how to make paneer

How to make paneer at home | Homemade paneer recipe

By Swasthi on August 27, 2022, Comments, Jump to Recipe

How to make paneer at home – an easy step by step recipe to make paneer at home. Making paneer at home is very easy and there is no rocket science involved to get perfect soft paneer each time you make. Most store bought Indian cottage cheese or paneer contains additives so I make my own paneer at home.

paneer

Homemade paneer is much superior in taste, freshness and flavor than the store bought ones. You also have the chance to choose the milk you desire. If you are new to Indian Cuisine, then these FAQ may help you.

What is paneer?

Paneer is a kind of fresh cheese made by curdling milk using an acidic food ingredient like lemon juice, vinegar, buttermilk, yogurt (curd) or citric acid.

Paneer is a soft yet firm, non melting cheese that is made without using any kind of rennet. It is also not fermented or aged like other kinds of cheese.

To make paneer or chenna, milk is boiled and then curdled with a acidic ingredient. The curdled milk solids are then drained to a muslin or cheese cloth. Later it is pressed with a heavy object to set and then it is cubed to pieces.

These cubes are used to make various Paneer recipes like
Paneer butter masala
Matar paneer
Paneer tikka masala

You can also use paneer without setting in recipes like
Malai kofta
Paneer bhurji
Paneer sandwich

Acids used to make paneer

Commercially sold paneer is made using citric acid. For homemade paneer – yogurt, lemon juice, or vinegar are the choices to curdle the milk. The taste, flavor & texture of the Indian cottage cheese depends on the kind of acidic ingredient used.

1. Yogurt yields very soft yet firm paneer. You can skip rinsing the chenna but it has to be very well drained by squeezing the excess whey. Then it has to set. Using too much curd to curdle will impart a mild yogurt flavor to the cheese.

2. Lemon juice imparts a lemony flavor to the curdled solids (chenna) so it has to rinsed well. Too much lemon juice will make the cheese grainy.

3. Vinegar is the most preferred acid by home cooks as it curdles the milk faster then yogurt or lemon juice. Too much vinegar alters the flavor of paneer.

Using yogurt for curdling milk yields the best soft paneer. But lemon juice or vinegar can also be used.

How much lemon juice to use?

Many readers write to me asking if there is any standard amount of lemon juice or vinegar to use per liter of milk to make paneer.

No! there is no standard amount of acidic ingredient to add per liter of milk as it entirely depends on the kind of milk. Commercial milks are much processed to increase the shelf life. So no 2 packs of milk may be the same even if they are from the same brand.

In my many years of experience I have seen farm fresh raw unpasteurized milk curdles just with few drops of lemon juice. While the commercial milk needs different amounts of vinegar or lemon juice each time.

So how much acidic ingredient to use is purely judgmental and just go ahead adding the minimum. The measures given below in the recipe card are approximations of what works well for me.

how to make paneer

How to make paneer at home

1. Pour 6 cups milk to a heavy bottom pot and bring it to a gentle boil on a medium flame.

boiling full fat milk for how to make paneer recipe

2. Keep your acidic ingredient ready such as – yogurt, lemon juice or vinegar. Please use only one. When the milk comes to a boil, turn off the stove. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar or ¼ cup of yogurt. Give a good stir for 1 minute.

addition of vinegar or lemon juice for how to make paneer recipe

3. Milk begins to curdle immediately and solids separate from the whey. If it doesn’t, then turn ON the stove and continue to boil till you see the solids separate completely. If needed you may add another teaspoon of vinegar.

Note that non-homogenized milk curdles faster. Homogenized milk takes longer to curdle as it is processed for a good shelf life.

4. Turn off the stove as soon as you see the milk has curdled completely. When the paneer is done correctly you will see the whey being clear and not milky. The color of the whey will be yellowish or green but not milky white.(check video). It is important you turn off when it is done. If you continue to cook longer, it becomes hard and grainy.

curdling milk to make homemade paneer recipe

Draining

5. Place a colander over a large bowl (to collect the strained whey). Layer it with a clean cheese cloth (or muslin cloth). A thin new handkerchief works well too. Transfer all of the curdled milk to the colander.

settling curdled whey on how to make paneer recipe

6. Immediately pour cold water to get rid of the vinegar smell. Later rinse the paneer well a few times under running water until it is clear of the vinegar.

