A few months ago when Richa blogged about another of her favourite paneer recipes, my comment included the fact that I had never had paneer. That same day, I received an email with a how-to-make paneer guide. Richa, said, “I cannot let you go on and not try paneer.” She even sent me a link which I filed away. As I continued to visit many other blogs including non-Indian bloggers, I heard them raving about paneer. And then more recently, Jugalbandi and Soul Food gave demos and instructions on how to make this Indian cheese, Paneer. So, I thought that it was time to make paneer and this week’s column is about my findings as it relates to paneer making. You can read all about it here.
Among the things I found interesting is how different milks offer varying degrees of whiteness and the difference in taste when salt is added to the milk when making it and not. I followed the recipe from here for 1 litre of whole milk.
Another thing discussed in the column is how I preferred to use the paneer in a manner that was familiar to me before venturing out. Will I venture out and make paneer again and try the more popular dishes such as mattar paneer (paneer & green peas) and palak paneer (paneer & spinach)? Find out.
Here are the ways I had the paneer I made.
Cubed & Fried
Drizzled with honey
Dressed with cilantro-lime dressing
Dry-curried eggplant & paneer
I also cooked it sauteed with okras, tomatoes, onions and fresh herbs and if you want to know what I thought of these dishes, I discuss it in the column.
As I was making the paneer and watching the milk curdle, it remined me of a sweet my Aunt Betty would make whenever she had curdled milk. She'd add cinnamon, cloves and sugar to the curdled milk and let it boil until reduced. This was such a treat. She called it "paynuse" I am not sure of the spelling this is how the word sounded :)
By the way, have you noticed the spoons in the pics? Guess what? They are gift from a friend down under, Kiriel of Papillon Pantry. I first saw her post of tea noodles and the spoons in which she served them. I merely complimented her on the good tableware find and yes, the same day (see, there’s a theme here today) I received an email from her requesting my address so that she can send me some spoons and so I have spoons! I love them very much. Thanks again, Kiriel!
Speaking of noodles, please don’t forget to CLICK and send in your entries for this month’s theme. You still have time to CLICK and submit here.
Have a good week, everyone!
101 comments:
Yaay.. And it looks so fabulous too. I remember the very first time I made it, was just crumbles not beautiful cubes like you. I agree with you on adding salt to it is more flavorful. I usually spray the pan in which i am going to roast it and sprinkle some salt on it before laying the paneer. I find that helps getting some flavor in store bought paneer when it doesn't have salt. All the dishes look lovely. And the 'Paynuse' looks a bit like what my mom used to make too except she only added sugar and I usedto love it. Lovely post Cynthia.
Hello Cynthia, its the first time ive heard about this type of cheese thanks for sharing..looks like its an indispensable ingredient in the kitchen seeing how versatile it could...i was wondring though they look like a bit tofu?? have a nice weekend
I am impressed. Great job!
Well done. I love paneer too and as we do not get it in stores make it in huge batches so I can enjoy it whenever I fancy. I am intrigued by your honey paneer.
Glad you made the Paneer, it's that hard at all if you try once at home. Tastes lot better than store bought ones.
I love those white spoons, BEAUTIFUL!!:))
Congrats..that's what I call 'makinmg your own paneer and having it too' :-)...btw, do you need my address for anything ;-)
Congrats Cynthia! The paneer looks excellent, good texture (which I only know from eating, since I haven't tried making it yet!). As for the paynoose, I know this from growing up in Trinidad too. It was always a special treat, because people made it from the milking of a cow after she gave birth. I am sure it's possible other times, but that seemed to be the best (richer milk?). Because it was always from fresh milk, and after a birth, I am not sure how much it was known outside rural, semi-rural areas. I certainly only ever encountered it when the neighbours brought it over, which was nice, since it would follow a night being kept up by a cow in labour (if you haven't heard this...).
Wow I am so impressed Cynthia! This is certainly something I plan to tackle someday! Your looks so yummy!
My goodness - that looks terrific! And incredibly impressive :)
OMG! That looks absolutely PERFECT. Until date, I've not developed the courage to try it. My hubby was by my side when I was looking at your post. He absolutely loved your presentations and has asked me to try your curried eggplant-paneer recipe. It's really really soooooo good. Nice work Cynthia.
