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Mediterranean/Arabic Cheese Hack Simple and Easy

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Recipe Information

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Video-Specific Recipe

Panela Cheese

Cultural Context

Originating from the Middle East, Panela Cheese is a fresh, unaged cheese that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is often used in various dishes, from salads to grilled items, and is celebrated for its mild flavor and versatility. In modern cuisine, it has gained popularity in various regions, adapting to local tastes and ingredients, making it a beloved staple in many households.

SyrianSYother
30 min
easy
4 servings
Servings4
4 cups water
12 ounces vanilla cheese
2.5 teaspoons Himalayan salt
0.5 teaspoon mahlab
2 tablets mastic
1 tablespoon black nigella seeds

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: whole milk

Almond milk is lower in calories and suitable for lactose intolerance.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: apple cider vinegar

Lemon juice provides a fresh flavor while being a natural acid.

salt

🥗Healthier: sea salt

💰Cheaper: table salt

Sea salt offers a different texture and flavor profile.

herbs

🥗Healthier: fresh herbs

💰Cheaper: dried herbs

Fresh herbs enhance flavor while dried herbs are more economical.

1

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat.

2

In a mortar, crush 0.5 teaspoon of mahlab and 2 tablets of mastic together.

3

Add 2.5 teaspoons of salt to the boiling water along with the crushed mahlab and mastic.

4

Wait for the water to heat up until it's almost boiling, but not boiling.

5

Add half of the cut vanilla cheese cubes to the water.

6

Gently stir the cheese while it boils until it's soft in the middle.

7

Remove the cheese from the water and add the next batch.

8

Let the cheese cool enough to touch, then dip it in 1 tablespoon of black nigella seeds and flatten slightly.

9

Store the cheese in a jar or container with the cooled water in the refrigerator.

Cooking Techniques

curdlingpressing

Equipment Needed

mortarjar or container with lid

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Dietary

vegetarian

Allergens

dairy

Also Known As

Queso PanelaPanela

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