DIY Dairy

Make Your Own Paneer

This firm, non-melting cheese is mild and slightly sweet. When cooked, paneer takes on the flavours of surrounding ingredients, making it a great addition to curries, stir-fries, and desserts.

Equipment

  • heavy saucepan
  • measuring cup and spoon
  • mixing spoon
  • thermometer
  • cheesecloth
  • sieve

Ingredients

  • 25 cups (6L) milk
  • 1 1/4 cup (300 mL) lemon juice

Directions

  1. Bring milk to just below boiling (195°–200° F) in a heavy saucepan, stirring from time to time.
  2. As milk starts to rise in the pot, reduce heat and add lemon juice. Stir as if stroking gently. Curd should start to form within 10 seconds of adding the lemon juice.
  3. Remove from heat and hold for about 5 minutes.
  4. Line a sieve with muslin or several layers of cheesecloth. Strain through the cheesecloth and rinse with cold water. Hang for ½ hour to 1½ hours to drain some more. Cheese will be crumbly at this stage.
  5. For firmer cheese that can be sliced, wrap the cheese in muslin and press it for several hours with a heavy weight such as a large pot filled with water.

Ready to use paneer in your cooking? Get started with these great recipes.

hands holding ball of paneer
paneer curds in cheesecloth
paneer curds in glass bowl
paneeer cubed in cheesecloth on a woodboard with lemon

Still hungry?

Explore more recipes.

View all
strawberry shortcake dessert cups in glass jars
Entertaining

Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups

Create a fancy dessert in minutes. Made with local yogurt, whipped cream, and strawberries, these dessert cups will definitely be a crowdpleaser. Recipe created by Lindsay Pleskot, @LindsayPleskot.RD.

Read more
Citrus Shortbread Bars with Honey Whipped Cream on a plate on a counter
Desserts

Citrus Shortbread Bars with Honey Whipped Cream

These buttery, soft shortbread bars are infused with lemon and lime for a perfect treat. Local butter is the star of the shortbread base and is topped with a light, honey whipped cream. Recipe created by Jessika, @Wholesome_Hearty_Eats.

Read more
Bowl of Tiramisu overnight oats with a spoon digging in
Cheap and Easy

Tiramisu Protein Overnight Oats

Creamy espresso oats made with milk, layered with a white chocolate Greek yogurt topping for that classic tiramisu vibe. Rich, smooth, and perfect for busy mornings when you still want something that feels like a treat. Recipe created by Bailey Campbell, @BasicWithBails.

Read more