Paneer Indian Cottage Cheese Recipe

Make authentic Indian Paneer cheese from scratch! This easy-to-follow recipe transforms simple milk into firm, delicious paneer, perfect for curries, salads, or snacking. Learn how to achieve that perfect texture, from soft cottage cheese to a firmer, white block. This recipe is adapted from a classic technique.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 65 mins
Calories 168.2 kcal
Protein 16g
Rating 5.0 (3 Reviews)
Paneer Indian Cottage Cheese 12

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Paneer Indian Cottage Cheese

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How to Make Paneer Indian Cottage Cheese

  1. Heat 4 cups of whole milk in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
  2. Once boiling, remove from heat and slowly add 2-4 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice, stirring constantly. The milk will immediately begin to curdle.
  3. If the curdling process doesn't start quickly, or the solids don't separate from the whey, add another tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Allow it to sit undisturbed for a few minutes.
  4. Line a fine-mesh sieve with a clean cheesecloth or muslin cloth. Gently pour the curdled milk mixture through the sieve, allowing the whey to drain into a bowl beneath.
  5. Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and tie them together securely. Gently squeeze out some of the excess whey. You can leave it hanging for 30 minutes to further drain.
  6. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt (optional) and 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream (optional) to the cheese in the cheesecloth. Gently mix. This step improves the texture and flavor.
  7. For soft Paneer (like cottage cheese), leave it for about an hour. For firmer Paneer, place the cheesecloth-wrapped cheese into a bowl, place a heavy object on top (like a plate with cans or books), and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. The longer it sits under weight, the firmer it will become.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

5 g

Sugar

0g

Fat

29g

Carbs

4g

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