One of the common struggles in everyday life is dealing with leftovers and preventing food waste, particularly when juggling a busy schedule. Many people find themselves with spoiled items in the fridge simply because they couldn’t consume them in time. One such item is milk, which has to be consumed before its expiry. But what if you are unable to finish it on time? What can you do with it instead of throwing it away? A
viral video may have an easy-peasy solution for you.
Recently, a creative food blogger, Ramya Ravuri who lives in the USA, away from her family shared a practical solution for using up leftover milk before it goes bad. Her simple yet effective hack involves turning the remaining milk into
homemade paneer. This method not only prevents wastage but also provides a versatile ingredient for various dishes.
How did she make the paneer out of leftover milk?
To make the paneer, she poured the leftover milk into a pot and brought it to a boil. Then, she added fresh lemon juice, which caused the milk to curdle. Once the milk solids separated from the whey, she strained the mixture to collect the paneer. To add a burst of flavour, she mixed in chopped jalapenos, along with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and chaat masala, giving the paneer a spicy twist.
An added benefit of this method is its convenience. The homemade paneer can be easily frozen for future use, making it a handy ingredient to have on hand. The blogger also provided tips on transforming this spicy jalapeno paneer into paneer bhurji, a quick and delicious dish perfect for solo meals.
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This practical kitchen hack has garnered significant attention online, resonating with individuals who face similar food-related challenges while living alone. All it takes is a bit of creativity to
reduce food waste.
What does the internet have to say?
The video sparked a range of reactions from viewers. Some expressed dismay over the whey being discarded, feeling it was a waste of a useful byproduct. Others shared their enthusiasm, mentioning how they would happily drink it as they enjoy milk. Many praised the idea of adding flavorful ingredients to paneer, calling it a brilliant twist. One viewer found the technique intriguing and wondered if the use of lemon juice is what differentiates paneer from mozzarella. Overall, the recipe received plenty of positive feedback, with people eager to try making it themselves, describing it as both delicious and life-changing.
Nutrients in Paneer
Paneer, also known as cottage cheese, is celebrated for its rich calcium content, but its nutritional value extends beyond that. According to WebMD, it is an excellent source of vitamin B12, essential for preventing anaemia, and also provides key nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, selenium, and vitamin A. A single cup of low-fat cottage cheese offers approximately 185 calories, 25 grams of protein, 2.7 grams of total fat (with 1.4 grams being saturated), 11 grams of carbohydrates, no dietary fibre, 9 grams of sugar, and 136 milligrams of potassium. These nutrients make paneer a beneficial addition to a balanced diet.