Spiced paneer cubes marinated in yogurt and charred on skewers offer a satisfying, meaty chew that pairs beautifully with soft, pillowy naan. By threading these marinated blocks alongside charred red peppers and earthy baby mushrooms, you get a quick, high-impact meal that makes excellent use of whatever remains in your kitchen after the holidays.
The addition of smashed, butter-drenched baby potatoes provides a crisp, golden-brown contrast to the pillowy bread. When finished with a generous drizzle of leftover gravy and cool, creamy dips, this leftover Christmas paneer naanwich bridges the gap between traditional Indian street food and a hearty, fuss-free post-holiday lunch.
Tucking into these loaded handhelds is all about the balance of textures—the crunch of the smashed potatoes, the char on the paneer, and the silkiness of the yogurt-based sauces. It is an uncomplicated way to assemble a filling, spice-forward meal without needing to head back to the grocery store.
Read Full StoryIf you find yourself with an abundance of leftover festive ingredients, this quick naanwich is a clever way to repurpose them with a spicy kick. For those who enjoy bold, aromatic flavors, I highly recommend using the same spice profile found in my go-to chilli paneer recipe. Alternatively, if you prefer something a bit creamier to balance the texture of the bread, stirring in a little of my classic mattar paneer makes for a surprisingly hearty filling.
Key Ingredients
- Paneer: Cubed paneer is marinated in yogurt and spices to form the base of the skewers.
- Greek Yogurt: Used as the base for the marinade to tenderize the paneer.
- Mixed Spices: A blend of chili, curry, turmeric, and cumin powders provides the primary seasoning.
- Naan Bread: Warm flatbread acts as the vessel for the grilled skewers and leftover toppings.
- Baby Potatoes: These are parboiled and smashed then baked in garlic butter for a crispy side.
- Vegetables: Red bell peppers and baby mushrooms are skewered with the paneer for added texture.
- Leftover Gravy: Drizzled over the final naanwich to incorporate rich, savory holiday flavors.
- Dips: Hummus or tzatziki are spread on the naan to provide a cooling contrast to the spices.
More Ways to Use Paneer
- Mutter Butter Paneer: This rich and silky dish is the perfect follow-up if you have extra blocks of paneer to use.
- Paneer Tikka Pittas: These portable snacks offer a similar handheld convenience to the naanwich, ideal for quick lunches.
- No Sugar Added Layered Christmas Smoothie: If your holiday spread was heavy on the savory side, this vibrant smoothie provides a refreshing and light seasonal contrast.
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