Paneer perfection
Everything you need to know about paneer cheese, including how to make it yourself
Everything you need to know about paneer cheese, including how to make it yourself
Is there a simpler, healthier and more versatile cheese to cook with than the humble paneer? Believed to have originated in India, where roughly a third of the population follows a vegetarian diet, it’s one of the oldest dairy products in the world and remains a popular staple in Indian cuisine today. So, grab a hot cup of masala chai, as we explore the perfect ingredient to spice up your mealtimes.
What is paneer?
Paneer is a fresh and mild tasting cheese that naturally absorbs flavour, making it a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. With its soft yet firm texture, it’s perfect for grilling, frying and adding to curries, pairing beautifully with spices, herbs and tangy sauces. Paneer is also low in carbs, which makes it a popular choice for those following a low-carb or vegetarian diet.
What is paneer made of?
Paneer is a very versatile cheese and can be made with buffalo milk, goat milk, sheep milk or cow’s milk. You curdle the milk with a food acid such as lemon juice or vinegar, separating the curds (solid) from the whey (liquid). The good news is, if you’re vegan, you can make paneer with a high-protein plant-based milk like soy.
What does paneer go with?
Paneer cheese is a superstar in Indian cuisine, adding its creamy goodness to a wide array of dishes. From classic curries like Palak Paneer (spinach and cheese curry) to the popular Matar Paneer (peas and cheese curry), and even sweet puddings like Paneer Kheer. It can also be used in rich biryanis, wraps, grilled skewers and salads. The possibilities for paneer are almost endless.
Is paneer healthy?
Paneer is a great source of protein and calcium and can certainly be considered a healthy option when paired with other nourishing ingredients such as a fresh salad and chicken or fish. Bonus points if you make homemade paneer, so you can be sure no additives are used.
How to make paneer at home
Perhaps the best thing about paneer is that it’s quick and easy to make yourself. In fact, not only is homemade paneer fresher and more wholesome than shop-bought, it’s actually cheaper to make it yourself. All you need to make the perfect paneer is milk, lemon juice or vinegar and a few simple steps.
First bring the milk to a gentle simmer, then add the lemon juice and wait for the milk to curdle. Strain it in cheesecloth to separate the whey (you can use this to make rice or soup later), and refrigerate for 20 minutes to make the perfect paneer. It’s as simple as that.
How to Cook Paneer
This versatile cheese can be cooked and used in a variety of ways. The lemon used when making paneer means it doesn’t melt when adding it to sauces such as curry, making a perfect meat alternative. Simply chop up your paneer into cubes and add to your curry sauce. Allow to simmer so it can soak up all the lovely flavours. Why not try our paneer and spinach tikka masala to find out how to cook paneer in your curry.
How to fry paneer
Frying your paneer couldn’t be easier, simply add a tablespoon of oil to a medium pan and fry the paneer until golden brown. This usually takes between 3 and 4 minutes.
Top tip: If you find your paneer can get a bit dry or chewy when fried or cooked, you can soak it in water for 10 minutes so it retains more moisture while cooking.
How to grill paneer
Paneer is fantastic on a BBQ – why not layer up with pepper and onions to make scrumptious skewers? Simply grill on a medium heat for 5-10 minutes for some delicious veggie kebabs.
How to marinate paneer
We love marinating our paneer in a mix of soy sauce and honey – they need at least a couple of hours in the mixture but ideally, leave them in the fridge overnight for added flavour.
How to store paneer
Store your paneer correctly to ensure it stays fresher for longer – check out our top tips below.
Can you freeze paneer
Yes! You can freeze paneer. If shop-bought, you can pop it straight in the freezer in its original packaging. If you want to freeze shop-bought paneer that you’ve opened, or homemade paneer, you can just wrap it up in some cling film and then place in a container to avoid freezer burn.
How long can paneer be stored in the fridge
Check the best before date on any shop-bought cheese, and for homemade, we would recommend around 6 days (if it doesn’t all get eaten on day one that is!)
How to store homemade paneer
Keep your paneer in the fridge in a resealable bag or container to prevent air from getting to it.
Substitutes for paneer
If you can’t find paneer in your local store then don’t worry, other cheeses are available as a substitute. Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese can work as a close match, providing that creamy texture and mild flavour. Just keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly. And did we mention you can whip up your own perfect paneer in just 20 minutes?
Paneer as a sweet or pudding
This versatile cheese can also be transformed into a luscious dessert or pudding. Simply crumble the paneer and cook it gently in milk with sugar, saffron, cardamom and chopped nuts, to make a deliciously creamy Paneer Kheer Pudding. Or create little balls of joy with Paneer Malai Ladoo, by mixing crumbled paneer with condensed milk, nuts, cardamom and rosewater before shaping into bite-sized treats.
Four popular paneer recipes
Not sure what paneer recipe to try first? Here are three of our favourites to inspire you.
Paneer Tikka Masala
Marinated paneer is grilled to perfection and simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices including cumin and garam masala.
Palak Paneer
A delightfully creamy dish combines paneer cheese with spinach sauce, infused with cumin, coriander and a hint of garam masala.
Matar Paneer
Tender peas and paneer cheese combine in luxuriously rich tomato-based curry. It’s the ultimate comfort food, bursting with flavours.
Paneer Rice
Tender peas and paneer cheese combine in luxuriously rich tomato-based curry. It’s the ultimate comfort food, bursting with flavours.
Paneer Recipes
