Herby Paneer Parcels Recipes

HERBY PANEER PARCELS

Steps:

• To make the herb paste, wash your herbs really well, including the coriander stalks. Squeeze lightly to get rid of excess water. Tip into a food processor or blender along with the garlic, ginger, chilli (if using), lemon juice, oil, garam masala and 1 tsp salt. Whizz until quite fine and smooth. Stir in the double cream, yogurt and ajwain seeds, if using. Taste and adjust any spices or seasoning to taste.
• Cut each block of paneer into 4 pieces. Pierce the paneer all over with a skewer to allow some of the paste to sink inside. Coat the paneer in the herby paste, then cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hr, or as long as possible.
• When ready to cook, heat a griddle pan or grill. Prepare 2 sheets of foil and place 4 pieces of the paneer on each. Sprinkle over the onion and top with a generous knob of butter. Bring the foil together to make a parcel that encompasses the cheese completely. Place straight on your hot grill or griddle pan for 8-10 mins or until the paneer is hot through and steamy. Ideally there will be a little charring coming through at the bottom - you will need to open the parcel and peek to check this. Sprinkle over the chaat masala and serve hot, still wrapped in the foil or on a plate.

HOMEMADE HERBED PANEER CHEESE

Steps:

• Slowly heat milk and cream in a 6-quart pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid scalding, until mixture foams and reaches 190°F, 25-30 minutes. Add vinegar and 1 1/2 tsp. salt, stir once, and continue to cook, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest until mixture separates into clumps of milky white curds and whey, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, line a large sieve with 2 layers of cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer curds into strainer, letting whey collect in bowl. Strain until curds begin to firm up, 15-20 minutes, then transfer curds to a medium bowl with slotted spoon. Discard whey or reserve for another use.
• Fold chopped herbs and remaining 1 Tbsp. salt into curds. Transfer both layers of cheesecloth to a large plate and spoon herbed curds into the center. Use the back of a spoon to flatten curds into a round 3/4-1" thick. Gather ends of cheesecloth and wrap tightly around curds. Place a second plate on top and use a can or other heavy object to weigh it down. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
• Remove cheesecloth and place pressed cheese onto a cutting board. Cut into 1" cubes and serve or use as desired.

PANEER

Steps:

• Pour the gallon of milk into a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Watch carefully, as it will boil over almost as soon as it starts to boil. As the milk begins to boil, pour the buttermilk into the pot in a steady stream while stirring constantly. The milk will separate into curd and water.
• Place a cheesecloth into a colander, and pour the milk mixture through it. Reserve some of the liquid for later. Let the milk mixture sit in the colander for a couple of hours, or until it stops dripping.
• After the curds are strained and settled, transfer them to a food processor. Process until smooth. It should be able to form a ball if it is the right consistency. If it is too dry, add a little of the reserved liquid and process again. The consistency should be like a firm ricotta cheese.
• Turn the cheese out onto a clean surface, and knead until smooth. Form into a ball, and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate until needed.
• To cook the paneer, heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Cut the paneer into bite size pieces. Fry for about 1 minute, or until a very pale golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Add to your favorite curry or dish.

BEST HOMEMADE PANEER

Steps:

• Line a colander with a damp piece of muslin or cheesecloth and set in the sink or over a bowl.
• Pour milk into a large saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat to 200 degrees F (93 degrees C). Stir well and add salt. Pour in lemon juice gradually, 1 tablespoon at a time. Stir until curds separate.
• Ladle curds into the muslin-lined colander. Fold muslin over curds and place a weight on top (such as a bowl filled with water). Press lightly and let drain for 2 to 3 hours.