rinsing homemade paneer

7. Squeeze off the excess water. Make a knot and hang this for 30 mins. This helps to drain the excess whey. Paneer should still be moist after draining.

draining whey

8. Keep the entire pack on a flat colander or a plate or wooden board. Form a nice round shape by wringing the cloth. (check video)

place it on a plate

9. Place a heavy object weighing at least 2.5 to 3 kgs. I fill my pot with uncooked rice and place over it. Any heavy object will just work well to set paneer. Allow it to set for about 3 to 4 hours.

place a heavy object over the paneer

10. Remove the cloth and you will find a round block of paneer. You will also notice a dent on the block. It is just normal.

homemade paneer block

11. Slice the paneer. Use or Refrigerate for further use. I usually put the entire block in a steel box and refrigerate. I cut only when needed. You can also cut them and freeze.

slice the paneer to cubes

How to choose milk for paneer

  • Use full fat fresh milk. Do not use stale or milk that has gone beyond the expiry date as it is unhealthy & does not yield good results.
  • Cow’s milk, buffalo milk or goat milk can be used to make paneer. The key to make good paneer is the amount of fats. If using buffalo milk then keep stirring to prevent the milk getting scorched at the bottom. The fats in the buffalo milk get stuck to the bottom quickly.
  • Best homemade paneer can be made from non-homogenized & raw milk. However if non homogenized milk or raw milk is not available you can also make homogenized & pasteurized milk just like the way I did.
  • Avoid using skimmed milk as it yields lesser paneer. Also avoid using low fat milk to make paneer as it may not set well.

Tips to make soft paneer

The following tips will help you to make soft and well set paneer.

  • Always add the acidic ingredient like lemon juice, vinegar or curd only after the milk comes to a boil.
  • Once the acid ingredient is added to the milk, stir and check if the milk has curdled completely. If not add as much needed and turn off the stove in time.
  • Do not continue to boil after the milk has curdled completely. This makes the paneer very hard & grainy.
  • Use just the right amount of acids to curdle the milk. Using too much of acidic ingredient makes the chenna or paneer grainy and rubbery. So add the lemon juice in batches only as needed.
  • I always prefer to pour some cold water or ice cubes immediately to the pot to stop it from cooking further. You can also skip this step and transfer the paneer quickly to a colander that is lined with muslin cloth. Immediately rinse it under running water.
  • Always drain and squeeze the chenna or milk solids well.
  • Ensure there is no excess whey in the milk solids before you keep it for setting. To ensure this I always hang the paneer for 30 min to drain it completely otherwise the paneer will not set well.

Why do paneer cubes break in the gravy

Low amount of fats or excess whey in the chenna won’t set the paneer well. The cubes may break as soon as it is added to the gravy. So I always ensure to squeeze off the excess whey before keeping the chenna for setting.

Add the cubes to the gravy only after it has thickened. Cover the pan after adding the cubes. Turn off the stove. The heat in the pan is enough to cook it.

Related Recipes

how to make paneer

How to make paneer

Making this Indian cheese, paneer at home is easy following this simple recipe. Homemade paneer is softer & more superior in taste than the store bought one. Watch the video below for best results.
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For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card

Prep Time55 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Servings4 people
AuthorSwasthi

Ingredients (US cup = 240ml )

  • 1 ½ liters full fat milk (6 cups)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons vinegar (substitute with lemon juice or ¼ cup yogurt)

Equpiment needed

  • 1 colander (strainer)
  • 1 cheese cloth (muslin cloth or fresh handkerchief)
  • 1 large bowl (to collect whey)
  • 1 to 2 heavy objects


Instructions

Preparation

  • Pour milk to a heavy bottom pot & bring it to a gentle boil on a medium heat. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure the milk doesn't get scorched at the bottom. 
  • Meanwhile place a colander over a large bowl to collect the whey. Spread a cheese cloth over the colander.

How to make paneer

  • When the milk comes to a boil, turn off the stove and pour 2 tablespoons of vinegar.
  • Stir it well for 1 to 2 mins until the entire milk curdles completely. (milk solids begin to separate from the whey). When done correctly whey will be not be milky any more but will be clear.
  • Troubleshooting: If you see the milk doesn't curdle fully, then add 1 tbsp vinegar and turn ON the stove. Boil the milk on a medium heat until the whole pot of milk curdles. Turn off as soon as you see it curdles. If you continue to cook at this stage, paneer can become hard.
  • Gently pour the entire paneer along with whey to the colander. Pour some cold water to stop the paneer from cooking further.
  • Rinse it under running water to remove the smell & taste of the vinegar. 

