Cottage cheese or as popularly known as Paneer in India is a low-calorie cheese with a mild flavour. Sure, its popularity has grown in the last few decades, but it usually doesn’t make its appearance on the cheeseboard. You won’t see it getting featured in wine pairings either. But this creamy, fluffy delight is the most versatile dairy food in your fridge.
Don’t believe us?
The ideas below prove that paneer can lend calcium and protein-packed punch to everything from an omelette to oatmeal.
Cottage Cheese Recipes For Breakfast
1.Baked Mini Frittatas with Mushroom, Cottage Cheese and Feta
The amalgamation of feta, mushroom and cottage cheese makes these heavenly looking frittatas feel meaty and taste hearty. Serve them hot with your favourite dip for a quick weekday breakfast.
2.Cranberry Cottage Cheese Baked Oatmeal
Studded with cute cranberries, the right amount of white chocolate and coconut flakes, this toothsome sweet is hard to resist. It is a practical and healthy breakfast for the generous amount of oats and cottage cheese that are in the mix.
3. High-Protein Cottage Cheese Omelette with Mushroom and Kale
Are you in desperate need for muscle-replenishing, post-workout fuel? Or just very hungry? Folding cottage cheese into this omelette offers 30 grams of protein per serving. You can team it up with lots of veggies and fresh herbs, and it tastes damn good.
Healthy Cottage Cheese Recipes For Snacks
- Skinny Mexican Cottage Cheese Dip
Black beans, avocado, cottage cheese, corn, jalapeño and tomato makes a delicious dip. It tastes great when scooped up with tortilla chips. It also works great as a sandwich filling or a salad topper.
2. Creamy Cheese Potato Bisque
Along with heavy cream, cottage cheese is the perfect dairy choice in this velvety, thick soup. Blended with sweet potato and a few seasonings, it is a quick way to get several macros in one bowl.
3. Creamy Cilantro Cheesy Guacamole
This heart-healthy guacamole is an excellent source of good fats. Stir in some cottage cheese in the avocado mix, and it becomes a protein powerhouse. It is creamy, tasty and healthy at the same time.
Cottage Cheese Recipes For Lunch
- Spinach and Mushroom Veg Lasagna:
The creamy goodness of cottage cheese takes place of ricotta in this lightened-up veg lasagna. Cheesy, creamy and secretly nutritious, this lasagna is an instant crowd-pleaser, even without the meat.
- Healthy Loaded Baked Potatoes
Make this authentic dish with bacon and cheddar but swap out the sour cream for cottage cheese. Fill in fresh bell peppers for some much-needed crunch and colour. It’s all about perfect balance and taste. - Cottage Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese:
Everyone loves a good Mac and Cheese recipe. But if you desperately seek a healthier version, then your search ends here.
Cottage Cheese Dessert Recipes
1. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars
You don’t need any protein powder in these protein fuel-filled bars. These mouth-watering treats get its staying power from an unlikely combination of eggs, chickpeas, and cottage cheese. It might sound strange, but it tastes sensational.
2. Lightened-up Dark Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies
You won’t really see or taste the cottage cheese in these insanely chocolaty brownies, but it gives an extra creaminess to it.
3. Chocolate Cottage Cheese Crinkle Cookies
Cottage cheese and cocoa powder together might not sound enticing, but it is a strong duo. We promise all you’ll taste in these cookies is CHOCOLATE.
Cottage cheese makes its way into so many dishes. Apart from its wholesome taste, this dairy product is pretty healthy too. Many people also consume raw cottage cheese with black pepper or add it into their salads for its numerous health benefits. Let’s find out about some below:
Health Benefits of Cottage Cheese are:
- Rich in Protein:
Cottage cheese is a significant source of protein. Its protein content depends upon the kind of milk from which the cottage cheese is churned.Besides, it is also a good source of iron, calcium, as well as magnesium. Another important highlight of cottage cheese is that it does not require cooking and can be consumed directly. Thus, a cube of raw paneer is a powerhouse of protein.
- It strengthens bones and teeth:
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of calcium. Health experts say that cottage cheese can fulfil 8% of the daily recommended value of calcium.An adequate amount of calcium ensures healthy bones, teeth, heart muscle, as well as smooth nerve functioning. - Maintains BP levels:
Paneer can help regulate blood sugar level as well. Besides, this dairy product is packed with magnesium that ensures better heart health and immune system.The high protein content of cottage cheese also helps the slow release of sugar into the blood. It further helps to prevent abrupt hike and decline in blood sugar levels.
- Improves Digestion:
Cottage cheese can also aid better digestion. It has a decent amount of phosphorous, which helps in digestion and excretion.The magnesium present in this dairy product also prevents constipation. Magnesium has a laxative effect, which means it draws water into the stools. This makes them softer to easily pass through the intestinal walls. - Rich source of Folate:
Folate is a B-complex vitamin which is essential for pregnant women. This vitamin helps fetal development in expecting mothers. Folate also plays a significant part in red blood cells production.Moreover, no one can deny that whenever you go on any function, you are always surrounded by the wonderful deliciousness of cottage cheese. Most of us tend to reminisce these blissful moments of taste with our loved ones. Now buy panner online in Mumbai, from Awesome Dairy.
Additional Resources:
1. 10 Proven Ways Cow Milk Helps You Build Strong Immune System
2. Health facts about Mozzarella Cheese that you should know!