cup (washed)
- Garlic - 4-5 cloves (minced)
- Onion - 1 (chopped)
- Tomato - 1 (chopped)
- Vegetable stock - 4 cups
- Olive oil - 1 tbsp
- Cumin seeds - ½ tsp
- Turmeric powder - ¼ tsp
- Black pepper - ½ tsp
- Fresh coriander leaves - for garnish
Steps to Make This Paneer Recipe For Snacks:
1. Heat olive oil, add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
2. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Stir in the chopped tomato, turmeric powder, and black pepper. Cook for nearly 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
4. Add the washed red lentils and vegetable stock to the pot.
5. Bring the paneer mixture to a boil, then carefully reduce the heat and let it simmer for nearly 20-25 minutes until the lentils are cooked and soft.
6. While the soup simmers, sauté the paneer cubes in a separate pan until golden. Set aside.
7. Then, partially blend the soup, leaving it slightly chunky for texture.
8. Add the sautéed paneer cubes to the soup and cook for another 5 minutes.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves, with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
7. Paneer & Sweet Potato Fritters
These fritters combine paneer's creamy richness with sweet potatoes' natural sweetness, making a nutritious and flavourful snack. Sweet potatoes offer highly complex carbohydrates, vitamin A, and fibre, while paneer adds protein and calcium. These Indian snack recipes are lightly pan-fried for a healthier alternative.
Ingredients:
- Paneer - 200g (grated)
- Sweet potatoes - 2 medium-sized (boiled and mashed)
- Ginger paste - 1 tsp
- Green chilli - 1 (finely chopped)
- Coriander leaves - 2 tbsp (chopped)
- Rice flour - 2 tbsp
- Salt - to taste
- Oil - 2 tbsp (for shallow frying)
Steps to Make This Paneer Recipe For Snacks:
1. Boil the sweet potatoes until soft, then peel and mash them in a large bowl.
2. Add the grated paneer, ginger paste, green chilli, chopped coriander leaves, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix everything properly to form a dough-like mixture.
3. Gradually add the rice flour to the mixture to improve the binding.
4. Divide the paneer mixture into equal portions and shape each into small round or oval patties.
5. Heat olive oil, place the fritters on the pan, and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp.
6. Once cooked, place the fritters on a clean plate lined with paper to absorb excess oil.
7. Serve warm with a side of mint yoghurt dip or tamarind chutney.
Also Read: Indulge In These 4 Power-Packed 40-gram Protein Meals
Is Paneer A Good Snack?
Absolutely! Paneer can definitely be a good low-calorie meal prep snack choice! It's a fantastic protein source, essential for building and repairing our bodies. Protein also keeps you full and satisfied, making it a perfect snack to curb hunger. Beyond protein, paneer offers calcium, which strengthens our bones and teeth.
It also gives healthy fats that support heart health and provide sustained energy. Furthermore, paneer is a good source of zinc, a vital mineral that strengthens our immune system. You can enjoy paneer in many ways! Try grilling or baking paneer cubes, adding them to salads, or making delicious skewers with paneer and veggies.
Also Read: Refreshing 12 Best Healthy Lunchbox Ideas For Nutritious Meal Times!
The Final Say
So there you have it! Try these seven delicious and easy paneer recipes for snacks to tantalise your taste buds. Remember to use fresh, high-quality paneer for the best taste. Experiment with different herbs and Indian spices like cumin and coriander to add your unique dietary preferences to these recipes. Also, substitute vegetables like bell peppers and spinach should be included to boost their nutritional value. Most importantly, enjoy paneer as a snack and give your body a healthy boost!
FAQs
1. How can you eat paneer as a snack for weight loss?
Paneer can be a great part of a weight loss diet! Select low-fat paneer and pair it with healthy grilled vegetables, salads, or whole-grain bread. Avoid deep-frying and opt for grilling, baking, or stir-frying instead.
2. Why do people soak paneer in water before?
Soaking paneer in water helps remove excess salt and gives it a fresher taste. It also makes it easier to crumble or shape for certain recipes.
3. What is the healthiest way to eat paneer?
The healthiest way to eat paneer is to prepare it with minimal oil and avoid deep-frying. Grilling, baking, or stir-frying with vegetables are healthy choices when combined with avocado, vegetables, and multi-grains.
References
- https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/recipes/paneer/
- https://www.cookingandme.com/bread-paneer-rolls-step-by-step-recipe/
- https://abbyshearth.com/paneer-indian-cottage-cheese-appetizer/
- https://www.tarladalal.com/recipes-for-starters-snacks-paneer-based-snacks-185
- https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/10-simple-and-delicious-paneer-recipes-for-kids/
- https://www.fatrainbow.com/healthy-paneer-popcorn/
About ToneOp Eats
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