Paneer (Cottage Cheese)


Paneer (Cottage Cheese)
Once you make paneer at home, you’ll never go back to buying it from a store! It takes only two ingredients so it’s super-easy to make, and it’s totally free of preservatives and additives. I usually get milk from local farms or farmers markets and make paneer in bulk then freeze it, but you can also leave it in the fridge for up to about a week. I use it to make things like Paneer Scramble and Paneer Cigars for the kids, and even though I don’t eat dairy myself every time I make this I am simply amazed by the transformation and curdling of milk into cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Allergens: Milk
- Servings: 10
Ingredients
- 1 gallon whole milk (preferably unpasteurized)
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
Instructions
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Line sieve with cheesecloth or muslin and place over large bowl.
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In heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring milk to boil on medium heat. This part of the process can take up to 20-25 minutes, so do not rush it!
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As milk starts to rise, turn heat to low setting and add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and stir. You will see that milk will start to curdle and separate. Continue to add vinegar and stir.
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Turn off heat and let mixture sit for about 5 minutes.
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Strain mix into sieve lined with cheesecloth or muslin, saving whey if desired.
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Run cold water over sieve and wash paneer.
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Gather cheesecloth or muslin and using hands, squeeze out as much water as you can.
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Twist and flatten cheesecloth or muslin to make bag. Set on plate and place heavy weight or saucepan over it to help squeeze more water out and set cheese.
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Unwrap paneer and cut into biteable sizes.