Paneer is the most popular food item that boasts multiple recipes to satiate cravings of vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. From Malai Paneer to paneer-do-pyaza to paneer capsicum, palak paneer, and shahi paneer, there are umpteen varieties that one can churn out with paneer.
Is your mouth already watering? Well, Paneer is not only yummy, but it is also a high source of protein. Let’s learn a bit more about Paneer in detail.
What is Paneer?
Paneer is a soft non-processed cheese made from curdled milk.
It is widely used on the Indian culinary table. Paneer is sold extensively across all stores but can also be easily prepared at home.
Paneer Recipe (Easy to prepare at home)
Ingredients
- Whole milk- 1 gallon
- half and half- ½ gallon
- 3 limes or lemons- Cut and seeds removed
Method
- Pour the whole milk and half and half in a thick bottom pan. The pan should be large enough to allow room for the milk to boil.
- Heat the milk mixture gradually with occasional stirring and let it come to a boil.
- Once the mixture boils, lower the flame and add limes or lime juice. You can also add a tablespoon of vinegar instead of limes or lemons.
- Boil for 1 to 2 minutes until the milk curdles. Shut off the gas stove. You can see the curdled milk separated from the milky water (whey).
- Line a colander with the cheesecloth and pour the ingredients over the cheesecloth gently so that the curdled milk and the whey separate.
- Once the water is completely drained, transfer the curdled milk onto a plate and cover it with another plate. Place something heavy on the covered plate and let it rest for 3 to 4 hours.
- Remove the weight and the covering plate to discover a fresh home homemade paneer. Cut it into cubes and relish to your heart's' content.
Note:
One should not discard whey but use it to knead the dough or add to gravy dishes to prepare curry.
How to use Paneer?
Paneer is undoubtedly the most popular and versatile item on a vegetarian menu list in the Indian subcontinent.
It is enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or also as dish in the main course.
Crushed paneer makes for a delicious addition when sprinkled on soups and salads.
Indian moms also love to use crushed paneer mixed with finely chopped onion, green chilies, grated ginger, and ground spices as a filling to dish out delicious Paneer parathas.
Paneer cubes can be enjoyed as Paneer Tikka on skewers just like chicken or mutton kebabs.
The simplest yet one of the most lip-smacking recipes is prepared by tossing the paneer cubes in olive oil, salt, ground black pepper, and lime juice. One can also sprinkle finely chopped coriander and mint leaves for extra flavor.
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