Cynthia, so perfectly cubed paneer.Looks so good.I loved yor paneer drizzled with lemon and cilantro. Hey I said I loved in my comments does this mean I am going to be served paneer cilantro at my door step :).Pics as usual always look great
Cynthia, that looks gorgeous! The presentation is fab too.The little spoons look so cute. So you're saying that if I need something from you, I only need to compliment u? ;-)
Cynthia dear oh... it's such a pleasure to read your posts.
you write so well, I have told you that before too and will continue doing so....lol!
In between, lovely paneer, I have grown up eating it and it is very difficult for me to imagine that you made it for the first time, sure turned out beautifully!
hello cynthia. i've never heard of paneer before, but it looks absolutely wonderful! All it takes is lime and vinegar? That's easy enough for me to give a try.
PERFECT!!!!
As a child I used to dislike paneer (thought it was rubber!) but now I do lke it!!
I have to try and make some soon!
BTW, love , love those li'll spoons!!
Cynthia!! Is it really your first time??? can't believe it, that paneer looks like it had come from hands of a Pro!!!! Love your presentation!!!
Congrats, Cynthia! I'm curious about the eggplant-paneer and okra paneer combinations but not sure I would try the honey-drizzled one. In India, it's also barbecued - called paneer tikka.
your aunt's sweet creation is akin to mawa burfi. i'm not a paneer fan because i've eaten so much rubbery crap store bought and restaurant paneer. homemade is another animal. if you like paneer, do try matar paneer. you will love it. it's on our blog.
PERFECTION is the word for ur paneer cubes, Cynthia!!
what a lovely array of panner dishes! There are soooo many things u can do w/ paneer, savory & sweet, love it :)
u know what, ur paneer w/ honey reminded me of the paneer delicacy called chenna murk, it uses sugar though!
those spoons are so cute :)
paneer dishes always make me extra chirpy....LOL
and now onto ur column.
It looks wonderful! I have never made paneer before either, but it sure does sound delicious!
I have been meaning to try making paneer for a while now. The Fried paneer looks really good. Drizzling paneer with honey sounds amazing. The curry also look so good. I am really going to have to try making my own paneer soon!
good looking paneer! Great spread you've got there, Ilove them all. Superb photos
Congratulations! It looks so fabulous. And you have definitely given me confidence to try making it.
I think, my dear friend, that we have a lot in comon. You make paneer for the first time and I made "chorizos" and Bread, also for the first time.
Kisses from Spain
Congratulations! You are now an official cheesemaker :) All your different ways of eating it look delicious, and the honey-drenched version is very unusual to me.
What a education I just had! I've never heard of Paneer, and now I must try it( if not make it ). I love all your adaptations.
Wow!!! lady ....this is so nice ...i also make paneer at home ..but you are able to cut it ..awesome ....i could never do that ...will try it again ....
I'm so glad your blog exists to open up my cooking world, Thank you Cynthia...the paneer is wonderful and something very new to me.
"paynuse" wow... I LOVE that stuff, it's been so long since I've had it tho. love your blog! if you're ever interested in a blog redesign, please let me know, you have it for free just because i enjoy this blog that much. :)
shaz (shaziamistry.com)
Great cynthia..that you have atlast tried this out. All of us love this and esp my duaghter just loves..its 8 am now and I am drolling all over you pictures..my duaghter just came in and wanted to see all the pictures all over again!...she says they looks so tempting and fabulous. Try out all the recipes, I have blogged on paneer parathas and my Mom's palak paneer is mouth watering...
I've never had paneer before. Actually, I had never heard of it before. But it looks really good, so now I will have to try it.
I love the excitement of trying new foods.
Cheers!
Great blog, btw.
The paneer and honey looks delicious! Even though it is used extensively in Indian sweets, I never thought to pair it with honey. I will have to try this! By the way, thanks for visiting!
Wow..it looks so delicious. I am just loving paneer all over again after looking at your pictures.
wow!!! cynthia well done...perfect panner cubes....lovely array of paneer dishes...by the way..i like those spoons..really cute...i also have tried making paneer at home...but didt get cube shaped ones...u can make tasty dishes with paneer....enjy!!!
your paneer looks so very good!!!! looks just perfect...
Hey Cyn,
great job. Looks like my home-made Tofu. My favorite is the brinjal paneer curry pic, looks just fantastic. I am already imagining its taste.
You are amazing! I love paneer (especially palak paneer), but have never tackled it. You give me courage!
Excellent Cynthia.....Lovely post n snaps as usual.
Cynthia, wow! I don't think I am brave enough to try this! But you tempt me lady!
