Paneer/fresh cheese (homemade)

Servings: 4
Boiling time: 10-12 minutes.
Preparation time: 5-6 minutes.
Setting time: 20-30 minutes.
Total time: 18-20 minutes.

Paneer is an excellent source of protein and calcium; help you gain a lustrous, shinier and healthier skin as well as hair. “Paneer/fresh cheese (homemade)” or fresh Indian cheese, is a soft and versatile dairy delight made by curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar. It’s a staple ingredient in many Indian dishes, loved for its delicate flavour and melt-in-mouth texture.

Preparing paneer at home ensures purity, freshness, and a richer taste compared to store-bought versions. The process of separating soft curds and pressing them into a firm block carries a sense of tradition and care. Whether used in curries, parathas, or desserts, homemade paneer adds a touch of warmth and authenticity to every meal.

You can make paneer dishes with this as Paneer (Cottage Cheese) Tikka Masala, Palak Paneer, Shahi Paneer, Paneer with Green Coriander, and Paneer Masala Curry etc.

Ingredients:

Whole milk: 1 ½ litre
Synthetic vinegar/lemon juice /Citric acid/yogurt: 1 -1 ½ serving spoon

Preparation:

Boil the milk; stir continuously so that it should not stick to bottom.
Be careful it does not overflow from the pan, put off the flame.

Method:

Add vinegar into the milk; stir well until paneer and water get separated.
Immediately add little more quantity of vinegar, if it is not fully separated.
Take a bowl, keep soup strainer over it.
Put fine thin handkerchief/paneer strainer cloth on the strainer.
Pour paneer and water on it.
Let the water get drained.
Now take grid of cooker, place this gathered paneer (paneer Potali) on the cooker grid.
Place a plate on the paneer, and put strain water bowl at the top of the paneer. See the photo.
Keep aside for 20-30 minutes.
Open the paneer Potali, homemade paneer is ready to cut.
Paneer is ready to cut, cut into cubes or any shape.