Comparativa visual entre paneer casero y paneer Nanak en cubos, con texto destacado sobre fondo cálido y rústico.

Homemade Paneer vs. Nanak's Paneer: Which Deserves Space in Your Fridge?

Is it worth making paneer at home or is it better to trust Nanak? We compare texture, flavor, and effort. Plus: an express recipe, cooking tips, and links to the products you need to decide for yourself.

Desi Gourmet

13 May 2025

70% of desi home cooks have messed up paneer at least once . Sound familiar?

Between spontaneous curry cravings and chaotic nights , it's easy to wonder: is it worth making paneer from scratch or is it better to pull it out of the freezer?

At Desi Gourmet, we understand. And since we care about both flavor and convenience , we put both options to the test. Artisanal love vs. instant convenience: find out which one deserves a spot in your kitchen.


Homemade Paneer: Pure, Simple, With Soul

Ingredients (Makes ~250g):

  • 1 liter of fresh whole milk

  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar

  • Muslin gauze or fine strainer

Quick Steps:

  1. Bring the milk to a boil over medium heat.

  2. Add the lemon juice or vinegar and stir until curdled.

  3. Strain through muslin or a fine sieve.

  4. Wrap it and press with weight for 30 minutes.

  5. Ready! Fresh, soft, and additive-free paneer.

Step-by-step infographic for making homemade paneer with milk, lemon, and muslin. Includes a Desi tip using turmeric and salt.

Desi Tip : Add a pinch of turmeric and salt before pressing if you're using it for tikka . It will give it a deeper color and flavor.

Why Do We Love It?

  • Total control over flavor and texture

  • Delicate and fresh flavor

  • No preservatives or additives

Check out more authentic homemade recipes on our blog.


Paneer Nanak: Your Desi Ally for Hectic Days

Let's face it: there's not always time to strain and press. That's what Nanak's frozen paneer is for : always ready and reliable.

Why It Wins On Busy Days:

  • Firm texture that withstands grilling and frying

  • No artificial preservatives

  • Cube or block format

  • From freezer to pan—hassle-free

Benefits of Nanak paneer: firm texture, no preservatives, versatile format, and ready in minutes from the freezer.


When to Use Each Type

Homemade Paneer:

Ideal for:

  • Saag Paneer

  • Paneer Bhurji

  • Dosa filling u oat chillas

Perfect when paneer is the star of the dish.

Paneer Nanak:

Ideal for:

Best when you need pieces that won't fall apart when frying or roasting.

Visual comparison of when to use homemade paneer vs. Nanak, depending on the texture and type of recipe.


Comparison: Homemade Paneer vs. Nanak

Feature

Homemade Paneer

Paneer Nanak

Flavor

Fresh, soft

Intense, slightly acidic

Texture

Suvae, delicate

Firm, ideal for grilling

Prep Time

~45 minutes

Ready in 5 minutes

Best Use

Curries, Bhurji

Tikkas, BBQ, stir-fries

Comparison table between homemade paneer and Nanak according to flavor, texture, preparation time and best culinary use.


Pro Kitchen Tip: Always Have Both on Hand!

Why choose Nanak? Keep Nanak in your freezer for emergencies and make homemade paneer on your slow, flavorful Sundays.

Explore Our Entire Paneer Collection

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Conclusion: Flavor + Flexibility = Desi Cuisine

Whether homemade or straight from the freezer , paneer It's a staple in Indian cuisine. It's versatile , filling, and—when chosen thoughtfully—can transform any dish.

So the next time you're wondering: homemade paneer or store-bought? — remember that both have their times . The real winner is the one that makes you smile with every bite.

Explore our Indian Frozen Food Collection ! Check out more recipes on our blog!

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