Your food looks yummy Cynthia, great pictures, and I bet the food tastes even better than it looks.
Wow you made home made paneer, i've been wanting to make paneer dish,but is lazy to make them, ithink i should follow your footstep.
Love the brinjal paneer dish. Hey Brijal isn't it the veggie you have a Love hate releation :-)))).
Love the paneer drizzeled with honey too.
Finally ! You too have fallen for it!:) Your paneer looks yummy! It is so versatile and can be used like any vegetable!:)Nice post!:)
Perfect Paneer in the first attempt
Well done Cynthia!!! I just love Paneer!!
give me Cynthia for putting this here, but my email is not sending the message back to you, it says the server is busy. So this is my attempt to get you your amswers faster!
__________________________________
Now you said when the dough it cut, they are twisted into spirals - do I do this by rolling out the small piece of cut dough and then rolling it length-ways and twist into a circle?
1)When the dough is rolled into one Big long piece, you will then cut it into small pieces. Each small piece is one samboosa roll. The small pieces are twisted immedialty after cutting them, no rolling at that point. They are twisted and THEN they are rolled into small flat circles.
Clarify - the first big round circle - I brush with melted butter or ghee, yes?
2)yes :)
And the little rounds when they are rolled before being twisted... they are rubbed with butter/ghee also?
3)no, it is only rubbed in once in the beginning as above. you will only brush egg yellow over the smaboosas once you fold the filling in and before you put it into the oven.
its meant to say "Forgive me!"
Thanks Sultana! Will make it, take some pics and send to you :)
Cynthia, those paneer cubes look perfect, you guessed it my favorite is the Eggplant,paneer dish, looks delicious and ofcourse Aunt Betty's sweet dish. I am a chicken and have not tried making paneer at home.
Fresh and soft...My mom makes Rasgulla with home made panner. Everything looks beautiful.
Great job with the paneer! It looks great.I made some a couple months ago and it wasn't as hard as I had previously imagined.
And I LOVE those spoons! DO you know where I can buy some by any chance?
www.chocolateshavings.ca
Hey Cynthia,
loved the post, i've tried Paneer many times and loved the variety of dishes, i think you did well making your own,
I'm glad you mentioned "pain-ooze" (it sounds awful but i think thats where the word comes from) they use the first milk from the cow after she births. I love it, you're right it is a very nice and distinctive taste, it brings back many childhood memories of growing up in the country in Guyana, whenever someone's cow had a calf we would ask for "painouce" to make that dish.
wowwww cynthia paneer loos beautifullllll
Wow! This looks delicious! I has never heard of this cheese before and to think you made it...You're incredible.
Those ARE wonderful spoons Cynthia. What a nice person to gift them to you :)
wooooow a big hub to you Cynthia waht a lovely post :)
Cynthia, so what can I expect in my mail box when I say to you, Hey dear, those spoons are just adorable, and the paneers too, and the ones in the previous post, and the next, and the next.....hee heee
Wow, I didn't even know what Paneer was. Thanks for the information.
That dish with the okra look fabulous! I love okra.
The spoons are cool, too.
O my godnass!!!!
Ive been wanting to try to make paneer since I saw an article on how to do it. I couldnt believe how simple it was.
Then I saw vahchef on youtube make it, so that was a good demo (you can find anything on youtube!)
I think I would still like to try it, but an afriad of ending up with tons of paneer, and no mouths to eat it!
I think I will try it though. Yours came out quite beautifully. I could only hope for such a result.
The reason you can't subscribe to a feed for my blog is because I dont have feeds turned on I dont think. I had a little stalking incident a while back, and so my blog, although public, is very private hehe does that make sense? I have meta tags deterring robots embedded in my template, no feeds on and no advertisements. It's new, but neccessary for me :(. Is there is a way I can turn on the feed just for you? I would be happy to. Im not too familiar with feeds.
Please let me know!
Wow, how great! Well done! I love the way that fried paneers look! Scrumptious!
Cheers,
Rosa
Ohh wow..you made Paneer??? and those all dishes look so devine. I was thinking of posting about Paneer from a long time now. Good going Cynthia...
Wow!!! Cynthia, Congrats. Paneer look gr8 and tempting. Love all the pics.
