Paneer/ cottage cheese is one of the most popular foods especially in North India. It is used both in snacks and main dishes. The best paneer is soft and freshly made at home and it is quite simple to make.
Without cottage cheese no meal is complete, and anyone who loves to eat cottage cheese would agree to it. After reading this article, you may either order the paneer from restaurants or prepare some recipe at home but your yearning for cottage cheese will only be satisfied after you have had it at the end of the day.
I am also quite fond of it and there is some recipe being prepared every day at our home. Whenever fresh cottage cheese is prepared at home, I keep munching on it whenever I open the refrigerator and eat it raw as I like its milky taste, softness and the freshness that can’t be found in the packets which are available in the market.
Some of my paneer recipes, do try them out, I am sure you’ll love them.
While most people would recommend cottage cheese to be made of whole fat milk, it increases the fat content in the paneer. So, keeping up with our healthy motto we will first skim and remove the cream from the boiled and cooled cow's milk. Boiled milk should be kept in the refrigerator for at least 6-8 hours for the cream to settle on top and be skimmed. Alternately, toned pasteurized milk may be used to get fat-free paneer. It has many benefits along with the residual water that is left in the end. Let’s first know the hidden benefits of cottage cheese followed by whey water.
Paneer Benefits
Also known as cottage cheese, it is soft and chewy. Its craze can be found all over the world some add it in salad, while some prepare a dish from it and some make sandwiches from it. Whichever form it is consumed, it provides us with the benefits in the form of protein, vitamins and minerals that it hides within. Here are some of the major benefits that I am sharing in succeeding para: -
Excellent source of protein
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein for vegetarians. It can be eaten raw or cooked because of its milky and chewy texture.
Helps to prevent cancer
It is a rich source of vitamin D and calcium which plays an important role in prevention of breast cancer. It contains fat soluble content and high protein which aids in the prevention of breast cancer at the initial stage.
Development of strong bones and oral health
Rich in protein and calcium, it aids in the development of strong bones both in kids as well as in adults. Calcium makes our oral health healthy.
Aids weight loss
Paneer is rich in fatty acids and low on carbs. It is rich in protein and is taken as a post workout snack.
Aids in boosting our digestive system
Everyone wants their digestive system to function smoothly as the slight hindrance in it may cause problems. Minerals like magnesium and phosphorus play a crucial role in smooth functioning of digestive system. Magnesium acts as an aperient, while phosphorus makes the digestion process smooth.
Good for diabetic patients
Many people across the world suffer from diabetes and thus refrain themselves from taking dairy products as they may contain high level of Trans fat and the carbs in the milk break down to release sugar which may affect blood sugar levels. Cottage cheese is a unique milk product which contains fewer carbs and can be enjoyed by diabetic patients as well. Magnesium in cottage helps to control sudden fluctuation in blood sugar levels.
Strong immune system
Strong immunity helps to fight diseases. As young kids are still developing strong immunity it is important to add it to their diet. Vitamin B aids boost the level concentration and memory among growing kids.
Whey Benefits
Whey, a residual released in the process of making cottage cheese, is a natural source of protein which can be prepared anytime at home. It can be stored in bottles refrigerated and can be consumed like a post energy drink after workout. Some major benefits I am sharing with you below:
Whey an excellent protein source for weight watchers
Are you a gym enthusiast and looking for a natural source of protein? Whey is excellent in protein and drinking it directly is the best way.
Knead flour
Whey water can be used to knead flour adding additional benefits to your bread (pulka/chapatti).
Prepare boiled vegetables
You can use whey instead of water to prepare boiled veggies.
Strong hair
Whey water also gives one healthy and strong hair when rinsed with it.
Improves immunity
This water boosts one’s immunity when consumed directly thereby keeping the infections at bay.
Strengthen the bones
Whey helps in the development of strong bones as it is loaded with protein.
Ingredients
2 liters skimmed milk
4-5 tbsp white vinegar
Photo and video steps
Boiled milk should be kept in the refrigerator for at least 6-8 hours for the cream to settle on top and be skimmed. Alternately, toned pasteurized milk may be used to get fat-free paneer.
Heat the skimmed milk to a boiling point after removing the cream. We can also use lemon juice, curd or citric acid to curdle the milk.
When the milk reaches boiling point add the vinegar.
Stir gently and leave it to curdle on low flame
After 3-5 mins the milk should have completely curdled and the whey should be transparent and not milky otherwise you can add 1 tbsp of vinegar and wait for it to completely curdle. Put off the gas.
Keep a soup strainer on a deep pan and pour the curdled milk. The strainer should not touch the whey below otherwise the paneer will not set.
Pour a little cold water to remove the sour traces of vinegar.
Keep a flat plate on the paneer and any object weighing around 500gms on it.
After 30 mins remove the weight.
Keep the paneer on a chopping board.
Cut it as you like it.
Video
Method
After removing the cream, the skimmed milk is heated to boiling point. We can use lemon juice, white vinegar, curd or citric acid to curdle the milk. Today we will use white vinegar
Put the milk to boil. When the milk reaches boiling point add the vinegar. Stir gently and leave it to curdle on low flame.
After 3-5 minutes the milk should have completely curdled and the whey should be transparent and not milky otherwise you can add 1tbsp of vinegar and wait for it to completely curdle. Put off the gas.
Take a soup strainer on a deep pan and pour the curdled milk. The strainer should not touch the whey below otherwise it will not set.
Pour a little cold water to remove the sour traces of vinegar.
Keep a flat plate on the cottage cheese and any object weighing around 500gms on it.
After 30 minutes remove the weight. Keep it on a chopping board and cut it as you like it.
Conclusion
Cottage cheese can be prepared quite easily at home. One needs milk and vinegar. One can also use lemon juice, white vinegar, curd or citric acid to curdle the milk.
Cottage cheese is one of the most popular foods. It is used both in snacks and main dishes.
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein for vegetarians. It is good for digestion as it contains magnesium and phosphorus
Cottage cheese has fewer carbs and can be enjoyed by diabetic patients.
Whey, a residual released in the process of making cottage cheese, is a natural source of protein
Whey water can be used to knead flour, prepare boiled vegetables etc.
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