Vegan paneer--can it be done with soy milk?

Question

I've been doing LOTS of Desi cooking lately; in a few years, I may be marrying into a Pakistani family if all goes well with my boyfriend. As a vegan, I have been getting curious about those Indian dishes that I just can't have. I have never in my life had paneer because I was vegan long before my interest in Indian food surfaced.

I had never tried making paneer with soy milk because I assumed that the physical properties of the soy milk would be different from that of cow's milk, even if the taste is supposed to have a resemblance. I'm not even sure if soy milk is a colloid like cow's milk. I mean, the protein and fat types are totally different, so I just never bothered to try it.

But after hearing someone mention vegan paneer, I got really curious. I know how to make regular paneer, but can it be done the same way with soy or even rice milks? If it can't, is there any viable vegan soy milk recipe? Will I ever be able to make ras malai that I will actually be able to taste?

Answer 1

Hi I am indian too, and recently turned vegan. well, I am in the same boat as you about the paneer. I found these indian vegan websites

http://earthvegan.blogspot.com/2008/01/c...

http://vegetarian.about.com/od/maindishe...

http://vegetarian.about.com/od/maindishe...

by the way - you are marrying a Pakistani -- are they vegetarian or vegan. I have never met vegan Pakistani - that must be cool.

Good luck for your wedding.

Answer 2

well actually no it does not taste right plus I'm Indian nut seriously make it with milk,buttermilk,and etc.

Answer 3

This is not being sarcastic but you can make almost anything out of soy, like milks, yogurts, and yes cheeses, which I suppose would include paneer.

Answer 4

Why not just use tofu in place of paneer. I know Indians who do that. I thought it was a fairly common practice, maybe not.