Homemade Paneer Recipe (Fresh Indian Cottage Cheese) – Easy & Foolproof
Why Make Paneer at Home?
Homemade paneer tastes fresher, creamier, and softer compared to store-bought ones. It adds the richness of the flavors to your dish and, guess what? It is easily made with a mere two ingredients. And not one special utensil required!
Use the homemade paneer to make Indian favorite recipes like Palak Paneer, Paneer Butter Masala, or even Paneer Tikka.
Ingredients
2 liters (or 2 quarts) full-fat milk (Don't use low-fat or skim milk)
4 tablespoons lemon juice (You can replace with white vinegar)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Heat the Milk
1. Pour the milk into a large, heavy-bottomed pot.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
3. Just before it begins to boil (when you notice tiny bubbles forming), lower the heat to low.
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2. Curdle the Milk
1. Add lemon juice, one tablespoon at a time, gently stirring.
2. Continue to add and stir until the milk is separated into whey (liquid) and curds (solid).
3. Stop heat when completely separated.
3. Strain the Paneer
1. Set up a colander or a sieve lined with clean cheesecloth or a clean muslin cloth.
2. Pour curdled milk through the cloth in order to strain the whey.
3. Wash the curds with cold water to get rid of the sourness of lemon juice.
4. Shape and Set the Paneer
1. Collect the cloth and twist it to press out excess water.
2. Put the wrapped paneer on a plate and place a heavy object (such as a pot or a cutting board) on it.
3. Allow it to set for 30 minutes to 1 hour for a firmer texture.
5. Chill and Use
Chill for 4 hours before cubing for optimal texture.
Your homemade, fresh paneer is now ready to be used in your favorite recipes!
Tips for Ideal Paneer
✔ Use full-fat milk for the most creamy texture.
✔ Avoid overboiling the milk, or the paneer will become rubbery.
✔ Lemon juice vs. Vinegar: Lemon juice provides a milder taste, whereas vinegar yields a firmer paneer.
✔ Save the whey! The residual liquid is high in protein and can be utilized in soups, curries, or roti dough.
Calories & Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 4-6 Servings)
Calories: 308 kcal
Protein: High protein content, ideal for vegetarians
Fat: Healthy fats from full-fat milk
Serving Suggestions
✅ Palak Paneer – A creamy spinach-based curry with paneer cubes
✅ Paneer Butter Masala – A rich, tomato-based Indian dish
✅ Paneer Bhurji – Spiced scrambled paneer
✅ Grilled Paneer Tikka – Smoked paneer from marination and grilling
Homemade paneer will change your life! You will never go
back to store-bought once you've tried it. Try it now and level up your Indian cooking!