NO BAKE YOGURT PANEER CAKE

This was in the to-do list for a long time. I look at the exotic cheese cakes everyday and keep on thinking I have to try these no bake desserts some day. Not familiar with this kind of desserts, I was always skeptical about trying them. After the relocation, we tasted them a couple of times and loved. However, I wished to prepare a desi version of it, a low caloric dessert that is in tune with our Indian / South Asian taste bud. 

Since I was doing it for the first time, I needed ideas about it, specially with regards to the measurement of the ingredients. While surfing, I came across a number of recipes on yogurt cake. I largely drew inspiration from similar recipes of saffronstreaks and spiceupthecurry. 

Since I was doing it for the first time I did not take the risk of not using the gelatin powder. I think the Agar Agar powder could have been an alternative to the gelatin. What I loved about this dessert is that it is hassle free and I could do it with everything available at home. The addition of chopped fruits is optional. I had some, so I added, it can be skipped. Let us do it.

INGREDIENTS :

Yogurt : 200ml [I used Greek Yogurt]
Paneer [Indian Cottage Cheese] : 100gm
Sugar : 1/2 small cup [adjust as per your taste]
Biscuit : 10-12 medium sized [I used digestive oats biscuits]
Butter : 1/4 small cup
Gelatin Powder : 2 tsp
Pineapple[chopped] : 2tbsp [optional]
Pomegranate : 1tbsp [optional]

METHOD :

Take the yogurt and sugar in a bowl and whisk well for 2 minutes. Good if we can strain the water from the yogurt. 

Crumble the paneer and keep rubbing for 2-3 minutes. Add to the yogurt and mix well with a spoon.

Take 4-5 tbsp of water in a bowl and add the gelatin powder to it. Mix well and microwave at low for 1 & 1/2 minute. Add to the yogurt mix and fold in well.

In a grinder, grind the biscuits into a coarse powder. Melt the butter and add to it. Pulse once, mix well taking in a bowl.

Take a plate and place a cake ring just in the middle. Transfer the biscuit-butter mix inside the ring and press it with your hand.

Add the fruits to the yogurt-paneer mix if you are using it. Pour the mix inside the ring. Refrigerate for 4-5 hours.

Take out, insert a knife on the inner side of the ring to loosen a bit. Take out the ring carefully.

Serve immediately. The leftovers, if any should be refrigerated again and had within 2 days.