Saw this post on saturday but was busy entertaining , so couldnt drop a word here ....congrats :) though it sounds easy to make , with so much of details, i am still hesitant to do it...btw, spoons are "really" beautiful....:)
Shn
Cynthia u have no idea what an inspiration this is .....i have always thought of making paneer, but never did, thinking i will not be successful and end up buying some, ur post is such an inspiration, i m definitely gonna tyr my hand at making paneer now :) looks very gud n the white spoons are the cutest
Your cubed and fried paneer looks so much like the cubed and pan-fried turnip cake commonly found in the Cantonese dim sum!
Oooh, nice picture, especially the last one...
Wonderful!! Home made paneer is so much better than store bought - you know what milk you are using, and how fresh it is! Your paneer dishes and variations look great.
I don't fry the paneer anymore since I like it all fresh and soft and white.....and I love paneer bhurji - sort of like scrambled eggs? paneer grated and cooked with onions, tomatoes and spices.
The dish your Aunt used to make was one of my favourites too while growing up, we used to call it "therattu pal" in Tamil, - means curdled milk. And Mom used to remark when the milk curdled"hmm so have you been wishing a lot for therattu pal?!
Miri
hey, you made paneer at home and made all the dishes! thats fantastic!!!
beautiful spoons! you are one lucky girl :))
Paneer is another of my favourite foods. We make so many recipes out of it & all tastes incredible. We have it almost once a week
Excellent Cynthia. I've made paneer (got the method from my sister in law's mum). It was far superior to the stuff you can buy. Your presentation as ever is beautiful!
Being vegan, I make "paneer" from pressed extra firm tofu, which I then fry.
BTW that desert reminds me of Kalakand:), though i;m not a big fan of it but dad's fav.
Hey Cynthia! OMG that looks good! It's late and I'm getting ready to go to sleep, but I'm trying to catch up with my blog buddies! : ) I had forgotten that I was kind of hungry, now my stomach is growling!!!
hello cynthia, just dropping by coz im hungry for your post..wondrin when it will be :-) have a nice day
well done! it certainly looks delicious! wish i could have some now. :-P
Nice post Cynthia. As usual your professional touch is there. Interesting Column. Breakfast - you should have joined me in my recent trip - to taste the varieties they kept for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Most of them Non-Veg. Take care. Viji
Congratulations!
Paneer with honey is something new and I really wonder how it tasted?
Lovely pics and lovely spread.
Adored the spoons!!!
wow Cynthia!! that paneer looks awesome!! an I bet it was a very wonderful experience for you, right? most of us Indians also shy away from making Paneer at home as it's tedious, but you did a great job there!
I loved your lemon-drizzled pneer and Paynuse is similar to an indian sweet we get back home:) beautiful!!
Cynthia you have given a new dimension to paneer by presenting in so many different and beautiful ways
I've often thought about making paneer...but just never got around to it. Bravo, Cynthia! It looks incredible!
wow....cynthia... am so proud of you...i love paneer to bits... that sweet is similar to kalakand...that we make....and i love that too....
That's fantastic that you made your own cheese. I have always had this want to make my own cheddar, a thought compounded by hearing that one of my Grandmothers made her own cheese!
Paneer is delicious when it's been fried, and your pictures do it such justice :)
You make your own cheese and you're sad when you see some food from my blog??? LOL!!! Lovely pics and cute spoons :o)
I love paneer! I have made it once but I left it in the fridge and forgot to eat it, doh!
I like it best curried with peas, but you're idea with honey is great!
WOOOW! Your paneer looks good. I take my hat off to you! I would like to try paneer (store bought, unfortunately) with honey.
Have a good weekend ahead, Cynthia.
x nora
Cynthia - It is always satisfying to finally turn your hand to a culinary endeavour that has been put off or avoided for myriad reasons. I think your paneer looks wonderful, and I love that you have been able to show us, your loyal readers, how versatile it is.
Oh, that paneer looks so delicious. I must really put this on my list of things to try making, and in fact have had vague thoughts of doing just that lately, because I've been wanting to make the Indian sort-of chili called rajma. The recipe I have for the rajma calls for a topping of fried paneer cubes. With homemade paneer, it would be out of this world.
Beautiful photos, as usual!
OMGoodness, Cynthia! Your golden-fried paneer is lovely in the gifted spoons. You do have a knack for arranging those photos. Too bad "Click" isn't for 'paneer' this month ;)
Paneer was something I experimented making long before I discovered blogging. It's so much better homemade, isn't it? Next time I shall try it with the eggplant -- what a great idea! :)
palak paneer is about my most favourite dish ever when it comes to going to an indian restaurant..but wow, i think it looks like a very addictive snack when just cubed and fried!
