Homemade Low-Fat Paneer using Tofu Press

Step 1: Boil the Milk

Pour about half a gallon of 1% low-fat milk into a pot. Bring the milk to a full boil, which should take approximately 9 minutes.

Step 2: Curdle the Milk

Once the milk reaches a full boil, add 4 tablespoons of white vinegar. Stir the milk continuously until the paneer (curds) separates from the whey. You will see white curds forming and a yellowish-green liquid (whey) separating.

Step 3: Strain the Paneer

Place a cheesecloth over a colander in your sink. Carefully pour the curdled milk mixture through the cheesecloth, allowing the whey to drain into the sink and the paneer curds to collect in the cheesecloth.

Step 4: Wash the Paneer

Thoroughly wash the paneer curds in the cheesecloth with cold water. Use a spoon or your hands to gently mix the paneer while rinsing. Repeat this washing process three times to ensure all traces of vinegar flavor are removed.

Step 5: Squeeze Excess Liquid

Gather the edges of the cheesecloth and twist it tightly to squeeze out as much remaining liquid as possible from the paneer curds.

Step 6: Shape and Press the Paneer

Unwrap the paneer from the cheesecloth and gently form it into a rectangular shape. Place the paneer into a tofu press. Close and tighten the lid of the tofu press to begin pressing the paneer.

Step 7: Drain and Continue Pressing

Periodically drain the water that collects from the tofu press. Continue pressing the paneer for about 5 to 6 hours to achieve a firm block.

Step 8: Serve the Paneer

Once pressed, remove the firm block of paneer from the tofu press. Cut the paneer into desired sizes and shapes. It is now ready to be used in any dish or enjoyed by itself.

• Wash the paneer thoroughly with cold water at least three times to ensure no trace of vinegar flavor remains.

• Using a tofu press is a convenient kitchen hack for efficiently draining water and forming a perfect paneer block.