When I was young, I used to watch my mother make paneer. She would start by boiling the milk. Then, she would squeeze a whole lemon. Slowly, it would start to solidify and within a few minutes, the solids would separate from the greenish-yellow coloured liquid. But, after filtering the solids, she would not throw away the liquid. After letting it cool, she would knead our roti with it. I always used to wonder why this happens, but after growing up, I realised that this liquid is nothing less than gold. Paneer water, also known as whey, is a nutritious protein-rich liquid that is often thrown away in households. However, instead of throwing it away, you can use this paneer water in several recipes. If you are someone who runs a zero-waste kitchen but somehow always ends up throwing away paneer water, then you have landed on the right page. Read on to know 5 easy ways to use paneer water at home.
Also read: Indian Cooking Tip: How To Make Restaurant-Style Paneer Khurchan
Photo Credit: iStock
Here are 5 interesting ways to use paneer water at home
1. Curries and Gravies
Leftover paneer water can be a great addition to your usual curries and gravies. Instead of using water, use the leftover liquid for the base in recipes like Shahi Paneer, Paneer Butter Masala, Palak Paneer or even Dal. Paneer water has a slight tang that can enhance the taste of your dishes without any other ingredients. Also, since it is high in protein, it will make your meals more nutritious and healthy.
2. Lassi
Yes! You can make a refreshing drink by adding some yogurt to the leftover paneer water. The paneer water adds flavor and nutrition to the lassi, making it even more hydrating and beneficial. You can sweeten it a little by adding some sugar or honey or make it a savory lassi by adding spices like coriander and cumin powder. This will not only help to use up the leftover paneer water but also provide a cool and healthy drink on hot summer days.
3. Fermenting the dosa and idli batter
Did you know that you can ferment dosa and idli batter using leftover paneer water? This is because whey is full of beneficial bacteria that help start the fermentation process resulting in softer idlis and dosas. All you need to do is soak your rice and urad dal in paneer water and let them ferment overnight. The next morning, you will have nutritious and fermented batter ready to make idlis and dosas.
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4. Cook the rice
Using paneer water instead of normal water to cook rice is a great way to add more nutrients to your daily diet. When you cook rice in leftover paneer water, it absorbs the goodness and makes it even more delicious. The mild sourness of paneer water will not overpower the rice, so you can pair the rice with gravies and curries of your choice.
5. Bread Flour
Another easy way to use leftover paneer water is to add it to your wheat flour and make rotis out of it. Simply add the leftover whey in place of regular water and knead as usual. This will not only add a mild flavour to your regular rotis but also increase their nutritional value. Also, paneer water helps in making the dough flexible, making the rotis and parathas softer.
Also read: From Paneer Tikka Masala to Hariyali Paneer Tikka: 5 Paneer Tikka Recipes You Must Try
Can you think of any other ways to use cottage cheese water at home? Let us know in the comments below!