Chaat Spiced Paneer Log

This is an amazing cheese log perfect for holiday entertaining or for any occasion. This is made with fresh paneer, Indian spices, and herbs. This one of a kind of cheese appetizer that can be made easily.

The creaminess of the fresh paneer is makes it a perfect choice to make cheese balls/logs. The addition of a little quantity of cream cheese helps in gathering the fresh crumbled paneer and herbs together. This is made with fresh paneer made by curdling and draining the excess water, but not to bone dryness. Store-bought paneer can be shredded and pulsed in food processor to substitute the fresh paneer, but the texture of fresh paneer stands out. 

Chaat masala and black salt along with mint and coriander give an Indian touch and add an addictive taste. This can be made ahead, like two days ahead and it is great. So dried mint is the choice. When using fresh mint, use it the same day, as mint may change color if stored for a couple of days. Sesame seeds are used here which adds a delicious crunch.

This paneer log pairs well with any crackers, bagel chips, or pita chips. With some salt crackers these are a great snack. Paneer is rich in proteins and this is an amazing snack dip.  Any crushed nuts can be used. This is an amazing choice for any holiday entertainment platter.

I am also linking this to Blogging Marathon, Sundays on Silverado, Happiness is Homemade, and Full Plate Thursday.

Ingredients

Prep time: 1 hour

Cook time 15 min

Refrigeration: 1 hour

Milk -2 cups

Lemon juice - 1 tbsp

Cream cheese - 2-oz, room temperature

Black salt - 1/4 tsp

Chaat masala - 3/4 tsp

Dried mint - 2 tbsp

Cilantro - 2 tbsp, chopped fine

Chili flakes - 1/2 tsp

Sesame seeds - 1.5 tbsp, toasted

Method

Boil milk, and when it is about to overflow add the lemon juice and curdle the milk. Drain and press it for about an hour to remove excess water.

Add the paneer and the rest of the ingredients to a bowl, mix it.

Gather the cheese mixture into a ball or log. Place the sesame seeds in a plate and roll the cheese ball/log to coat a layer of the seeds. 

Wrap the rolled cheese log and refrigerate for an hour to firm up.

Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving, serve with assorted crackers and chips.