Oh I wanna try making my own cheese after this ;)
Laavanya, Kalyn, Asha, Jenndz, Shawnda, Kribha, Manasai, Bee, Richa, Deborah, Saju, Deepa, PoojaV, Remya, Ramya, Zuzana, Toni, Swati, Anh, Latha, Pat, Shivapriya, Jenn, Chris, Maryann, Roopa, Emiline, Pom d'api, Rosa, Shilpa, Rina, Shn, Tigerfish, RasaM, Lissie, Kalyan, Amanda, Urban Vegan, Anali, Lyrical Lemongrass, Viji, Rachel, Sandeepa, Caff. Cowgirl, NoraB, Linda & Joe - big thanks to all of your and warm hugs.
Dhanggit - it's very easy to make. You should give it a try and yes, it looks very much like tofu, it can be used the same was as tofu is used.
Meeta - thank you! I think the next time I'm not going to saute them before adding the honey.
Sunita - sure I do! :)
Chennette - no, I'd never heard of that before! Thank you for that bit of info. Totally appreciate it.
Sreelu - well first you'd have to send me your address (lol)
TBC - yeah, that's what I'm saying :D and be sure to send the address too :D
Bindiya - don't stop saying it, I don't mind at all, I love hearing it :D thank you!!!
Marvin - do try it. In your capable hands it will come out perfect.
Padmaja - you are very good for my ego! Thanks hon.
Sra - I like the idea of it barbequed.
Kevin - please do.
Pilar - we most definitely do. Hugs! I love that you made your own sausages and bread.
Nupur - yeah, starting a business (lol)
Galmah16 - thank you. You always contribute in a way that confirms I'm on the right path.
Peter - here's a warm embrace of thanks. Thank you!
Srivalli - it's people like you that make this blog a success! thank you and your daughter.
Indo - come on, please try making it; it really is simple and you can start by making just a litre of milk like I did.
Alicia - thanks for that education. Chennette was saying the same thing.
Happy Cook - indeed it is! Thank you.
Kitchen Scientist - you never know... trying saying it :)
Willowtree - just make 1 litre of milk. I'll check out those feeds.
Rahin - you should really try it.
Miri - I definitely have to try it with the scrambled eggs. I Like that idea.
Mansi - paneer making tedius? I don't agree :) I guess it depends on the quantity you are making.
Rachna - thanks for the guidance. Glad I've done you proud :)
Kelly-Jane - do let me know if you experiement with the cheddar cheese.
WMW - sad yes because I can't get it here. :)
Freya & Paul - it is so heart warming to see you back in action. Welcome again and looking forward to your posts.
Vegeyum, Shaz, Ben, Alpa, Ra, Easycrafts, Sagari & Durianberry - a very very warm welcome to all of you. I really appreciate you taking the time to visit my blog and commenting. I hope that y'all will come back and visit whenever you can and I look forward to visit all your blogs.
Shaz - I especially would like to thank you for the offer a blog re-design and I accept! :)
Cythia, your paneer looks amazing. Now I want to try it :)
I used to make something similar from my Polish recipe... but it was much softer kind of cheese.
I will bookmark this page and come back when I'm ready to make it....
Ciao, Margot
Great paneer post! Endless possibilities. Have you ever tried smoking it? Gives paneer an entirely new dimension. I've even made a cottage-cheese/paneer lemon cheesecake which came out beautifully. Love your blog Cynthia! Came off it from Bee's & Jai's. :0)
Wonderful paneer it is a great thing to be able to make. All your paneer dishes look fantastic . :)
Hi Cynthia - your photos and ideas how to serve the paneer are wonderful.
There is a certain unique satisfaction one gets from making cheese, don't you think?
Wow! Making Paneer is not easy. Well done Cynthia!!!
wow loved ur paneer..its so tempting :) and loved ur blog..wanna try allt he recpies :)
Hi cynthia I am Indian n even my mom makes "paynuse"(though don't know the name of the dih) but we add sugar, green cardamom and dry fruits in tht n it does taste yummy :)btw i loved ur blog:)
Way to go girl!!! You did it. Cynthia, I have also tried adding some finely chopped corriader leaves before setting the cheese!! It is quite flavorful. Maybe you would want to try it the next time!!
Hey dear, BTW my blog is loaded with paneer recipes, if you want to try something. g
You did it and did it perfect!!!Dishes Look very nice:))
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