This is an amazing cheese log perfect for holiday entertaining or for any occasion. This is made with fresh paneer, Indian spices, and herbs. This one of a kind of cheese appetizer that can be made easily.
The creaminess of the fresh paneer is makes it a perfect choice to make cheese balls/logs. The addition of a little quantity of cream cheese helps in gathering the fresh crumbled paneer and herbs together. This is made with fresh paneer made by curdling and draining the excess water, but not to bone dryness. Store-bought paneer can be shredded and pulsed in food processor to substitute the fresh paneer, but the texture of fresh paneer stands out.
Chaat masala and black salt along with mint and coriander give an Indian touch and add an addictive taste. This can be made ahead, like two days ahead and it is great. So dried mint is the choice. When using fresh mint, use it the same day, as mint may change color if stored for a couple of days. Sesame seeds are used here which adds a delicious crunch.
This paneer log pairs well with any crackers, bagel chips, or pita chips. With some salt crackers these are a great snack. Paneer is rich in proteins and this is an amazing snack dip. Any crushed nuts can be used. This is an amazing choice for any holiday entertainment platter.
I am also linking this to Blogging Marathon, Sundays on Silverado, Happiness is Homemade, and Full Plate Thursday.
Ingredients
Prep time: 1 hour
Cook time 15 min
Refrigeration: 1 hour
Milk -2 cups
Lemon juice - 1 tbsp
Cream cheese - 2-oz, room temperature
Black salt - 1/4 tsp
Chaat masala - 3/4 tsp
Dried mint - 2 tbsp
Cilantro - 2 tbsp, chopped fine
Chili flakes - 1/2 tsp
Sesame seeds - 1.5 tbsp, toasted
Method
Boil milk, and when it is about to overflow add the lemon juice and curdle the milk. Drain and press it for about an hour to remove excess water.
Add the paneer and the rest of the ingredients to a bowl, mix it.
Gather the cheese mixture into a ball or log. Place the sesame seeds in a plate and roll the cheese ball/log to coat a layer of the seeds.
Wrap the rolled cheese log and refrigerate for an hour to firm up.
Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving, serve with assorted crackers and chips.
Srivalli says
Now this is seriously an excellent one to enjoy...love have loved it so much..btw..that paneer presser, doesn't it give your firm paneer?..I had one many many years ago and didn't find it useful..ever since I have been wanting to buy another one..so asked..
Radha says
Thanks, Srivalli! It is very delicious! The paneer press gives firm one when you keep heavy weight (really heavy) on top for a couple of hours more.
Radha says
Thanks, Srivalli! It is very delicious! The paneer press gives firm one when you keep heavy weight (really heavy) on top for a couple of hours more.
Srividhya says
This is a great idea. Homemade spiced paneer with crackers is definitely a delicious combo. Great share.
Srividhya says
This is a great idea. Homemade spiced paneer with crackers is definitely a delicious combo. Great share.
Radha says
Thanks, Srividhya!
Suma Gandlur says
Loving this fusion dish. This is such a great idea using paneer and Indian flavors.
vaishali sabnani says
Awesome ! I do make flavired paneer , but I love the idea of that log . Adding cream cheese will enhance flavors . I am trying this very soon ! Simply fantastic recipe .