Homemade Paneer Panir Indian Cheese
Discover the art of making *Homemade Paneer (Panir)*, the quintessential Indian cheese that's rich, creamy, and surprisingly simple to prepare with just three everyday ingredients—whole milk, lemon juice, and water. Perfectly customizable, this versatile cheese is created by curdling milk and pressing it into a firm block, ready to elevate your favorite Indian dishes like curries, stir-fries, or salads. This recipe requires minimal prep and offers an authentic, preservative-free alternative to store-bought paneer. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, mastering this step-by-step guide will add a touch of tradition and freshness to your kitchen repertoire.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups Whole milk
- 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 4 cups Cold water
Instructions
Pour the whole milk into a large, heavy-bottomed pot and place it over medium heat.
Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching at the bottom. Heat the milk until it just begins to boil, then lower the heat.
Add the lemon juice, one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently after each addition. The milk will begin to curdle and you will see the whey start separating from the solid curds.
Once the curds have completely separated from the whey (this should take about 1-2 minutes), turn off the heat.
Line a colander with a clean muslin cloth or cheesecloth, and place it over a large bowl or in the sink to catch the whey.
Carefully pour the curdled milk into the lined colander, allowing the whey to drain through.
Rinse the curds with cold water to remove the lemon flavor. Gather the ends of the cheesecloth and twist them together to squeeze out excess water.
Press the paneer into a flat, firm shape by placing the cheesecloth-wrapped curds on a plate and setting a heavy object (such as a pot filled with water) on top. Let it sit for 30-40 minutes.
Once the paneer has set, unwrap it from the cheesecloth. Cut it into cubes or use it immediately in recipes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1201 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 62.6 g | 80% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.3 g | 182% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 234 mg | 78% | |
| Sodium | 778 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 93.5 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 95.0 g | ||
| Protein | 64.0 g | 128% | |
| Vitamin D | 21.5 mcg | 107% | |
| Calcium | 2443 mg | 188% | |
| Iron | 0.0 mg | 0% | |
| Potassium | 2974 mg | 63% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
