Recipe of an Indian soft cheese made at home with Rennet. Topli na Panir

Vera

Hello Rita,

The recipe for “topli na Paneer” sounds very easy to make. I used to love these. However, the question is, from where do I get these baskets?

Is there any other alternative in making this without the baskets?
Thanks.

Vera

Rita

Hi Vera,
Yes you can make them. You do not need the baskets. These are just a “container” where the paneer water can drain out.

Do we need a pot(or a old fashioned patio) just from India to make dhansak? No.

Use any strainer, like a tea strainer. Plastic or steel either will do.

Peri’s Spice Ladle

Thrilled to see this recipe, Rita, used to be such favorite of ours as kids. While regular paneer is still common, somehow this concept died down, so happy you’ve revived it. Have a great holiday season.

Rita

Thanks! My favorite too, I was under 10 years of age when in Surat, but still remember them.

There is a story behind how they are delivered to the customers. In the old days, if you lived on a multi-story building (say third floor), to avoid climbing up the stairs, the paneer walla would deliver the paneer in a “topli” (large basket) hung by a rope from the third floor window or balcony. In the morning when the lady of the house wakes up, she pulls up the rope + basket to get her paneer!

Happy Holidays!

Rita

mas

thanks forthe delicious recipes..wishing u Happy Christmas peaceful 2015..God bless u and family..Gooloo Mehta

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[…] Topli na Paneer are small soft cheeses which are made in baskets (topli is gujarati word for basket, hence the name). These paneers are kept in earthenware pots in their whey. In Surat which is reputed to have the finest Continue reading → […]

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zarine

HI Rita how much Rennet powder should be put in one litre of milk?

Parsi Cuisine

Zarine for 4 cups that is 1 Litre milk put in 2 tablets of junket rennet.

2 cups add 1 tablet and let it sit fir 30 minutes to form the start of the panir.

Rita

Mehroo

Does anyone make Parsi Paneer in Mumbai to sell?/

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Zarir Oomrigar

I regularly make topli na paneer…also learnt here about uses of whey & Will follow accordingly

Rita

Zarir, you will find this topli na panir similar to very soft (and expensive) western cheeses. A delight to have and savor.

Life Diet Health

You make it sound so easy! I might set it as a challenge to the boys! Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday.

Rita

You are right it is not easy, I had a few failed attempts at this cheese making. 🙂 🙂

Rita

Thank you Zarir for dropping a line, do stay in touch.

Life Diet Health

We love a challenge! 😀

Zenobia

Dear Rita,
I tried making paneer the other day.
My proportion was 1lt full cream milk 1 rennet tab.
I followed the same process as it mentioned above.
My paneer did not set. It was little watery and it broke while removing from topli.
Pls help as to what should I do so tht it sets into a perfect ball.

Rita

Regret your Paneer did not not turn out well.
Try using more rennet next time. Use regular milk.

I have heard certain milks do not set.
Where are you located?
Rita

Zenobia

Dear Rita! Thanks for your response! I m from pune. India. I will try again with some other brand milk.
Does the size n shape of topli matters when u want to drain the whey?

Rita

No, the size and shape does not matter. I like to keep it so 1 person enjoys the whole Panir.
As you know probably the Topli (basket) traditionally is round as it is in Pune, Mumbai, Surat, Delhi and other cities in India.
Living in USA, I use tea stainers with muslin cloth and the panir comes out smal and round. I have seen people using large round containers of 6 inches diameter, to drain and then get a large round. Cut it up and enjoy.
Hindus even press it out in rectangles and cut into cubes.
Each size and shape probably gives a visual enjoyment and use in dishes. I like our soft small roundlets.
Love,
Rita
Rita

dimple panthaki

Hi Rita!
Does the milk have to be raw? I mean not pasteurized? Can I use the regular whole milk available in USA?
Thanks!
Dimple

Rita Jamshed Kapadia

Yes.regular milk 4 percent fat is fine.

Anonymous

Is there a veg substitute for rennet?

Rita Jamshed Kapadia

Yes .

Anonymous

I have renett powder… so how much to put in 1 ltr milk for topli na paneer

ParsiCuisine.com

I use 2 tablets of rennet, which are probably like 1 tsp powder. Try with one tsp and see if paneer forms, add more if needed.
Rita