Is there any way that we can harden US store bought Cottage Cheese to make Indian Paneer?
So today I got a box of Daily Chef Cottage Cheese unaware that it will have lumps of cheese flowing in gooey liquid. What I wanted to make was Indian Paneer Curry! Is there any way I can harden it by hanging or something?
Best Answer
Unfortunately, even if you press it, it will tend to crumble. The way the curds form in small curd cottage cheese forms a skin that makes them tend to fall apart. The same thing can happen in making Indian style paneer if you let the curds boil. (At least, I think it is why it happened!)
Probably your best bet is to drain it then make something like vada or kofte (for malai kofte) out of it, mixing in some maida or cooked potato or besan and kneading it into a dough, then forming it into balls or patties. I think it will still be tasty, even though it isn't what you planned for.
Pictures about "Is there any way that we can harden US store bought Cottage Cheese to make Indian Paneer?"
Quick Answer about "Is there any way that we can harden US store bought Cottage Cheese to make Indian Paneer?"
Probably your best bet is to drain it then make something like vada or kofte (for malai kofte) out of it, mixing in some maida or cooked potato or besan and kneading it into a dough, then forming it into balls or patties.How do you make cottage cheese into paneer?
The curdled mixture or the thick curd is then strained in a muslin or cheese or soft cloth and the excess water is pressed out. The cloth with the paneer is hung for half hour to remove the excess water. This is the basic way to prepare paneer. Paneer can be made at home very quickly almost in 30 minutes.Can we use cottage cheese as paneer?
Cottage cheese is a fresh cheese that is very similar to paneer and therefore makes a wonderful substitute for paneer. It can be made at home, and it is recommended to do so because homemade cottage cheese is creamier and has a richer flavor and texture.How do you solidify cottage cheese?
Cover the surface of the cottage cheese with a layer of plastic film wrap, then put a plate on top of the curds. Balance a can from your pantry on the plate, to provide weight and encourage draining. Refrigerate the cottage cheese and let it drain for at least an hour, and preferably for four or more.Is American cottage cheese same as paneer?
The only difference between Paneer & Cottage Cheese is that while Paneer is unsalted, Cottage Cheese is salted and may sometimes have heavy cream in it. The steps involved in making these cheeses are the same.Difference between Paneer and Cottage Cheese | पनीर और कॉटेज चीज़ में अंतर | Ch-02 |Everyday Life #83
More answers regarding is there any way that we can harden US store bought Cottage Cheese to make Indian Paneer?
Answer 2
No you won't get a suitable result. The cottage cheese has already re absorbed a lot of the liquid and you won't be able to get rid of it.
Since you are thinking of hanging it anyway, why don't you make your own? Just follow a cottage cheese recipe but let the curd hang a few hours longer.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Sinitta Leunen, Enric Cruz López, Enric Cruz López, Charles Parker