Paneer Moilee

Description

Paneer Moilee is a South Indian fusion dish inspired by Kerala’s traditional fish moilee, reimagined for vegetarian diets using paneer (Indian cottage cheese). This mildly spiced coconut milk-based curry is known for its smooth, aromatic profile and is especially popular among vegetarian households in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The dish is prepared by gently simmering cubes of paneer in a gravy made from coconut milk, green chilies, ginger, curry leaves, and lightly sautéed onions. Unlike heavy gravies, moilee is light and subtly flavored, with turmeric lending a gentle golden color. Mustard seeds and a touch of black pepper add depth without overpowering the coconut base.

Paneer Moilee is often paired with appam, idiappam, or rice and has become a festive and comforting main course among Malayali vegetarian communities in cities like Kottayam, Kochi, and increasingly in diaspora households in Mississauga, Surrey, and Brampton.