Milk is a versatile ingredient that often finds its way into our daily meals. But what do you do when you have leftover milk that's nearing its expiration date? Instead of letting it go to waste, consider turning it into three delightful dairy products – paneer, curd, and chhena. These homemade treasures not only reduce food waste but also add a touch of freshness to your cooking.
So, in case you have leftover milk, we'll walk you through the simple steps to transform it into these dairy delights and provide tips on how to use them in your favourite recipes.
Homemade Paneer:
Recipe - Kunal Kapur
Paneer is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from curries to appetisers and desserts. Making homemade paneer is surprisingly easy and requires just a few simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 1 litre of leftover milk
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar
Method:
- Heat the leftover milk in a heavy-bottomed pot until it comes to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Once the milk is boiling, reduce the heat and add lemon juice or white vinegar. Stir continuously, and you'll see the milk curdle.
- Turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes until the curds and whey separate completely.
- Strain the mixture through a clean cheesecloth or muslin cloth to separate the curds from the whey.
- Rinse the curds under cold water to remove any residual lemon juice or vinegar.
- Gather the cloth and hang it for about 30 minutes to an hour to let excess whey drain. You can also place a weight on top to press it into a firmer block.
- Your homemade paneer is ready to be used in your favorite recipes or enjoyed as a fresh and creamy snack.
Homemade Curd:
Recipe - Rajshri Food
Curd, also known as yoghurt, is a staple in many cuisines and is often used as a base for smoothies, marinades, and sauces. Making curd from leftover milk is a simple process:
Ingredients:
- 1 litre of leftover milk
- 2-3 tablespoons of curd (starter culture)
Method:
- Heat the leftover milk in a saucepan until it's warm but not boiling. You should be able to comfortably dip your finger into it.
- Take a small amount of warm milk and mix it with the curd to create a smooth paste.
- Add this paste back into the warm milk and stir gently to combine.
- Cover the milk with a lid or a clean cloth and place it in a warm, draft-free spot for about 6-8 hours or overnight. During this time, the milk will ferment and turn into curd.
- Once the curd is set, refrigerate it to stop the fermentation process.
- Your homemade curd is now ready to be enjoyed as a snack, used in marinades, or added to your favourite dishes for creaminess and tangy flavours.
Homemade Chhena:
Chhena is a fresh cheese used in various Indian sweets like rasgulla, sandesh, and chhena-based desserts. Making chhena from leftover milk is a straightforward process:
Ingredients:
- 1 litre of leftover milk
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar
Method:
- Heat the leftover milk in a heavy-bottomed pot until it starts to boil. Stir continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Once the milk is boiling, reduce the heat and add lemon juice or white vinegar. Stir gently, and you'll see the milk curdle and the whey separate.
- Turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to ensure complete separation.
- Using a cheesecloth or muslin cloth, strain the curds from the whey.
- Rinse the curds under cold water to remove any residual lemon juice or vinegar.
- Gather the cloth, twist it slightly to remove excess whey, and hang it for about 30 minutes to an hour to further drain.
- Your homemade chhena is now ready to be used in a variety of sweet treats, from traditional Indian desserts to fusion recipes like chhena pancakes and stuffed pastries.
These dairy delights not only reduce food waste but also enhance your culinary repertoire. From savory dishes with creamy paneer to the tangy freshness of homemade curd, and the delightful world of chhena-based sweets, there are endless possibilities to explore in your kitchen. So, the next time you have leftover milk, put it to good use and savor the joy of creating homemade dairy goodness.