How To Make Paneer Fresh Indian Cheese
Paneer, a fresh cheese originally from India, is versatile, and a popular choice in cooking. The homemade version is delicious and effortlessly made using a few ingredients; it is relatively inexpensive and versatile to use.
The term “paneer” literally means “cheese” in Hindi. It is also known as "farmer’s cheese" or "cottage cheese." Making paneer at home is quite easy. However, you need to be careful while making this cheese at home. It can be used in dishes such as saag paneer, paneer makhani, and palak paneer. It is also used as a filling in parathas, samosas, and kachoris.
Ingredients
- 2 quarts (8 cups) of whole milk
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice or vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- Cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer
- A large bowl
- A large spoon
- A colander
- A weight (such as a heavy bowl or a brick)
Instructions
Bring the milk to a boil. In a large pot, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar. Once the milk has come to a boil, remove it from the heat and stir in the lemon juice or vinegar. The milk will start to curdle and separate into curds and whey.
Let the mixture cool. Allow the mixture to cool for 5-10 minutes, or until the curds have firmed up.
Strain the curds. Line a colander with cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer. Pour the curds and whey mixture into the colander. The whey will drain away, leaving the curds in the strainer.
Rinse the curds. Rinse the curds with cold water to remove any remaining whey.
Wrap the curds in cheesecloth. Wrap the curds in cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel. Place a weight on top of the curds to help press out any remaining whey.
Let the curds drain. Allow the curds to drain for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they have reached the desired consistency.
Store the paneer. Paneer can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Paneer is a delicious and nutritious cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus. Making paneer at home is a simple and rewarding process. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create a delicious and healthy cheese that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
