Homemade Paneer

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Homemade Paneer.

1. Step 1

   Start by gathering your ingredients: fresh milk, plain yogurt, salt, sugar, and lemon juice. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, yogurt, salt, and sugar. Stir gently with a whisk to blend everything together. Place the saucepan over medium heat and keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally. As the milk heats up, you'll notice it starting to bubble at the edges—this is your cue! Just before it reaches a full boil, add the fresh lemon juice and give it a gentle stir. You'll see the milk curdle almost immediately, separating into curds and whey. Once this happens, remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, grab a sieve and line it with cheesecloth. Carefully pour the curdled mixture into the sieve, allowing the whey to drain away. Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and tie them together, creating a pouch for the curds. Hang this pouch over your sink to let it drain for about 30 minutes to an hour. The longer you let it drain, the firmer your paneer will be. After draining, place the cheese, still wrapped in the cloth, into a bowl and pop it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. If you prefer your paneer in neat, firm pieces, simply press it into the shape of the bowl with a spoon before refrigerating. This homemade paneer is not only delicious but also a great way to add a personal touch to your meals.