Do you ever want a quick Indian paneer recipe that feels special but takes very little effort? This Indian spiced roasted paneer is one of my favorite hands-free options for busy weekdays. Homemade Indian cottage cheese is gently coated in yogurt and basic spices, then oven-roasted until warm and flavorful.
Why Yogurt-Marinated Paneer Roasts So Well
This recipe works because the yogurt helps the spices cling evenly to every piece of paneer. It also keeps the paneer soft even after roasting.
Along with yogurt, I used the same basic spice mix that I use in my roasted tofu cubes, roasted veggies, and roasted cauliflower recipes. Keeping the spices simple makes this paneer versatile enough to use in wraps, salads, or rice bowls.
In my kitchen, I usually keep this oil-free for everyday meals. On days when I want slightly crisp edges, I add a teaspoon of oil while marinating.
Happy Cooking!
-Sravanthi
Detailed Steps
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Add paneer, yogurt, salt, and spices to a mixing bowl or a plate.
Step 2: Mix gently until the spices are well-coated on the paneer cubes.
Step 3: Spread paneer cubes on the tray in a single layer.
Step 4: Roast for 18-20 minutes, turning once if needed, until lightly golden.
Step 5: Remove and serve warm. I used yogurt in marination, like in my tofu tikka recipe, to keep the paneer cubes soft.
Serving Tips
At home, I often make this roasted paneer while something else cooks on the stove. It slips easily into meals without adding extra work.
- Toss into any Indian-style salad for an easy protein boost.
- Roll into soft chapati wraps with sautéed veggies and a spoonful of chutney.
- Serve alongside flavorful rice dishes like Indian spinach rice or Indian tomato rice.
- Pair with make-ahead curry sauces like tikka masala sauce, spinach saag sauce, or an everyday Indian curry sauce for a quick, comforting side.
Recipe
Indian Spiced Roasted Paneer
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Ingredients
- 1 cup paneer Indian cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon yogurt
- ¼ teaspoon red chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ teaspoon cumin powder
- ¼ teaspoon coriander powder
- ⅛ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon oil optional
Instructions
- Cut the paneer into even, bite-sized cubes.
- In a bowl, add yogurt, salt, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Mix well to form a thick marinade.1 tablespoon yogurt, ¼ teaspoon red chili powder, ¼ teaspoon garam masala, ¼ teaspoon cumin powder, ¼ teaspoon coriander powder, ⅛ teaspoon turmeric, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon oil
- Add the paneer to the bowl and gently coat each piece with the marinade, taking care not to break the cubes.1 cup paneer
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and arrange the paneer pieces in a single layer.
- Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until the paneer looks lightly golden and the spices smell fragrant, about 18 to 20 minutes.
- Turn the paneer once halfway through for even roasting.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm or hot.
Notes
- Homemade paneer stays softer and absorbs spices better.
- Yogurt prevents paneer from drying out in the oven. And use thick yogurt to avoid a watery marinade.
- Add oil only if you prefer crisp edges. I usually make this recipe oil-free.
- If you're pan-roasting paneer cubes, cook the paneer for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Keep the heat medium to avoid hard edges.
Nutrition
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Have you tried Indian spiced roasted paneer yet? I'd love to hear how you served it or if you added your own twist. Leave a comment below and explore more Indian paneer recipes, or try this cozy baked paneer curry for your next meal.
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