Paneer Recipes for Babies and Kids | When Can I give my Baby Paneer

Paneer Recipes for Babies - Paneer/cottage cheese is a soft cheese obtained by acid and heat coagulation of milk. It is the best vegetarian protein source and also loaded with calcium, vitamins and essential minerals. Paneer can be made easily at home. Also, it is easily digestible and makes delicious food for babies and Kids.

Here are some ways to include this vegetarian delicacy in your baby's diet. Read more to know information about the nutritional benefits of paneer, how and when to introduce paneer to the baby etc.

When can I introduce Paneer to my baby?

Though cows milk is not recommended for babies below one year, panner can be included in the baby's diet from 8 months after introducing basic vegetables and cereals. As dairy products like paneer, yogurt or cheese are produced by curdling enzymes and lactose is broken down to smaller protein molecules which makes it easily digestible. Hence it is entirely safe to introduce paneer to your baby before one year. If your family has a history of milk allergy or lactose intolerance, discuss with your baby's doctor before starting panner to your baby.

When you introduce paneer to your baby for the first time, you can offer as paneer puree. Otherwise, crumble or chop homemade paneer after soaking in warm water for 2-3 minutes and give your baby. You can also fry the paneer in ghee and offer as finger food to your baby. Start with 2-3 small cubes of paneer and gradually increase the quantity based on your baby's tolerance level.

Here are three ways to give to Paneer to Baby

How to select and store Paneer for Baby Food

Paneer is readily available in grocery stores. But for small babies, its recommended to give homemade paneer as its safe and best. Make paneer at home with full-fat whole milk for the baby and prefer giving fresh paneer pieces to your baby. Homemade paneer stays good for 2-3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. If the paneer turns sour after a few days, avoid giving it to your baby.

Nutrients in Paneer

Here is the nutrition information of 1 cup of paneer (100 g)

Source: NutritionData

Health Benefits of Paneer for Babies and Toddlers

• Paneer is a good source of protein, especially for vegetarian babies and kids. Protein is the primary building component of muscles and bones
• Loaded with calcium that helps in building healthy teeth and muscles in kids
• Paneer has a right amount of phosphorous which aids in digestion in babies
• It is also helpful for improving immunity in children and fight diseases
• Paneer helps in treating constipation in babies and kids as its rich in fiber
• Vitamin B in paneer helps in improving concentration and memory in children

Paneer Recipes for Babies, Toddlers, and Kids

Here are some recipes to include paneer in your baby's diet.

1. Homemade Paneer (8 M+)

5. Paneer Omelette (8 M+)

Paneer omelet is an easy, quick, tasty and healthy calcium-rich omelet recipe with eggs and paneer aka cottage cheese.  This paneer omelet is a perfect breakfast for kids as its quite filling and wholesome.

6. Paneer Dal (10 M+)

Paneer dal masala is an easy and comforting dish for babies and perfect for lunch. It goes well with rice, Chapati or Roti.

7. Paneer Bhurji ( 1 Y+)

Paneer Bhurji is an Easy, quick, tasty dish prepared with paneer aka cottage cheese and vegetables. The mildly spiced paneer bhurji is perfect for toddlers and kids. It goes well with chapati/roti or parathas

8. Paneer Kheer (1 Y+)

Paneer kheer is a simple and delicious pudding/kheer made with Indian cottage cheese or paneer, milk, and nuts. This paneer kheer can be given to babies from one year, make sure to use powdered nuts for small babies.

9. Paneer Stir Fry with vegetables( 1 Y+)

Paneer Stir Fry with vegetables is an easy, tasty and healthy dish for toddlers & kids made with paneer and mixed vegetables. This paneer stir fry can be perfect as a side dish with roti/chapati, jeera rice or even plain rice, also best as finger food for babies.

11. Paneer Pulao ( 1 Y+)

Pulaos are easy to prepare which are loved by many especially kids and perfect for lunch boxes too. If your toddler/kid is a fussy eater and if you are taking all pains to make different types to sneak in healthy foods and veggies, then here is one kind for you, paneer pulao with vegetables.

12. Corn Paneer Pulao ( 1 Y+)

Corn Paneer Pulao/Corn Paneer Rice is flavored rice with sweet corn kernels, paneer cubes, cashews, ghee, spices, and tempering

13. Paneer Dosa( 1 Y+)

Dosa made with crumbled paneer and capsicum. It is an easy and filling breakfast option for toddlers and kids.

14. Paneer Butter Masala ( 1 Y+)

Creamy tomato-based gravy made with India cottage cheese aka paneer in restaurant style. It goes well with rice, Chapati or Roti.

15. Palak Paneer ( 1 Y+)

Palak paneer is a famous North Indian Punjabi recipe made with cooked Indian spinach and fried paneer. It has a smooth and creamy consistency, and the paneer cubes will melt in mouth while eating. It goes well with rice, Chapati or Roti.

16. Kadai Paneer (1 Y+)

This kadai paneer recipe is a semi-dry version with freshly ground spices and capsicum. It goes well with rice, Chapati or Roti. 

17. Paneer Jalfrezi( 1 Y+)

Paneer Jalfrezi is a medium spicy curry made with vegetables and paneer. It goes well with rice, Chapati or Roti.

Do try to include all these tasty paneer recipes with incredible health benefits for your baby and family 🙂