Housemade paneer from Cedars Restaurant. Photo source.
If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, it’s probably safe to assume you’re familiar with chicken or veggie curry. But why not veer just off the charted course and spice up your lunch, dinner, or brunch with some classic Indian cheese curds? Paneer is pure perfection inside a pocket of toasty naan, drenched in a creamy sauce, or even served as a sweet after-dinner treat. Try these cheesy entrees from some of Seattle’s best Indian kitchens.
Annapurna Cafe | 1833 Broadway | 206-320-7770
First things first: start with Annapurna’s paneer naan, stuffed with homemade cheese and baked to perfection in the tandoor oven. Then move along to plates such as the Mater Paneer (cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce with green peas), Palak Paneer (cheesy spinach), or Vegetable Kofta (paneer and veggie balls in a creamy cashew sauce). Cap off your meal with a mixed drink from the Yeti Bar or perhaps an order of iced or hot tea.
Cedars | Multiple locations
You’ll find Cedars’ cheesy main attractions at both locations in the U District or Capitol Hill. Standouts include the Paneer Pakora (savory fritters served with cilantro and tamarind chutneys), Paneer Tikka (homemade cheese marinated in Indian spices and roasted in the tandoor oven), classic paneer or spinach and paneer naan, and a variety of curries featuring paneer (hint: don’t miss the fan-favorite butter masala). The Broadway location also features a classic Vegetable Kofta served in savory tomato butter sauce.
India Gate | 3080 148th Ave SE, Suite 102, Bellevue | 425-747-1075
The Bellevue Indian dining room cranks out a from-scratch menu with plenty of homemade paneer options. Try the delicately fried Paneer Pakora, cheesy naan, or any of the decadent curry plates (tikka masala, anyone?). Though cheese for dessert may sound like an unexpected twist, the Ras Malai is essentially a crustless Indian cheesecake made with sweet, richly spiced paneer. You’re going to want to try a bite before you leave full and happy.
Nirmal's | 106 Occidental Ave S | 206-683-9701
Why not add some paneer to your brunch spread? Head to Nirmal’s on a Saturday morning for a South Indian (Uttapam -- thick rice pancakes stuffed with paneer and served with sambhar and coconut chutney) or North Indian rendition (Paneer Paratha -- paneer-stuffed Indian bread spiced with green chili, cilantro, chat masala, and turmeric). Come back for dinner, featuring out-of-the-box curries and entrees such as the Bharwan Simla Mirch (stuffed bell peppers) or Murgh Taj (chicken breast stuffed with oyster mushroom, bell pepper, and paneer and finished with a spinach cream sauce).
