Paneer
 Paneer | |
| Alternative names | Ponir, Indian cottage cheese |
|---|---|
| Type | Cheese |
| Region or state | South Asia |
| Main ingredients | Cow milk or buffalo milk |
Paneer (pronounced [pəˈniːr]) is a fresh acid-set cheese, common in South Asian cuisine, made from cow milk or buffalo milk. It is a non-aged, non-melting soft cheese made by curdling milk with an acid, such as lemon juice or citric acid. Paneer is predominantly used in north Indian dishes and is commonly used throughout India due to its versatility as an ingredient in diverse dishes.
Its origins are not known, with doubtful references in the Vedas of ancient India; other theories include a Persian origin and a Portuguese introduction of the use of acid to form cheeses in the 17th century.