Homemade Paneer or Cottage Cheese | પનીર જાતે કેવી રીતે બનાવવું? | होमेमेड पनीर कैसे बनाए?

Homemade Paneer or Cottage Cheese ‪@easyrecipesbysim‬
It’s very simple to make fresh paneer at home. Find the recipe below:
Ingredients:
2 liter - whole milk / semi-skimmed milk (If you prefer slightly less rich & creamy paneer, use semi-skimmed milk)
4-5 tbsp - lemon juice / vinegar (I’m using organic vinegar)
Cheesecloth / muslin cloth / fine cotton cloth
Steps:
1. Boil the Milk:
Pour the milk into a large pot. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
2. Add Acid:
Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat. Add the lemon juice or vinegar a little at a time, stirring gently. You should see the milk begin to curdle & the whey (the thin, watery liquid) start to separate from the curds (the solid part).
3. Separate Curds & Whey:
If the milk does not curdle fully, add a bit more lemon juice / vinegar. Once the whey has clearly separated & the curds are formed, turn off the heat.
4. Strain:
Line a colander with cheesecloth or muslin or fine cotton cloth and place it over a large bowl. Pour the curdled milk into the cloth-lined colander, allowing the whey to drain out. You can save the whey for other uses like kneading dough or making soups.
5. Rinse:
Rinse the curds under cold running water to remove the acidic taste of the lemon juice / vinegar, & helps to cool the curds & makes it easier to handle.
6. Drain:
Gather the cloth around the curds & gently squeeze out excess whey. Tie the cloth into a tight bundle and place it under a heavy weight (like a pot filled with water) for about 1-2 hours. This helps to firm up the curds.
7. Cut & Store:
After the paneer has been pressed & is firm, remove it from the cloth & cut it into any desired shape. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
*Tips:
For a richer paneer, mix whole milk with small amount of cream.
The longer you press the paneer, the firmer it will become.
Use fresh paneer within 2-3 days for the best taste.
Enjoy homemade paneer in various dishes like paneer tikka, palak paneer, & many more! #healthyfood #paneerrecipes #homemade #cottagecheese #cottagecheeserecipes #organicfood #homemadepaneer #eathealthy #positivefoodlife