How to Soften Chilled Paneer – 5 Easy Tips

Paneer, or cottage cheese, is undoubtedly one of the most popular ingredients used in Indian dishes. Be it shahi paneer, paneer pakoda, rasgola or paneer tikka, it is used to make a variety of curries, snacks and even delicious desserts. The best part about paneer Is that it is not at all difficult to cook. It all depends on how elaborate or simple your dish is. However, you can really enjoy its taste when it is soft and elastic. Whether you buy it in the market or make it at home, it must be refrigerated so that it does not go bad. This can make your board hard and rubbery. So, if you are looking for ways to soften chilled paneer, then you are in the right place. Here we give you some easy tips that will come in handy the next time you encounter such an issue. take a look.

Also read: Shahi Paneer, Kadai Paneer & More: 5 Classic Paneer Curry Recipes You Must Try

Here are 5 easy tips for softening your chilled paneer:

1. Keep it covered

The first and most important step to ensuring that your paneer stays tender is to keep it covered in the fridge. Always store it in an airtight container. Leaving it exposed to the harsh air inside the refrigerator can remove all the moisture from the paneer.

2. Bring it to room temperature

Do you use paneer right after taking it out of the fridge? If the answer is yes, then you need to stop doing it! Make sure to take them out at least 2-3 hours before they are cooked. This allows the paneer to soften on its own by reaching room temperature.

3. Immersion in warm water

If you are short on time, this tip will be a life saver! Cut the paneer into cubes and dip it in a bowl of warm water. The water should be just enough to cover the board (don’t let it soak.) Make sure you don’t soak it for more than 5 minutes as this will make the board brittle.

Also read: How to make paneer soft after frying – Easy Kitchen Methods

4. Steam it

Another way to soften cooled paneer is to steam it. Boil some water in a bowl. Once it boils, place a strainer over it and spread out the paneer cubes until they absorb the steam. Put a lid on top to prevent steam from escaping. After 10-15 minutes, you will have super soft and spongy paneer cubes.

5. Add paneer at the end

If you want to ensure that the paneer stays soft while cooking, never add it to your dish at the beginning. Even if you have softened it following the above steps, adding it at the beginning itself will overcook the board and make it rubbery.

Try these tips and let us know how it worked for you in the comments section below.