paneer cheese

How to make paneer step by step. Homemade paneer can be fried and grilled. Can be added to Indian style curries, made into tikka masala, palak, sagg and more.

Making Paneer At Home

litre full cream milk

ml cream

salt (optional)

250 ml iced water

white vinegar

– 3 litres of iced water

Place the milk, cream and salt into a deep, thick bottom saucepan. Bring to the boil over a high heat. Stirring the milk to avoid burning.

When it has come to the rolling boil, turn the heat down to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Occasionally stir the milk while it simmers.

Turn the heat off.

Stir 1 cup of ice water into the hot milk – cooling the milk a little at this stage will help make the paneer soft.

Gently stir in the white vinegar a little at a time. The milk will separate and form curds and whey.

Once the curds have formed, stir in about 3 – 4 cups of iced water to the curds and whey. The reason for this isf the curd is left sitting for too long in the hot whey it will become firm. Therefore, it’s important to cool it almost immediately if you want a soft paneer.

To drain the curds and whey you will need a large strainer or colander, lined with a large piece of muslin cloth. Place the prepared strainer into a large deep bowl if you wish to keep the whey. If you don’t want to keep the whey, place the prepared strainer into a clean sink.

Pour the curds and whey into the muslin lined strainer and drain.

Drain the Curds And Whey

Pour iced water over the paneer (while it is still in the muslin lined strainer), use clean hands to mix the water through the grains. This will help wash away the vinegar flavour from the cheese.

Gather the sides of the muslin cloth together and press and squeeze the water from the paneer.

Wash the Paneer

To shape the paneer, I like to form it into a rectangular block, to do this:

You will need to use a cake rack and place it over a bowl or on the side of your sink. This will allow excess water to drain way from the cheese.

Place the paneer filled muslin cloth onto the cake rack. Unfold the muslin cloth and use your hands to shape the paneer into a rectangle that is about 3 cm thick.

Tightly fold the muslin back over the top of the cheese, keeping the rectangular shape.

Place a cutting board or baking tray on top of the paneer and add weights on top (you can use a pot filled with water, canned food or anything with a bit of weight). This will compress the cheese and press more liquid.

Allow the cheese to sit like this for about 2-3 hours.

Remove from the muslin.

Transfer the paneer to a plate or container, seal and refrigerate and allow to chill before cutting and cooking.

Shaping and Compressing The Paneer

Creamy Saag Paneer Recipe - A classic vegetarian Indian dish made with fresh spinach, coconut milk and paneer cheese. It's ready in just 15 minutes!

Creamy Saag Paneer Recipe

spinach leaves

onion, (chopped)

garlic, (minced)

ginger root

serrano chili, (diced)

Garam Masala

cumin

coriander

turmeric

salt, (divided in half)

cayenne pepper

ghee, (or butter)

lemon, (juiced)

water

coconut milk

coconut oil, (melted

In a small bowl, toss paneer cubes, coconut oil, turmeric, cayenne pepper and half the salt. Marinate while preparing vegetables.

Chop, grate, and/or cut up all vegetables. If serving over rice, prepare as per instructions.

Set a large skillet over medium heat. Toast one side of the paneer cubes, remove from the pan and set aside.

Place the onions in the same skillet and sauté onions in ghee for 3 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, and serrano chili. Sauté 2 moreminutes.

Stir in the spices, remaining salt, spinach, 1/2 cup of water, and simmer for about 5 minutes until the water is evaporated and spinach is tender.

Stir in coconut milk and lemon juice. Finally return the paneer to the pan to warm.

Serve over basmati rice or with naan. Garnish with tomatoes, green onion and serrano chilies if you like.

Air Fryer Paneer is a great snack, appetizer, or side dish. With just a bit of effort, you can enjoy the most flavorful, warm, melty cheese ever.

Air Fryer Paneer

oz paneer

avocado oil

tbsp masala spice blend

Preheat the air fryer to 400.

Cut wooden skewers small enough that they fit into your air fryer. Place the paneer cubes on the skewers. Drizzle with the oil and sprinkle with the seasoning and salt.

Cook the paneer for 6 minutes or until the inside is warm and the outside is crispy.

Top 3 paneer cheese recipes from across the web

The most viewed paneer cheese recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 6,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engine

Top Tags

Creamy Saag Paneer Recipe

Air Fryer Paneer

Top 3 paneer cheese recipes from across the web

The most viewed paneer cheese recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 6,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engineic_arrow_forward_48px

Top Tags

Creamy Saag Paneer Recipe

Air Fryer Paneer

The most viewed paneer cheese recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 6,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engine