Paneer, an Indian staple, is a crumbly curd cheese that is neither aged nor salted. Paneer, like some of the other cheeses, does not melt.
It tastes wonderful that Paneer will become one of your preferred cheeses. Palak Paneer is a popular Indian dish that will incorporate you into the paneer fad!
Are there substitutes for paneer? Well, yes, there are great alternatives for paneer in any recipe. Feta cheese, Mozzarella cheese, Cottage cheese, Ricotta cheese, and panela cheese are some excellent substitutes for paneer.
Utilizing some substitutes for Paneer, you can create a delectable paneer recipe. That is why halloumi cheese is used in a shahi paneer dish.
Let’s learn more about these substitutes and when to use them.
Contents
What Type of Cheese is Paneer?
In Indian cuisine, paneer cheese is a prevalent type of cheese. It is produced from two main ingredients: curdled milk and fruit acid (lime or lemon juice ).
Paneer is a raw, white cheese with a firm and flaky crunchiness, chewy texture, and a milky taste that dates back 8000 years!
Notwithstanding its firmness, it is a soft, non-melting cheese. Since it does not melt, seasoned and grilled, or seared, is a yummy way of enjoying this simple cheese.
Paneer cheese contains 33% of the acceptable dietary value of calcium and also contains 14-20 grams of protein per 100-gram serving, producing a serving as rich in proteins as two to three eggs.
Paneer has a very soft texture and never liquefies. It can be fried, grilled, or stir-fried with other flavorings. You can also eat it as a snack, or meal. It is customarily used in various dishes, including soups, salads, curries, and sandwiches.
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Substitutes for Paneer
- Feta Cheese
Conventional feta is produced from sheep’s milk and grown for 4-6 weeks before being sold. It has a flaky surface and a salty, sharp flavor.
Utilizing feta in your meal will give you nearly the same richness and creaminess flavor as your sauce. This cheese also can “never melt,” so you don’t have to fret about it making your sauce too runny or gooey.
One of this cheese’s unique characteristics is that it can last for several months if properly preserved
When it comes to feta cheese, we all know that it is the best option for salad toppings. It’s one of the few dairy products that won’t make you feel bad about your health.
Feta cheese is the perfect paneer substitute for appetizers and salads.
- Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta is a flexible ingredient used in various recipes. Because of its soft yet grainy texture, this Italian cheese is as close to Paneer as possible, making it ideal for use in Paneer-centered recipes.
Ricotta cheese should be consumed as quickly as possible because it does not stay well in the fridge. If you notice it turning from white to yellow, eat it right away, as this is a sign that it is going bad.
- Mozzarella Cheese
One of the many personal favorites of any eater is Mozzarella, a native cheese in Italy now a widespread cheese.
Mozzarella cheese is one of several soft kinds of cheese that can span out and generate that gooey taste with every bite.
Try substituting mozzarella for paneer when making the gravy for malai kofta curry. The gravy will take on a different flavor as you dip the kofta into the curry.
- Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese, a relative of both feta and Ricotta, can be used in place of Paneer. Its curds are very similar to Paneer. Unlike Ricotta and feta, cottage cheese melts easily.
Supposing, you want a light soft substitute for paneer cheese, cottage cheese is a perfect choice. It will not alter the dish’s flavor but add creaminess and richness.
But keep in mind that cottage cheese has high sodium content so you might have to adjust the salt level in your recipe.
- Halloumi Cheese
Halloumi is made from goat’s milk and sheep’s milk. It is high in calcium, vitamins, proteins, magnesium, and significant dietary cholesterol.
You can simmer it in various ways without fear of spoiling it. This cheesy can be prepared by grilling, pan-frying, or finely cutting to add to salads. This cheese is a great paneer alternative for grilling.
You can eat it raw, but because it is an aged cheese, it can be lightly carbonated. It would taste delicious when cooked because the cooking process would release its true flavor.it keeps its form. This cheese is very similar to Mozzarella.
However, because conventional Rennet can be changed with vegetarian Rennet, vegetarians can consume Halloumi.
- Panela Cheese
Panela (queso panela) is a Mexican cheese that emerged in Mexico. This cheese possesses a creamy, smooth texture with a savory fresh dairy flavor. Panela, which is very similar to Paneer, is one of the best Paneer replacements.
When cooked, the cheese does not melt and lose its shape; instead, it softens.
Panela can be baked or pan-fried, but it tastes best when served as a fried dish. It is well-known for being an excellent meal starter. It is made from pasteurized cow’s milk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are mozzarella and paneer cheese the same?
No, mozzarella and paneer cheese are not the same. Paneer is an Indian cheese from cow or buffalo milk, whereas Mozzarella is a conventional Italian cheese made from water buffalo milk.
Why doesn’t paneer cheese melt?
Because paneer is an acid-set cheese. It is made without Rennet and instead uses heat and acid to coagulate the milk, which changes the way milk proteins are bonded with each other.
What can I do to make my Paneer less squeaky?
Overcooking causes the paneer cubes to become hard. To keep it soft, fry it and then soak it up in the water. Instead of frying the paneer cubes, a healthier alternative is to immerse them in boiling water.
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Conclusion
Paneer appears in various dishes, from snacks to main courses and desserts. This article presents you with the best substitutes for paneer in any recipe. So, ensure you make great use of these substitutes.
Refer to this guide if you have difficulties making the right choice.
Good luck!
