Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Add Milk to Instant Pot

   Pour 1/2 gallon of whole pasteurized milk into the Instant Pot inner pot. Ensure the Instant Pot is not yet turned on.

2. 2.Add Curdling Agent

   Add 3 tablespoons of lime juice (or white vinegar) to the milk in the Instant Pot.

3. 3.Close Lid and Seal

   Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the steam release valve to the 'Sealing' position.

4. 4.Pressure Cook

   Press the 'Pressure Cook' button, set the pressure level to 'More' (High Pressure), and adjust the cooking time to 1 minute.

5. 5.Natural Release and Quick Release

   Once the 1-minute pressure cooking cycle is complete, allow a natural pressure release (NPR) for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, carefully perform a quick pressure release (QPR) by slowly turning the valve with a spoon or fork to the 'Venting' position. Be cautious as milk may spill if released too quickly. Wait until the float valve (pin) drops completely.

6. 6.Open Pot and Add Ice

   Once the pressure is fully released and the float valve has dropped, open the Instant Pot lid. Immediately add 2-3 cups of ice cubes to the curdled milk mixture.

7. 7.Gently Stir

   Gently stir the mixture with a spoon to help cool it down and separate the paneer curds from the whey.

8. 8.Prepare for Straining

   Place a large strainer over a big bowl and line the strainer with a cheesecloth or any clean cotton cloth.

9. 9.Strain the Paneer

   Carefully pour the curdled milk mixture into the cheesecloth-lined strainer to separate the paneer (solids) from the whey (liquid).

10. 10.Wash Paneer

    Wash the paneer curds with 2 cups of cold water while still in the cheesecloth. This helps to remove any residual sour taste from the lime juice or vinegar.

11. 11.Squeeze Excess Water

    Gather the edges of the cheesecloth and gently squeeze out the excess water from the paneer curds until no more liquid drips.

12. 12.Press the Paneer

    Lay a clean cotton cloth on a flat surface. Place a plate on the cloth, then place the paneer (still wrapped in the cheesecloth) on the plate. Place another plate on top of the paneer and put a heavy weight (like a mortar pestle) on it. Leave it to press for at least 1 hour to achieve a firm paneer block.

13. 13.Unwrap and Cut

    After pressing, carefully unwrap the paneer from the cloth. It should be a firm block. Place it on a plate and cut it into desired shapes, such as cubes.