Homemade Paneer / Panir (Indian Curd Cheese)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 quarts whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups cultured buttermilk

Directions

1. 1

   For channa:

2. 2

   Pour milk into a heavy 4-quart saucepan, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

3. 3

   Reduce heat to medium and stir in buttermilk.

4. 4

   When the curds form a mass (you'll see a clear, pale-yellow whey surrounding the curds), remove pan from heat, let stand, partially covered, for 10 minutes.

5. 5

   Line a colander with a double layer of dampened cheesecloth.

6. 6

   Set the colander in the sink or in a bowl if you wish to save the whey (see note).

7. 7

   Gather together the corners of the cloth, give one or two twists, and tie with a kitchen twine.

8. 8

   Gently pour the curds and whey into the cheesecloth.

9. 9

   Hang the cheesecloth bag over the faucet and let the cheese drain for 1 hour, or until it is as thick as yogurt (this is channa).

10. 10

    If the weather is warm, leave the cheesecloth bag in the colander, set the colander on a plate to catch the drippings, and refrigerate until the cheese has thickened.

11. 11

    Unwrap the channa and use immediately, or cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. (Note: Save the whey for making your next batch of paneer, use it for cooking lentils or pilafs, or add it to soups.)

12. 12

    Yields approximately 10 ounces. Nutrition Infomation: PER OUNCE (channa): 75 calories, 5 g protein, 0 g carbohydrate, 6 g fat (4 g saturated), cholesterol and sodium content is not available, 0 g fiber.

13. 13

    For Paneer cheese:

14. 14

    Snugly wrap cheesecloth around the channa to form a"cake."

15. 15

    Place on a cookie sheet, place another cookie sheet on top and add weights (for example, 2 or 3 large cans of tomatoes, 2 or 3 bricks, a large pitcher of water).

16. 16

    Let the cheese sit for 2 to 4 hours.Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

17. 17

    Yields 8 ounces (1 cup). Nutrition Infomation: PER OUNCE (paneer): 100 calories, 7 g protein, 2 g carbohydrate, 7 g fat (5 g saturated), cholesterol and sodium content is not available, 0 g fiber.