Bengali Paneer Paturi: A Flavorful Steamed Paneer Recipe
30 minutes
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About Bengali Paneer Paturi: A Flavorful Steamed Paneer Recipe
Transport yourself to Bengal with the fragrant allure of Paneer Paturi. Imagine delicate paneer enveloped in a vibrant paste of poppy seeds, coconut, and aromatic spices, then steamed to perfection in earthy banana leaves.This unique cooking method infuses the paneer with incredible flavor, creating a dish that's both rich and subtly sweet. Our easy-to-follow recipe guides you through every step, ensuring a truly authentic culinary experience.Serve your exquisite Paneer Paturi on a fresh banana leaf for a stunning presentation that will tantalize your senses and leave a lasting impression.
Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total30 minutes
Ingredients
Paneer and Marinade
- 250 gm Cottage Cheese
- 2 Tbsp Yogurt
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
Spice Paste
- 2 Tbsp Poppy Seeds
- 2 Tbsp Coconut grated
- 1 Tbsp Pumpkin Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 2 Chilies fresh, green
- 1/4 cup Coriander Leaves chopped, fresh
Other Ingredients
- 2 Banana Leaves
- 2 tsp Mustard Oil
- 2 Tbsp Mustard Sauce for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the paneer into rectangular slices about 1/2-inch thick.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the poppy seeds, grated coconut, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, green chilies, and coriander leaves.
- Grind the ingredients into a smooth paste. Add a little water if needed to facilitate blending.
- In a bowl, combine the paneer slices, yogurt, salt, and the prepared spice paste. Gently mix until the paneer is evenly coated.
- Place a banana leaf on a clean work surface. Place a marinated paneer slice in the center of the leaf.
- Fold the banana leaf over the paneer to create a neat parcel, ensuring the paneer is fully enclosed.
- Heat the mustard oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Place the paneer parcels in the hot pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the banana leaf is slightly charred and the paneer is heated through.
- Carefully remove the paneer parcels from the pan. Let them rest for a minute before unwrapping.
- Serve the Paneer Paturi hot, garnished with mustard sauce. For an authentic presentation, serve on a fresh banana leaf.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- If banana leaves are unavailable, try using parchment paper brushed with a little oil to simulate the steaming and aromatic effect, though you’ll lose some of the traditional flavor.
- For a vegan variation, substitute paneer with thick slices of tofu and use a plant-based yogurt in the marinade to maintain the creamy texture and tang.
- Gently toast the pumpkin and sesame seeds before grinding them into the paste to enhance their nuttiness and bring more depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Serve the cooked paneer paturi directly on fresh banana leaves with a sprinkle of microgreens or coriander for an eye-catching and authentic Bengali touch.
Expert Tips
- For a smokier flavor, try grilling the paneer paturi briefly after steaming, being careful not to burn the banana leaves or parchment paper.
- Adjust the spice level in the marinade by adding more or less green chilies according to your preference.
- Marinate the paneer for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, for maximum flavor penetration.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover paneer paturi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a steamer or microwave before serving.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 14gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 21gSodium: 1710mgSugar: 4g
4 Comments
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This is amazing! Excited to make it.
This is delightful! Thanks for the recipe.
Such an enticing dish! Thanks for the recipe.
This is delightful! Thanks for the recipe.