Paneer, or cottage cheese, is a go-to ingredient in many Indian households, loved for its rich flavour and packed with protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. It’s a fantastic choice for healthy, kid-friendly meals, and these recipes make it simple for parents to whip up nutritious, tasty dishes with pantry staples.

Through British Learning’s PG Diploma in Nutrition Online, which includes Nutrition Diploma with Live Lectures by doctors, we explore meal ideas that bring both balance and taste to children’s diets. Here are five easy paneer recipes to try with ingredients readily available in Indian kitchens!

1. Paneer Tikka Skewers

Ingredients:

200g paneer, cubed

1/2 cup yogurt

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1/2 tsp red chili powder

1/2 tsp cumin powder

Salt to taste

1 tbsp lemon juice

Wooden skewers

Method:

In a bowl, combine yogurt, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, salt, and lemon juice to make a marinade.

Toss the paneer cubes in the marinade and let them sit for 10–15 minutes.

Thread the paneer cubes onto skewers.

Heat a non-stick pan and cook the skewers, turning occasionally until the paneer is golden brown on all sides.

Serve hot with mint chutney.

These paneer tikka skewers are a hit with kids for their mild yet tangy flavor and are an excellent source of protein.

2. Paneer and Vegetable Roll

Ingredients:

100g paneer, grated

1/2 cup finely chopped vegetables (carrot, bell pepper, cucumber)

2 whole wheat rotis

1 tbsp green chutney

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

In a bowl, mix grated paneer with chopped vegetables, salt, and pepper.

Warm the roti, spread a thin layer of green chutney, and add a portion of the paneer-vegetable mix.

Roll it up tightly and cut into small sections.

These rolls are packed with fiber and calcium and make a great lunchbox or after-school snack. Plus, they’re a fun way to sneak in some veggies!

3. Paneer Bhurji (Scrambled Paneer)

Ingredients:

200g paneer, crumbled

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 tomato, finely chopped

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1/2 tsp cumin seeds

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp oil

Method:

Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter.

Add onions and cook until golden brown, then add tomatoes and turmeric powder.

Sauté until tomatoes are soft, then add crumbled paneer, salt, and pepper.

Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This quick, protein-rich paneer bhurji is perfect for breakfast or dinner and goes well with roti or as a side dish.

4. Paneer and Spinach Paratha

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat flour

100g paneer, grated

1/2 cup spinach, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Ghee for cooking

Method:

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, grated paneer, chopped spinach, salt, and pepper. Add water to knead a soft dough.

Roll out small portions of dough into flat circles.

Cook each paratha on a hot skillet with a bit of ghee until golden brown on both sides.

The combination of paneer and spinach provides a boost of protein, calcium, and iron, making it a perfect meal for growing kids.

5. Paneer Veggie Toast

Ingredients:

4 slices of whole wheat bread

100g paneer, crumbled

1/4 cup finely chopped vegetables (bell pepper, onion, tomato)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp butter

Method:

Mix crumbled paneer with vegetables, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Spread this mixture evenly on each slice of bread.

Heat a non-stick pan, add butter, and toast the bread with the paneer side down until golden brown.

Flip and toast briefly on the other side, then serve warm.

Paneer veggie toast is a quick, nutritious breakfast or snack, perfect for busy mornings and loaded with nutrients.

Why Paneer is Great for Kids’ Nutrition

Paneer is an excellent source of high-quality protein, calcium, and essential nutrients, making it ideal for children’s diets. Learning about nutritious ingredients and creating balanced meals is a core part of British Learning’s Postgraduate Diploma in Nutrition and Health. This Internationally Accredited Nutrition Diploma offers insights into child nutrition, making it an ideal choice for parents, educators, and health enthusiasts.

With flexible, self-paced modules and live lectures by doctors, this Certified Nutrition Program Online provides students with a strong foundation in human nutrition. Whether you’re looking to improve your family’s health or build a career in nutrition, British Learning’s PG Diploma in Nutrition equips you with the practical knowledge you need.