Paneer, also known as Indian cottage cheese, is one of the easiest and most versatile fresh cheeses to make at home. It is full of protein, yet bland enough to take on other flavors. It doesn’t melt like other cheeses, so it can be crumbled or cut in cubes and still retain its shape.
20 minutes
180 minutes
4
INGREDIENTS AND EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE AT CULTURES FOR HEALTH
Paneer & Queso Blanco Cheese Making Kit
Paneer & Queso Blanco Cheese Making Kit
$23.99
Make mild traditional Indian paneer and crumbly Mexican queso blanco with this kit. A perfect introduction to making cheese at home. Just add milk!
Packaging and Equipment in the kit may appear different than pictured.
Citric Acid
Citric Acid
$6.99
A key ingredient in acid cheeses including mozzarella, paneer, queso blanco, and ricotta.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 gallon pasteurized or raw whole milk (do not use ultra-pasteurized or UHT milk)
- 2 tsp. citric acid dissolved in ½ cup lukewarm water
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Heat the milk in a large saucepan over medium heat until it reaches a full boil. Stir occasionally, being careful not to let the milk scorch. When milk reaches a boil, turn off heat.
- Slowly stir in the citric acid. Continue to stir as large curds form and the whey becomes more clear than milky (about 20-30 seconds). Remove pan from burner and let sit undisturbed for 10-30 minutes, until the curds have settled to the bottom of the pan.
- Meanwhile, line a colander with butter muslin. If you moisten the muslin it will stay in place better. Scoop the curds into the colander. Rinse them under cool running water for 15 to 20 seconds. Gather up the four corners of the muslin and hang the curds for about 30 minutes, until there is no more whey dripping from the curds. If you are in a hurry you can gently squeeze the bag of curds to remove excess whey.
- Open the muslin and shape the curds into a 2-inch thick disk. Carefully fold the muslin back over this disk, making the cloth as smooth and evenly distributed as possible. This assures a smooth surface on the cheese.
- Place the wrapped disk on a plate or tray that can collect whey. Put a heavy skillet (cast-iron works well) or other heavy object on top of the wrapped cheese for 30 to 60 minutes. Turn the disk over and press the other side for an additional 30 minutes.
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Unwrap the cheese and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. Fresh paneer will keep, refrigerated, for 4-7 days.
