Servings: 4 people
Portion size: ~175–200 g per person
Preparation time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• 1 gallon (approx. 3.8 liters) full-fat milk

• 5–6 tbsp white vinegar (or lemon juice)

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp red chili flakes

• 1 tbsp kasoori methi (crushed between palms)

Equipment Needed

• Large heavy-bottomed pan

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Strainer or colander

• Muslin cloth or cheesecloth

• Heavy weight (like a pot filled with water)

• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Milk

• Pour milk into a large pan and heat on medium flame, stirring occasionally.

• Reduce heat once it starts boiling.

Step 2: Add Flavor

• Add salt, red chili flakes, and kasoori methi. Stir for a minute to blend.

Step 3: Curdle the Milk

• Mix vinegar diluted with ¼ cup water and add gradually while stirring gently.

• Once curds separate from whey (light green liquid), turn off the flame.

•  Tip: Add more vinegar or lemon juice if the milk doesn’t curdle fully.

Step 4: Strain and Rinse

• Line a strainer with muslin cloth and pour the curdled milk.

• Remove the paneer from the top with a ladle to avoid chilli seeds mixing up with paneer as chilli seeds gets settled at the bottom as it curdles. This is completely optional.

• Rinse under cold water to remove vinegar taste and stop further cooking (this is completely optional if you dont like a little sour paneer)

Step 5: Shape and Set

• Gather cloth edges, twist gently to remove excess water.

• Flatten into a square or round shape and press with a heavy weight for 30–45 minutes.

•  Longer pressing = firmer paneer.

Step 6: Cut and Store

• Unwrap and cut into cubes or slices.

• Store in the refrigerator or submerged in clean water for 3–4 days.

Tips

• Use lemon juice for a milder flavor.

• Press paneer for a firmer, cheese-like texture.

• Crush kasoori methi before adding to release aroma.

• Save the whey for dough, soups, or gravies. I usually use it to make rice, or to make roti dough.

• Slice it thin and grill it to make cheese sandwiches.