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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Making Paneer at Home

It feels like it's been ages since I've posted a cheese making recipe...bad cheeseslut!  I'm sure it was just last month, but I've gone into withdrawal and need to get my fix, so... just a quick fresh cheese today to appease that beast.  Paneer is one of those simple ones.  The kind that takes milk and an acid and turns it into something far more glorious than its parts.  There are many "recipes" out there...they all use milk and lemon juice.  I just went with the amount that worked for me; not a new discovery by any means.  I used the resulting cheese to make my Paneer Tikka. Paneer is very milk and non-descript, taking on the flavors that you cook/mix/pair it with...not much of an eating "out of hand" cheese.  Unless you want to, that is.  Who am I to argue?

Paneer
1 gallon whole milk
~½ c. freshly squeezed lemon juice

Place milk in a large, heavy pot and slowly, over low heat, bring it just to the boil.  It will look very thick and creamy.
Turn off the heat.  Stir in  ½ c. lemon juice with a wooden spoon...
...for a few minutes until the curds begin to separate from the whey.
If, by chance, the curds don't separate, add a bit more lemon juice and continue stirring.
Scoop/pour curds into a colander lined with butter muslin or cheesecloth.  Reserve the whey for another use.
Run cold water over the curds until the water runs clear.  Squeezing a bit.  This step gets rid of most of the lemony taste.
Gather up the sides of the cheese cloth and squeeze gently.  Tie/hang the bag for ~3-4 hours at room temperature.
You will now have a solid mass of Paneer that can be used in many applications from this point.
Or you could load it all into a press.  (I use a 28 oz. can w/ the top and bottom cut off...and used underneath and on top.)
Place the top lid on the mold...or use a plate if you're pressing in a colander.  Place a couple pounds of weight on top.  Refrigerate overnight.
Remove the top and bottom of the mold and slide the pressed cheese from it.
You now have a solid block/round/cylinder of Paneer. 
From here, you can slice it, cut it, crumble it...use it however you need it in your application! 

forgingfromagebutton2 #cheeseslut



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Would you like to comment?

  1. Beautiful post, i do prepare often paneer at home, love that can mould..

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  2. One of my favourite dishes is Paneer Tikka so since paneer seems to be unavailable at our local grocers I make my own. Who would have thought it to be so uncomplicated:D

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  3. I have a few recipes saved that call for paneer but I'm unable to find it too so thanks for this Heather. I had NO idea it was so easy!!!

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  4. Not only have I never made paneer, I don't think I've even ever had it! I may have to try this since it looks so easy!

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  5. We've got big saag paneer fans in my house! I'm almost tempted to try this and give hubs a shock!

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  6. Heather..that's beautiful paneer..getting the texture right is a little tricky..but I think you got it perfect!..I prefer the homemade version as well.the only difference is I use vinegar instead of lemon.

    US Masala

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  7. ...throw in some spinach, masala sauce, extra spice for Chef E when she arrives! LOL I am having Pollack Paneer for lunch tomorrow, yeah for Indian Food and Girlichef!

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  8. Great step by step - I'm going to have to try this!

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  9. I just love your cheese posts! I salivate. Most unattractive. And while I know there are so many delicious ways to cook with paneer - I'd be tempted to just have a few spoonfuls.

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  10. I am enjoying all the cheese posts out there, making cheese has always been an interest of mine. Thanks so much. And I second the comment about the cheese mold, great idea.

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  11. Using a can is such a great idea! This looks wonderful. I loves me some homemade cheese. Thank you for inspiring me to make it. =)

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  12. Un paso a paso genial, me encanta y me lo anoto. Saludos

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  13. delicious paneer
    wondering what you made :)

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  14. I have never made cheese of any form for myself. You have made it look so easy that I will just have to give it a try. Thanks.

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  15. I have never made my own cheese before (a shame, I know) But this recipe looks so easy to follow, and I'm sure that it tastes great! Now I just need to find some cheesecloth. Thank you for sharing love!

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  16. You are so talented with food. Keep up the good work..

    You have my vote.

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  17. So if paneer is really so simple to make, then why is it so expensive! Ahh!

    I'm buying a gallon of milk STAT. I need this in my life.

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  18. Love the can press! You'll have to share some recipes to use this lovely cheese; I've never tried eating it before~

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  19. YOu rock chief! I never have succeeded at this one...but your post gives me courage to try some at home...will keep you posted. Your's look super a Professional!

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  20. I have made this many time, but never used a can for a mold...Great idea.

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  21. Seriously, it is that easy?? Could I cut the recipe in half for my first time??? I know you can use it in tons of ways, I just don't happen to know any of them! LOL
    You are amazing my friend!

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  22. Yay, I love your can-shaped paneer! I have the same philosophy with curdling milk for cheese. Use as much as you need.
    Cheers!

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  23. It is so great that you made your own cheese. I sure must try it. You make it look so easy.

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  24. Sweet!!!! One of my favorite Indian dishes is saag paneer. I've been searching FOREVER for a decent paneer recipe. You're too awesome, Heather!!!!!!!!

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  25. My friend loves paneer. I'll have to share your recipe with her!! I feel like going and making it right now but I forgot to order milk last night before heading to the farm where I buy it, my chicken and veggies. I'll have to wait till Saturday

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  26. I didn't realize paneer was so easy to make.
    Mimi

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  27. Cool!!!! Cheeses, I love, but making them freak me out and I never would have thought of making my own paneer. But it is so simple! I have to try, right? amazing.

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  28. You make it look so easy! I may just have to try making some of this.

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  29. Damn, you just made that look easy!

    Brings back memories of a previous life where I used to make my own yogurt and soy milk.

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  30. I had no idea cheese making was that easy! Even the "lazy girl" can do this - yay!

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  31. I've never made homemade cheese before. It looks pretty easy. Love your photos!

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  32. Lovely presentation for cottage cheese.

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  33. I am and always will be in awe of the cheeseslut in you! Wow what talent! Or patience! I have seen so many gorgeous, moutwatering recipes with paneer and was always miserable that I couldn't buy it and now here you have the solution! Thanks, lovely!

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  34. I've never had paneer and would love to try it.

    For whatever reason I've been a very lazy cook lately. It's like I love cheese. I want to make it. I want to eat it, but I just can't get myself to get up and do it.

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  35. Looks delicious. One of these days I am going to make some basic cheese of my own. ;-)

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  36. Insane - you know I'll be trying this for sure now that I've become a "cheese maker" :-)
    Sue

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  37. I haven't made cheese in ages either. I really must do another paneer, it was so delicious!

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  38. Cheeseslut. Hilarious. Great post and I can't want to try this one.

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  39. I too make paneer in home. Delicious than storebought. Yours is perfect.
    Came through Forging fromage via Natashya.

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  40. Using a can for a mold.. what an idea!

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  41. When I made mine it smelled weird... wonder if I did something wrong.

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