Fresh Paneer 500g

Fresh paneer is a soft, mild, and versatile Indian cheese commonly used in a variety of dishes, from curries to desserts. It is made by curdling milk with an acid like lemon juice or vinegar, then straining and pressing the curds to form a block. Paneer is a staple in Indian vegetarian cooking due to its high protein content and neutral taste, which absorbs the flavors of the spices and ingredients it is cooked with.
Key Features of Fresh Paneer:
Mild Flavor:
Paneer has a delicate, mild flavor that pairs well with a wide range of spices and sauces, making it adaptable to many dishes.
High Protein:
Rich in protein, fresh paneer is an excellent source of nutrition, especially for vegetarians.
Soft Texture:
When freshly made, paneer has a soft, crumbly texture, which firms up slightly when cooked, retaining its shape even in curries.
Versatile Ingredient:
Can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory curries like Palak Paneer and Paneer Tikka to sweets like Rasgulla and Sandesh.
How to Use Fresh Paneer:
In Curries:
Cut fresh paneer into cubes and add to tomato-based curries like Paneer Butter Masala or spinach-based dishes like Palak Paneer.
Grilled or Fried:
Marinate paneer cubes in spices and yogurt, then grill or pan-fry for a dish like Paneer Tikka or Paneer Pakoras.
In Snacks:
Crumble paneer and mix with spices and herbs to stuff into parathas (Indian flatbreads) for a quick snack or meal.
In Sweets:
Fresh paneer can be kneaded into a smooth dough to make Indian sweets like Rasgulla, Sandesh, or Kalakand.
Making Fresh Paneer at Home:
Heat Milk:
Bring full-fat milk to a boil in a large pot.
Add Acid:
Slowly add lemon juice or vinegar to curdle the milk, stirring gently until the curds separate from the whey.
Strain Curds:
Pour the curdled milk through a muslin cloth or cheesecloth to collect the curds.
Press and Set:
Gather the cloth and squeeze out excess whey, then press the paneer under a weight to set for a few hours.
Cut and Use:
Once set, cut the paneer into cubes or slices for cooking.
Fresh paneer is prized for its fresh, creamy taste and adaptability in a wide range of dishes, making it a beloved ingredient in Indian cuisine.