Paneer is a fresh, non-melting, acid-set cheese common in South Asian cuisine, made by curdling milk with a fruit or vegetable-based acid like lemon juice or vinegar. It is a firm, white, and mild-flavored cheese that absorbs spices well and does not melt when cooked, making it a versatile ingredient in dishes such as saag paneer (spinach with cheese) and mattar paneer (peas and cheese). It is a vegetarian product because it is made without rennet.