Discover the art of making fresh, homemade paneer with this simple recipe that requires just two ingredients—whole milk and lemon juice (or vinegar). In just 30 minutes, transform creamy milk into soft, pillowy cheese perfect for a variety of Indian dishes. This recipe guides you through curdling the milk, straining the curds, and pressing them into a firm block ready for slicing. Whether you're preparing a rich paneer butter masala, refreshing salads, or crispy paneer tikka, this versatile cheese is a must-have addition to your kitchen repertoire. Plus, you'll love the freshness and purity of homemade paneer, free from preservatives or additives!
1. Pour the whole milk into a large, heavy-bottomed pot and set it over medium heat.
2. Heat the milk, stirring occasionally to prevent it from scorching, until it begins to boil.
3. Once boiling, lower the heat slightly and add the lemon juice (or vinegar) one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently after each addition.
4. As you add the lemon juice, the milk will start to curdle. Continue stirring gently until the whey (the liquid) and the curds (the solids) fully separate, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Line a colander with a clean muslin cloth or cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl to catch the whey.
6. Carefully pour the curdled milk into the lined colander, allowing the whey to drain completely.
7. Rinse the curds under cold water while gently pressing them to remove any residual acidity from the lemon juice or vinegar.
8. Gather the ends of the cloth and twist them together to form a tightly packed bundle of curds.
9. Place the bundle on a flat plate and set a heavy weight (such as a pot filled with water) on top to press the paneer. Let it sit for 1-2 hours to release excess moisture and set into a firm block.
10. After the pressing is complete, unwrap the paneer and cut it into cubes or slices as desired. It is now ready to use in your favorite recipes!
Calories |
2530 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 132.1 g | 169% | |
| Saturated Fat | 76.7 g | 384% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 495 mg | 165% | |
| Sodium | 1568 mg | 68% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 195.1 g | 71% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 199.9 g | ||
| Protein | 135.1 g | 270% | |
| Vitamin D | 45.4 mcg | 227% | |
| Calcium | 5078 mg | 391% | |
| Iron | 0.1 mg | 1% | |
| Potassium | 6250 mg | 133% | |
*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.