Homemade Paneer

Paneer is a staple in any Indian household. It is so versatile, the possibilities are endless. I’ve marinated it in Roasted Cilantro Mint Chutney and grilled it over the BBQ, you can also grill it and use it as an addition to a salad, make Paneer Cabbage Cups, Matar Paneer, and most famously known Palak Paneer.

It may sound daunting but making paneer at home is actually very easy. There’s literally 2 ingredients involved – milk, and an acidic agent to separate the curd. I like homemade better than store bought because you can choose which type of milk you want (low-fat or full-fat) and there are no preservatives like in the store bought ones.

How to make paneer at home:
Step 1: Boil the milk

Step 2: Add in your acidic agent and keep stirring to help the solids separate from the whey

Step 3: Drain the whey so you have just the solids left over

Step 4: Rinse the solids to remove smell and taste of acidic agent

Step 5: Squeeze out excess water and hang the paneer to remove moisture

Step 6: Mold the paneer into desired shape

Step 7: Remove the block of paneer from the cheesecloth and use as desired

Notes:
1. I suggest double lining the cheesecloth so that it is more sturdy and holds the paneer well when draining. This is the cheesecloth that I use and love!
2. Acidic agents that can be used are lemon juice or vinegar. I’ve found vinegar works better with curdling the solids without leaving behind a tart taste in the paneer
3. Keep the acidic agent close by so you can use it as soon as the milk is ready so it doesn’t boil over.
4. If you need to add more acid, add a teaspoon at a time. Adding too much can make the paneer rubbery

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you have fun and enjoy making your own paneer!

Homemade Paneer

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July 20, 2020

by Sapna

Category Indian Vegetarian

Ingredients

8 c milk
1/4 c vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice
cheesecloth

Instructions

1. On high flame, in a deep pot, bring milk to a boil, then reduce heat to med-low. Keep stirring constantly for about 3 minutes.
2. Reduce heat to low and add in vinegar or lemon juice. Continue stirring so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot. You should see the solids separate from the whey within a minute.
3. Turn off heat and remove pot from heat.
4. Line a colander with the cheesecloth and pour the contents into the cheesecloth.
5. Rinse with cold water to remove odor and taste of acid.
6. Squeeze the cheesecloth to remove as much excess water as possible.
7. Tie the cheesecloth to your kitchen faucet and let it stay there for 30 minutes to remove excess whey.
8. Remove cheesecloth from the faucet and twist into a round or square shape. Place it on a plate and put about 5lbs weight on top. I usually use a few canned foods cans. This will further help remove any excess moisture and whey. Leave for 30 minutes.
9. Unwrap your paneer and slice into cubes and use in any of your favorite paneer recipes!

Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Curry

When Sanaya, my eldest, was about 3 years old, we had gone to Pankaj’s cousin’s house for a play date. Sanaya and her cousin Aarya are besties. They’re only 2 months apart in age and our families have gone through the journey of parenting together since we were pregnant.

Anyways, this story is from a time when Sanaya was very picky about food, especially Indian food. Though I feel like in her short life, she’s either been picky or a proper foodie. Kids!

Yum

My sister-in-law, Aarya’s mother had made a black eyed peas curry. I remember growing up my mom making this often so I got excited but nervous also. Will Saanu eat it? Will she like it? I’m hoping she likes it because I’m really trying to get the girls to have an appreciation for Indian food.

Surprisingly, and luckily, she loved it and for once, ate most of her food without a fuss. I felt like I found a magical key. Since then, this is one recipe I make often for the girls, especially when I’m in a pinch as it takes less than 30 minutes to make.

These black eyed peas are perfect for a weeknight meal. Not only are they delicious and quick to make, they are also rich in fiber, protein and non-dairy calcium.

Notes:
I soak them at the beginning of meal prep. If you don’t want to soak them, simply increase the cook time from 12 minutes to 20.

You can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

For Stovetop: Soak black eyed peas for at least 1 hour. Then boil them in 4 cups of water for 45 minutes. Drain and add to spices as indicated in step 5. Add only 1 c water and cook for an additional 15 minutes.

For Slow Cooker: Follow directions below and cook on low for 6 hours.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy this Dal (Lentil)!

Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Curry

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30-35 mins
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Ingredients:

1 c dried black eyed peas, soaked

1 onion, chopped

2 tomatoes, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1″ ginger knob, grated

1 bay leaf

1 tsp cayenne pepper

½ tsp turmeric

2 tsp coriander powder

1 tsp garam masala

1 tsp salt

2 c water for cooking

1 Tbsp lemon juice

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp cumin seeds

½ tsp hing (asafoetida)

Directions:

1. Set Instant pot to saute mode. Add oil and let heat.

2. Add cumin seeds and hing.

3. When the cumin seeds start to splutter, add in onions, ginger and garlic. Saute for 3-5 minutes, until the onions are tender and translucent.

4. Add in the tomatoes and spices and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the oil starts separating from the tomatoes.

5. Drain the water from the black eyed peas and add to the instant pot. Add the 2 c water and mix well.

6. Cover instant pot and set vent to sealing postion.

7. Change setting to manual/pressure cook mode and set timer for 12 minutes.

8. When the timer goes off, let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure.

9. Add lemon juice and give a quick stir before serving.

Serve with Naan or Rice.

May 9, 2020July 4, 2020

Sapna6 Comments

Mango Berry Bread Pudding Yum

My absolute favorite food on Earth is mangoes. I can’t think of a time that I didn’t like them. I love hearing stories from my mom about how I could go through a case (about 10-12 mangoes) in a sitting when I was a kid. Nowadays, I probably would end up with a tummy ache but I’m willing to give it a try. Continue reading “Mango Berry Bread Pudding Yum “ →

Tag: Desi

Homemade Paneer