How to set paneer

  • Wring the cheese cloth making a round shape of the paneer. Squeeze any excess whey or water. Make a knot and hang the paneer for 30 mins so the excess whey drains.
  • Remove the knot and twist the edges of the cloth. Place the cheese cloth along with the paneer on a flat colander or a wooden board. Press down the cloth & place a heavy object on it for the paneer to set. (check the video below)
  • I usually put a pot or cast iron pan over the paneer and then place a 2 to 3 kg rice pack.
  • After 3 to 4 hours, remove the cloth and cut the paneer to cubes. 
  • Refrigerate the homemade paneer and use up with 2 to 3 weeks. Or freeze up to 3 months.
  • Avoid overcooking the paneer after adding it to the curry. It does not need much cooking. I generally add it to the gravy and turn off the stove. Keep the pan covered so the paneer absorbs the flavors.


Notes

  • Please use only full fat fresh milk or whole milk as high fats in the milk will yield more paneer & will set well.
  • Non-homogenized milk curdles faster while homogenized milk takes longer to curdle. So you will need to boil a little longer until it curdles fully.
  • Do not use milk that has gone beyond the expiry date. This may affect the flavor. 
  • Adding sufficient amount of acidic ingredient like lemon juice, vinegar or curd (yogurt) is very essential otherwise the milk will not curdle. So you may need to add more than what is mentioned in the recipe card.
  • Similarly adding too much of lemon juice or vinegar will make the paneer harder & grainier. So begin by adding only a little and add more as needed until it curdles.
  • Once the milk curdles completely, turn off the stove and avoid cooking further to prevent the paneer from turning hard.
  • It is also good to pour some cold water to stop the paneer from cooking immediately especially if using unprocessed milk.
  • Ensure excess whey is drained from the paneer before you keep it for setting. Any excess whey will prevent it from setting well. Or even the paneer cubes may break in the gravy.

Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only, original recipe.

For best results follow my detailed step-by-step photo instructions and tips above the recipe card.

Video

NUTRITION INFO (estimation only)

Nutrition Facts
How to make paneer
Amount Per Serving
Calories 229 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Cholesterol 37mg12%
Sodium 161mg7%
Potassium 495mg14%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Sugar 19g21%
Protein 11g22%
Vitamin A 610IU12%
Vitamin C 2.1mg3%
Calcium 424mg42%
Iron 0.1mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @SwasthisRecipes or tag #swasthisrecipes!

© Swasthi’s Recipes

How to prevent paneer cubes from breaking in gravy?
I suggest using cornflour only if your homemade paneer cubes ever broke in the gravy. Do not use more than suggested as it may turn the cubes hard after cooking.
Knead the chenna well. There should be no water left it must be only moist. Add 1.5 tsps corn flour, knead it again thoroughly. Make a nice moist rectangle in a plate. If needed can wet your palm to make a moist rectangle. (Not soggy)
Cover the plate with a moist cloth. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Cut to cubes after it is set.

how to make paneer at home
How to make paneer at home | Homemade paneer recipe
How to make paneer at home | Homemade paneer recipe

About Swasthi

I’m Swasthi Shreekanth, the recipe developer, food photographer & food writer behind Swasthi’s Recipes. My aim is to help you cook great Indian food with my time-tested recipes. After 2 decades of experience in practical Indian cooking I started this blog to help people cook better & more often at home. Whether you are a novice or an experienced cook I am sure Swasthi’s Recipes will assist you to enhance your cooking skills. More about me

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5 stars
Hello! First of all thank you so much for your website… I’ve been making a recipe once a week and we just love our ‘India’ day!

I’ve made the paneer exactly as per the instructions, and I used yogurt – I’m a big yogurt fan – but it didn’t curdle at all. I tried adding a bit more, turning on the heat again… all the tips you gave but nothing, it didn’t even curdle a little bit… So what did I do wrong or is it maybe the kind of yogurt?

I ended up adding vinegar, and then it did curdle very fast and we ate a great Butter Paneer yesterday 🙂

5 stars
Simple and easy to follow instructions.

