Well I know many out there know hot to make Paneer at home. Of course, I have heard many say what's the big deal that Indian Cottage Cheese gets so much prominence when Indian cooking is addressed. Still I can't deny the appeal this has to many and I can still remember those days when Amma used to say she made Paneer. And even now, if I tell Konda, that I am making a dish with Paneer, her face just lights up. Just last night, I made Paneer Butter Masala for her. She has been asking me for couple of days and I felt bad that I have been postponing. So got down making it, the moment I got home. She came back home and without entering the kitchen, asked me what I was doing. I said naturally cooking dinner. She immediately started, I wanted paneer Butter Masala!!, you are still not doing that!. I asked her to come in and she came in grumbling with a scorn which turned to excitement when she saw what I was making. That's worth all the efforts.
I made Paneer on Saturday and had time to take more pictures of the full process. Though this post has been sitting in the draft for more than 8 months, this was supposed to go for RCI Punjabi, but missed it. So when I saw hubby dear roaming jobless around, I thought I will make best use of his expertise. Amma always had a special muslin cloth especially for making paneer. Before leaving to Calcutta, she infact gave me that cloth! I know its funny, but that's the way it is. Athamma too, gives lot of reverence if its from Amma.
I finally got around to this post after few requests landed my side. I thought well I might as well chronicle my adventures with this paneer the fatal! These days its Athamma who normally makes it in a jiffy. Extra Milk on hand, it ends up as Paneer. Because we have quite a few paneer fanatics at home!
Ingredients needed:
Milk - 1 liter
Ripe Lemon/Lime Juice - 1 full
Boil Milk as usual
Lemon Juice for curdling the milk
Milk boiling over
Lemon juice to the boiled Milk and its all started curdling. Stir well so that it completes the curdling.
Strain it to a muslin cloth. Water left out can be used to make chappatis.
Squeeze down real tight so that all lingering extra water comes out.
Hang it down for a while. Then keep a heavy object over it. You can use either Chappati roller or Pressure cooker with water filled in.
Paneer will all be set within some 4 hrs time. Its all ready to use now.
Wash and Cut to pieces for frying.
When are you done cutting. Heat a pan with ghee or butter and fry them golden brown.
Notes: If Lemon is not available, Use 1 tsp of Vinegar for curdling. If you think you have have excess sour curds / yogurt and not sure what to do or bored with Mor Kolambu, then think of Paneer!
If you want your Paneer to be little coloured, add turmeric to the milk before straining or else sprinkle turmeric and soak paneer in hot water for 5 mins. Colourful Paneer is ready!
Padmaja says
Valli!!
I always buy from Indian Stores. But nothing can beat a homemade one isin't it!! It looks so nice!!
Kamini says
Nice step-by-step photos of one of my favourite foods!
Kamini
kamala says
nice step by step procedure.thank u
masalamagic says
looks so easy when u make it sri! Its been a while since i made paneer at home - i just buy frozen from the indian store here - too lazy!
satya says
Hi Srivalli,
Nice post.Paneer never goes waste.It can be enjoyed in any form.The whey can be used to make soups or even for Maggi.
Amna says
Hi srivalli,the traditional method of making paneer brings back very fond memories from back home in India, lovely pics too!!
Uma says
wow, your explanation and pictures made the paneer making so easy. Thanks for the good post.
Asha says
I agree, homemade is the best although it takes time and work!:)
Suganya says
'Hubby dear roaming jobless' - Wait till he reads this.
Jayashree says
Love the step by step pics....I almost always use store bought paneer despite the fact that I think it tastes like rubber.
bee says
homemade paneer is the best. only 1 tsp vinegar? i end up using 1/3 cup.
Coffee says
Home made paneer certainly beats the ready one!! I agree with Bee, I think you may need slightly more vinegar.
shriya says
I've tried it few times. But I always end up with some mistakes. Never got it right. I've been looking for this step by step pic recipe. Love it.
I'll try this soon.
Cynthia says
You make me want to go make paneer again 🙂
Srivalli says
satya, Agree with you and we are never bored with it...Oh thats good, will try to use it like that next time!
Padmaja, thank you!..maybe if you find sometime, you can make it home too!
Asha, yeah but we don't find it very hard. Actually trying to get from shop is more difficult for us..!!
Kamini, thank you!..thats nice to know
kamala, glad you liked it!
Latha, then its time you make it then!...your paneer dish was so yummy
Amna, Welcome to my blog...glad you were taken on a trip down...thanks for dropping by!
Uma, Thanks for dropping by...you are welcome.
Suganya, hahah...yeah I hoped he wouldn't note that what with the long post!..:D
Jayashree, hahha..thats good to know..maybe you can try making this next time..
bee, yes its always the best...yeah ??..I always used 1 tsp..it works for me..
Coffee, Glad to see you here after a long time...I somehow always used only 1 tsp...will check again to confirm..thanks
shriya, Glad you find this useful...do try and let me know!
Cynthia, so why you are waiting?...
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Shaziya Bharati says
Thanks