5 desi ways to reuse curdled milk in the kitchen

Time of India

10-06-2025

Curdling of milk is a common problem during the summer season. This is due to the extreme hot and humid weather, which ends up affecting the natural texture and quality of the milk. While, in most households, curdled milk is often discarded, assuming it is unfit to consume, do you know there are some simple ways to reuse this curdled milk in some very useful ways? So, follow us through these simple ideas, and try out…
Why does milk frequently curdle in summers?
There's no denying that the extreme hot and humid weather often leads to curdling of milk, which is mostly discarded due to its texture and different taste.
Curdling of milk happens frequently in summers because of increased bacterial activity due to the warm temperature. This happens because milk is naturally loaded with Lactobacillus bacteria, which are mostly dormant when milk is stored in cold temperatures.
However, when the temperature fluctuates frequently, the rising humidity and weather make ground for the bacteria to thrive and multiply much faster. They convert the lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid through a process called fermentation.
This increased acidity causes the casein proteins in the milk to coagulate and clump together, leading to the curdling up of milk and also turning it sour in taste. Well, here are some simple ways to effectively use this curdled milk in day-to-day cooking.
Homemade paneer
This is the most popular way to reuse curdled milk. Simply strain the curdled milk through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve. The solid curds left behind are fresh paneer.
Once pressed, this homemade paneer can be cut into cubes and can be used in many Indian curries like Palak Paneer, Matar Paneer, or Paneer Butter Masala.
Chhena
Similar to paneer, chhena is the fresh, unpressed curd obtained from curdled milk. Unlike paneer, chhena retains more moisture and has a crumbly texture. It's the primary ingredient for many Bengali sweets like rasgulla and sandesh. To make chhena, simply drain the curdled milk, but don't press it firmly.
The soft, moist chhena can then be kneaded with a little sugar and cardamom to create quick, delightful desserts or even used as a filling for sweet parathas.
Kadhi
While traditional kadhi often uses fresh yogurt or buttermilk, curdled milk can be a fantastic substitute due to its inherent sourness and slight thickness. To make kadhi, blend the curdled milk with a little gram flour (besan) to prevent lumps. Temper mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies in oil, then add the curdled milk mixture.
Simmer until it thickens, creating a tangy and comforting soup.
Buttermilk (Chaas)
Believe it or not, slightly curdled milk can be transformed into a refreshing buttermilk-like drink. While it won't be as smooth as traditional churned buttermilk, the separated solids can be strained out, and the remaining liquid can be seasoned. Add roasted cumin powder, a pinch of black salt, and finely chopped coriander leaves to the strained liquid.
Roti/Paratha
The whey, which is the greenish liquid left after making paneer or chhena from curdled milk, is a treasure trove of nutrients and can do wonders for your dough. Instead of using plain water, knead your wheat flour for rotis or parathas with this whey. The lactic acid in the whey helps break down the gluten, resulting in incredibly soft, pliable, and flavorful rotis and parathas. This not only adds a subtle tanginess to your rotis and parathas but also boosts their nutritional value, making every bite more wholesome.
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