Love DIY? Fresh cheese is a great way to get started making your own food staples, and homemade paneer is no exception. With only 30 minutes and a few basic kitchen tools, you can be well on your way to a delicious curry, paneer kabobs, or a fantastic flatbread. Find out how to make this popular Indian staple.

Paneer has a fairly mild, milky flavor on its own, so it’s best when paired with strong, spicy flavors, like in classic Indian curries or dishes like saag paneer. It’s also nearly identical to Mexican queso fresco and Italian ricotta salata, and can usually be used in recipes calling for either of those ingredients.

Get the DIY recipe on The Kitchn

Photo by Emma Christensen

Rebecca Haley-Park Rebecca Haley-Park is culture's former editor and resident stinky cheese cheerleader. A native New Englander, she holds a BFA in creative writing from University of Maine at Farmington.