If you’re a cheese lover, you might have tried everything from brie to stilton, cheddar to gorgonzola. But have you heard of a popular Indian cheese known as paneer? This features in many Indian dishes and is often used instead of meats such as chicken or lamb. Paneer is extremely versatile thanks to its subtle flavour and is also easy to prepare, making it a favourite with chefs. So let’s find out everything you need to know about this non-aged cheese.
What Exactly is Paneer?
When it comes to popular Indian food, paneer is most certainly on the list. It’s made from curdled milk and doesn’t melt when cooking, meaning it holds its form when grilled, fried or added to warm sauces. This is why it’s so easy to use in vegetarian dishes such as Paneer Butter Masala, Paneer Tikka Masala, Paneer Paratha and others.
Texture-wise, paneer is soft yet firm making it enjoyable to eat and somewhat filling. As mentioned, it is also mild and milky in flavour, which means it easily takes on the flavour of herbs and spices and doesn’t distract from rich sauces. It can be added to meat dishes or served as part of a vegetarian option.
How is Paneer Made?
Paneer is made using whole milk which is usually boiled. An acid such as lemon juice or vinegar is then added to the boiling milk. This allows it to curdle and makes it easy to separate the curds (solids) and whey (liquid). As is typical with cheese making, the curds are then strained through a cheesecloth to remove excess liquid, leaving behind a thickened, denser mixture.
Once that stage has been completed, the curds are wrapped in the cheesecloth and pressed under a weight to form a block. The longer it’s pressed, the more firm the cheese will be. The paneer is then left to cool before being sliced into cubes or blocks for cooking.
Many Indian households and restaurants prefer different sorts of paneer. While some will make or purchase fresh paneer which is soft, moist and often crumbly, others will be more interested in firm paneer that can be easily grilled or fried. Paneer pressed for a long time holds its shape better and therefore chefs will make or purchase paneer according to their cooking needs.
Is Paneer Healthy?
You may be happy to know that paneer comes with many health benefits. Firstly, it’s high in protein and is therefore popular with vegetarians looking for alternative protein sources. As a dairy product, it’s also high in calcium, supporting bone health. It’s packed with good, unsaturated fats too and is low in carbohydrates, making it a good choice for those on low-carb or ketogenic diets.
Whether you eat meat but are looking for a change, or are a vegetarian in need of a more extensive ingredients list, paneer is most certainly a tasty go-to. As well as being used in curries it can also liven up salads, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
If you don’t want to cook paneer yourself, why not look for the most authentic Indian restaurant in London and enjoy some well-prepared paneer dishes? Little India in South Kensington is the perfect place to enjoy mouth-watering Indian cuisine, catering to both meat lovers and vegetarians. Located close to some of London’s famous attractions such as the Science Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum, this is the place to be if you fancy authentic Indian dishes.
