Menu
Paneer, a staple in South Asian cuisine, has always been a crowd-pleaser, known for its versatile flavour and delightful texture. At our restaurant, we take pride in offering a variety of dishes that showcase paneer in ways that delight new diners and seasoned food lovers alike. Whether you’re already a fan of this wonderful cheese or looking to explore its rich culinary possibilities, our menu offers something to satisfy every palate.
In our kitchen, paneer is more than just an ingredient; it’s a canvas for creativity. Each dish on our menu is carefully crafted to bring out the subtle taste and soft texture of paneer, blending it with a spectrum of traditional and innovative spices and sauces. For those who cherish food that is both comforting and exciting, knowing more about how we prepare and present paneer will enhance your dining experience with us. The journey from simple milk curd to delectable paneer creations is a testament to the culinary expertise and passion we pour into every dish. Let’s dive into the delicious world of paneer together.
What is Paneer? An Introduction to Our Favorite Cheese
Paneer is a type of fresh cheese that is a favourite in South Asian cuisine, particularly in Indian dishes. Unlike other cheeses, paneer has a mild flavour and a firm texture that doesn’t melt, making it exceptionally versatile in cooking. It’s made by curdling heated milk with a food acid like lemon juice or vinegar and then pressing the curds under weights to form slabs. What makes paneer special is its ability to absorb the flavours of the spices and ingredients it’s cooked with, enhancing the overall taste of the dishes.
At our restaurant, we cherish paneer for its adaptability and the sumptuous texture it adds to our meals. It’s perfect for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian guests seeking a substantive element in their dishes that’s hearty yet delicate. Our patrons appreciate the soothing balance paneer provides in spicier recipes, offering a respite from the heat while enriching the meal’s depth with its smooth, creamy profile.
A Tour Through Our Paneer Specialty Dishes
Exploring our paneer specialty dishes is akin to taking a culinary tour of South Asia, each recipe offering a glimpse into the traditional flavours and modern adaptations that define our cuisine. Here are some highlight dishes that feature paneer in a leading role, each presenting a unique taste experience:
- Paneer Tikka: Marinated in spices and grilled to perfection, Paneer Tikka offers a smoky, tantalizing taste that perfectly complements the softness of the cheese.
- Palak Paneer: Combining paneer with pureed spinach and a mix of herbs and spices, this dish is both nutritious and bursting with rich, earthy flavors.
- Paneer Butter Masala: In this beloved dish, paneer cubes are bathed in a creamy, buttery tomato sauce infused with a blend of warm spices, creating a comforting yet sophisticated flavour profile.
- Shahi Paneer: Here, paneer is cooked in a thick, spicy and creamy gravy made with cream, tomatoes, and spices, offering a royal taste that pays homage to the Mughal era.
Each dish showcases paneer in all its glory, prepared in ways that highlight its texture and ability to meld beautifully with a variety of ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for something mild or craving a dish with a spicy kick, our specialized paneer recipes are designed to satisfy diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
The Art of Perfect Paneer: How We Prepare and Cook Our Paneer
At our restaurant, preparing paneer is an art that involves precision and patience, ensuring that each piece of paneer cooks perfectly to enhance its natural flavors. We begin with high-quality milk, which is the cornerstone of good paneer. The milk is brought to a boil and then curdled using food-grade acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar. This process is carefully monitored to ensure that the curds are soft yet firm enough to hold their shape once pressed.
Once the milk has curdled, the curds are strained and pressed to expel excess water, which results in a firm texture perfect for cooking. Our paneer is then cut into cubes or other shapes depending on the dish it will be featured in. We ensure that whether the paneer is grilled, sautéed, or simmered, it remains succulent and tender, able to soak up the rich flavours of the spices and sauces it is cooked with. This meticulous preparation method sets the foundation for the extraordinary dishes we create with paneer, making it a beloved ingredient among our guests.
Pairing Side Dishes and Drinks with Our Paneer Specialties
Choosing the right side dishes and drinks to complement our paneer specialties can turn a simple meal into a feast for the senses. We recommend the following pairings to enhance your dining experience with our paneer dishes:
– Basmati Rice: Its fragrant aroma and light, fluffy texture create the perfect base to enjoy with rich paneer gravies, such as Paneer Butter Masala.
– Naan Bread: Freshly baked from our tandoor, naan makes an excellent companion for scooping up the sauce and enjoying the full flavour of dishes like Shahi Paneer.
– Cucumber Raita: This cooling side dish balances the richness of spiced paneer dishes, adding a refreshing element to your meal.
– Mango Lassi: A sweet mango lassi complements the spices in our paneer dishes, smoothing out the heat while adding a fruity sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Each of these pairings is thoughtfully selected to blend harmoniously with the complex flavours of our paneer specialties, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Paneer is more than just cheese; it’s a versatile and beloved element of South Asian cuisine that we take great pride in preparing and serving. From the careful preparation of the cheese to the thoughtful crafting and pairing of each dish, we dedicate ourselves to providing an exceptional dining experience. Our paneer dishes, steeped in tradition and perfected with a touch of modern flair, invite you to explore the rich depths of South Asian flavours in a new way.
Eager to taste these culinary creations yourself? Visit East India Company Restaurants and let us transport you to a world of aromatic spices and tantalizing flavours with our expertly prepared paneer dishes in our East Indian restaurants in Manitoba and Ottawa. Experience the perfect paneer at East India Company Restaurants today!
