Have you ever wondered what happens if you pour lemon juice into boiling milk? This simple kitchen magic turns two everyday ingredients into soft, delicious homemade paneer (also known as farmer’s cheese or curd cheese) — perfect for adding to salads, curries, or enjoying on its own!
🌟 What Happens When You Add Lemon to Milk?
When hot milk meets the acidity of lemon juice, the milk’s proteins curdle, separating into soft, creamy curds and watery whey. This is the traditional, time-tested way to make fresh cheese at home without any special equipment.
🥛🍋 How to Make Homemade Paneer in 5 Minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 liter (about 4 cups) whole milk
- Juice of 1 lemon (2–3 tablespoons)
Instructions:
- Pour the milk into a large saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Once milk starts to boil, reduce heat to low.
- Add lemon juice slowly, stirring gently.
- Watch as the milk immediately curdles — curds will form, and the liquid (whey) will turn pale greenish.
- Turn off the heat and let sit for 1–2 minutes.
- Line a strainer or colander with a clean cheesecloth or thin towel, and pour the mixture through to separate curds from whey.
- Gather the cloth around the curds and gently squeeze out excess liquid.
- For a firmer cheese, place a small weight on top and let it drain for 15–20 minutes.
âś… How to Enjoy Your Homemade Paneer
- Cut into cubes for salads or stir-fries.
- Add to curries for a protein boost.
- Crumble over toast or roasted veggies.
- Season with herbs, pepper, or chili flakes for extra flavor.
🌟 Final Thought
Putting lemon in boiling milk might sound odd, but it’s an easy, satisfying way to make your own fresh cheese in minutes. This quick recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious, versatile food you’ll love adding to your meals. Enjoy your homemade paneer!
