The main difference between cheese and paneer is that cheese has a higher content of calories, fat, and protein than paneer.
Both cheese and panner are dairy products made from milk. In fact, we can call paneer a type of fresh cheese that popular in Indian cuisine. However, there are several differences between cheese and paneer.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Cheese
– Definition, Features
2. What is Paneer
– Definition, Features, Making
3. Difference Between Cheese and Paneer
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Cheese, Paneer
What is Cheese
Cheese is a dairy product made from the milk of cows, goats, buffalos, etc. This is made by the process of acidification. It is the bacteria in the milk that causes acidification, which gives its unique texture and taste. There are hundreds of types of cheese, produced in various countries. They have different styles, textures and flavours.
These differences depend on factors like the origin of the milk, the processing, butterfat content, bacteria and mould, ageing of the cheese, etc. There are aromatic moulds on the rind, outer layer, or throughout the cheese. Most varieties of cheeses melt at cooking temperature. Cheese producers use herbs, spices, and wood smoke as flavouring agents. Other ingredients like garlic, black pepper and chives are sometimes added to the cheese.
Figure 1: Types of Cheese
Cheese has a high content of fat, protein, phosphorus, and calcium and has a high shelf life. We can classify cheese into two main categories as hard cheese and soft cheese. Pecorino, Parmesan, Pepato, and Romano are some examples of hard cheese, while feta, Brie, ricotta, Camembert, and Chevre are some examples of soft cheese.
What is Paneer
Paneer is a fresh cheese common in the Indian subcontinent. It’s made from curdled milk of cows or buffalos. Moreover, paneer is a non-aged, non-melting, soft cheese. You can eat it as a snack or with a meal. Paneer pulao (paneer with rice), mattar paneer (paneer with peas), palak paneer (panner with spinach), paneer pakora (paneer fritters), kadai panner, and paneer tikka are some common recipes in Indian cuisine.
Figure 2: Kadai Paneer
We can easily make paneer at home. All you need is whole milk, a cheesecloth and lemon juice or a similar food acid. First, you have to add the food acid to the hot milk to separate the curds from the whey. The curds are drained in the cheesecloth, and the excess water is passed out. Then we have to dip the resultant panner in cold water for 2-3 hours to improve its appearance and texture.
Panner usually has fewer calories, fat, and proteins than cheese. Therefore, it is ideal for those on a weight loss diet. Moreover, paneer also has a short shelf life when compared to cheese.
Difference Between Cheese and Paneer
Definition
Cheese is a dairy product made from the milk of cows, goats, buffalos, etc. while paneer is a fresh cheese common in the Indian subcontinent.
Hard vs Soft
There are two types of cheese as soft cheese and hard cheese. Paneer is a type of soft cheese.
Nutrient Content
Cheese generally has a higher content of calories, fat, and protein than panner.
Ageing
Moreover, most types of cheese go through an ageing process while paneer is non-aged.
Shelf Life
Cheese has a longer shelf life than panner.
Emulsification
Preparation of cheese involves emulsification while preparation of paneer does not.
Conclusion
Cheese is a dairy product made from the milk of cows, goats, buffalos, etc. while paneer is a fresh cheese common in the Indian subcontinent. Cheese generally has a higher content of calories, fat, and protein than panner. Thus, this is the main difference between cheese and panner.
Reference:
1. Nalavade, Prerna. “What Is Paneer? Everything to Know About This Indian Cheese.” Sukhis, 14 Jan. 2020, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “1450794” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Kadai Paneer Recipe” By Saishalini7 – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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