Paneer or Cottage Cheese is a part of many Indian dishes. But apart from the great taste, what are the benefits it offers?
Most of us know that dairy products are good in calcium and so is Cottage Cheese, but is there more to it? Let’s find out.
Paneer Benefits & Recipes
Some of the primary advantages of consuming Paneer regularly include:
- It helps regulate blood pressure and might even play a role in preventing certain cancers such as prostate cancer.
- According to a 2005 study, children who eat more dairy products such as Paneer have more energy.
- As per a British study, the likelihood of metabolic syndrome in men can be reduced by eating dairy products like Paneer.
- Cottage cheese may be helpful in promoting weight loss. It has been proven time and again through several studies that a diet including cottage cheese (in addition to more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and vegetable oils) can be highly effective for achieving and maintaining weight loss.
- Some brands of cottage cheese include probiotics which are fermented or live cultures shown to have major health benefits.
- It helps with increased bone mineralization.
The simplest method of making Cottage Cheese or Paneer at home is:
- Bring 1 liter milk to a boil while stirring occasionally so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the vessel.
- Once the milk boils, add 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice to it and keep stirring
- This will cause the milk to curdle and start separating from the whey (liquid)
- Once the liquid and cheese particles have separated nicely and the liquid is clear, turn off the heat and drain the cheese in a muslin cloth
- Rinse the cheese with water properly to remove vinegar or lemon juice taste from it
- Gently wrap the cloth over the cheese and squeeze to remove excess water
- Hang the cloth with the cheese wrapped in it over a tap for 2 hours and keep squeezing occasionally to form a nice big ball of cottage cheese.
Want to discover some great recipes with Cottage Cheese?
Paneer Croquettes
These are easy to make vegetarian croquettes filled with cottage cheese (paneer), onions and green chilies. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these no potato version of croquettes are delicious and comparatively lighter. They are perfect to bring a classy touch to any party. So if you’ve been racking your brains thinking of what to make as a starter for your next house party, or if you’ve simply run out of ideas for tea-time snacks, make these delicious croquettes and surprise everyone.
Read the recipe here.
Paneer Momos
Traditional Tibetan dish with an Indian twist, these steam cooked dumplings with a delicious cottage cheese (paneer) filling, are quite tempting. They are easy to make at home and their filling can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian. You can also create a hybrid filling by combining the paneer with veggies to bring your own twist to this versatile recipe. Paneer momos take very less time to prepare but they truly taste amazing. Do try these to bring a smile on your kids’ faces.
Read the recipe here.
Malai Paneer
This is a quick and simple recipe which is extremely delicious. Creamy Cottage Cheese or Malai paneer is made with cottage cheese (paneer), malai or fresh cream and tomato puree. If you can’t think of anything to make in 10 minutes (like when guests arrive without notice), this awesome and delicious dish can be served quickly. Marked by succulent paneer pieces graciously covered in a thick gravy, this dish looks rich, tastes yum, and is so very easy to make.
Read the recipe here.
Paneer Tikka
Paneer Tikka is a popular and an all-time favorite Indian appetizer. Made with grilled marinated cottage cheese chunks skewed onto long toothpicks or wooden skewers, you can add as many colors to this delicacy by way of bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and what not. This dish gives a perfect start to a formal dinner or party or a casual evening with friends. Quite surprisingly, it is extremely easy to make this restaurant style dish at home.
Read the recipe here.
So, what are you cooking today? To explore more amazing Paneer (Cottage Cheese) recipes, click here.