5 stars
Thank you for the recipe! I will try it! What can we do with the whey?
Thanks!

You can also make whey fermented beverages. yum!!

5 stars
Turned out beautifully, thank you.

5 stars
I am so excited my first trial to make paneer at home succeeded. Thank you Swasthi. I look forward to make your dhaba paneer curry but should I soak it in hot water first?

5 stars
Hi Swasthi
Thank you for this recipe. Is the 1 1/2 tsp cornflour appropriate to 1 1/2 litres milk?

5 stars
This is an amazing and easy to use recipe. I’ve had this recipe open for about three weeks on my laptop, dreading to try and fail, I finally attempted for the first time and I’m shocked at how easy this is. Thank you for making this so simple.
I used Nestle full cream milk 1litre (the green and white pack) and 20ml of 5% acidity vinegar (it curdled in less than 30 seconds) and yielded a little over 200 grams. The milk was at a rolling boil (I did scorch it a bit), after curdling I used a stocking as my cloth to collect the Chenna and put it in between two plates after rinsing it and stacked a bunch of canned beans . All in all it turned out great and cost me less than a fourth of the price I’d pay for it frozen (Frozen TTD$85, Fresh TTD$16).

5 stars
How many grams paneer it yields with 6cups milk that is mentioned in the receipe?.. I have been following your receipes from last 7 years… right from the time my son was born… I have fed him healthy food following your receipes… Your instructions are crisp and easy to follow…

5 stars
why are we collecting the whey?

Would this recipe work if l added jerk sauce once cooked then air fried? I bought store paneer in the past and did this and it was delicious. It’s quite expensive to buy in the uk?

5 stars
I love getting the spinach paneer dish at the local Indian cuisine. Now I can make some for all occasions. Thank you

“Do not use milk that has NOT gone beyond the expiration date.”

This double-negative means we must indeed use expired milk. I didn’t see that stipulation in the ingredients (lol, I’ve never made paneer – don’t laugh!), so wanted to ensure newbies are clear on what to do. Seems like a typo?

Thank you for the easy recipe.

5 stars
Thank you so much for this very informative and detailed recipe. I have followed this recipe 4 times now and have had excellent paneer each time. The troubleshooting was especially useful, as sometimes I did have to boil the milk a little bit longer (30 seconds or less) and add a little more vinegar so it would curdle all the way. I have used lemon juice and vinegar and I have also found that with white vinegar I have to use less and there is no taste as long as you rinse it well. Thank you so much! Looking forward to delicious palak paneer tomorrow night!

Hi Swasthi!
Thank you for this fool proof method of making paneer! Success every time.
Just a note: I use curd straight from the fridge as the curdling agent…and the paneer yield almost doubles when the curd is brought to lukewarm-warm temeprature (by adding spoon full of the heating up milk) before adding for curdling. And the curdled mass has bigger chunks too. Thawing the curd to room temperature didnt have this impact. Just sharing, with much thanks…

5 stars
I made paneer with this recipe and it came out perfectly soft and good. I used white vinegar but would it work with apple cider vinegar? Just wondering if that affects the flavor. I have a large jar of apple vinegar to finish. Would like to use that next time.

Just wondering — is your nutrition info facts estimate for the entire batch? Thanks so much.

5 stars
Step by step instructions, made it so easy, thanks

Is this recipe easy to double without affecting the texture & integrity of final product?

5 stars
This was perfect! I used cheesecloth and then, once it was squeezed out well, I removed the cheesecloth and used a tofu press (mine happens to be a TofuXpress) which made it easier to fit it in the fridge while it got pressed. For me, the two tablespoons of white vinegar worked perfectly. Thank you!

5 stars
In Australia the Standards people changed the measurement for a tablespoon to 10ml as no one knew the difference between tablespoons and dessert spoon.
I started with two dessert spoons 20ml, and it didn’t curdle so another dessert spoon and curdling. I wasn’t 100% sure which Table spoon measurement to use, but 30ml did the trick.
Great guide, successful paneer

5 stars
Hi Swasthi

I’m just curious to know are they any brands in the market which is close to home made paneer sold in Mustafa. Do they contain salt? My mum is on a low sodium diet. In case I don’t have the time to make my own as work most of the time. Thanks.