Amul cheese is a beloved ingredient in Indian cuisine. This processed cheese made from buffalo milk has a unique salty, tangy, and creamy flavor that is hard to duplicate.
However, for those living outside of India or unable to find Amul cheese, there are some alternatives that can mimic the taste and texture surprisingly well.
What Makes Amul Cheese So Unique?
Amul cheese is a product of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd, which was formed in response to a dairy monopoly in India in the 1940s. Amul aimed to make dairy products, including cheese, accessible to people without refrigeration. The resulting canned, shelf-stable cheese became a staple in Indian households.
Some key qualities that make Amul cheese stand out:
- Made from the milk of Indian water buffaloes, giving it a richer, funkier flavor than cow's milk cheeses
- High salt content compared to other cheeses
- Processed and canned, so it has a long shelf life of up to 9 months
- Melts smoothly with a slight elasticity
- Slight tanginess balances out the butteryness
- Bright white color
Finding a cheese that closely imitates all of these qualities is difficult, but combining certain cheeses can come close to the taste and texture of Amul.
Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella is a great starting point for mimicking Amul cheese. When made from whole milk, mozzarella has a soft, creamy texture similar to Amul. It melts smoothly and has a very mild flavor that works well combined with sharper cheeses. The white color of fresh mozzarella also resembles Amul cheese.
For best results, choose fresh mozzarella packed in water rather than pre-shredded mozzarella. The cheese should be milk-white in color and tear into long, stretchy strands when melted. Part-skim mozzarella tends to get rubbery when melted.
Key Takeaway: Fresh mozzarella provides the mild flavor, smooth melting, and white color similar to Amul cheese.
Cheddar
A good quality white cheddar balances out the mildness of mozzarella with some tangy sharpness reminiscent of Amul cheese. Compared to mozzarella, cheddar has more flavor compounds that develop during aging, giving it that sharp, sour taste.
When shopping for cheddar, avoid pre-shredded varieties which include anti-caking agents that can impact melting. Look for a white cheddar aged for at least 1 year, which will provide noticeable sharpness. Try to find a locally produced cheddar for better flavor.
The buttery notes in aged cheddar can mimic the rich buffalo milk used in Amul cheese. For a close textural match to Amul, choose a firm, sliceable cheddar rather than a crumbly variety.
Key Takeaway: Aged white cheddar contributes tanginess and complexity similar to Amul cheese.
Parmesan
Adding a small amount of grated parmesan boosts the umami flavors in cheeses and provides a subtle crystalline crunch, similar to Amul cheese. Parmesan has less moisture than mozzarella and cheddar, allowing it to melt while still maintaining some texture.
Use genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese rather than "parmesan" if possible. The real Italian cheese has a richer, more complex flavor than imitation cheeses. A Microplane grater makes it easy to finely grate parmesan to blend into melted cheeses.
Only add a tablespoon or two of grated parmesan so it doesn't overpower the other flavors. Sprinkle over the top of melted cheese for little pockets of crunch.
Key Takeaway: Grated parmesan adds crunchy texture and savory depth to melted cheese blends.
Tips for Mixing the Cheeses
- Use a ratio of 2 parts mozzarella to 1 part cheddar as a starting point. Adjust according to your tastes.
- Grate the mozzarella and cheddar together for an even melt.
- Add just a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to the mix.
- For a close match to Amul cheese cubes, press the grated mixture into an ice cube tray. Chill until firm and pop out the "cheese cubes".
- Mix the cheeses together while cold, then gently heat to melt. Avoid prolonged cooking to prevent the cheeses from becoming tough.
How to Use an Amul Cheese Alternative
Once you have a good melty cheese blend, you can substitute it into any recipe that calls for Amul cheese. Here are some popular ways to use it:
- Grilled cheese sandwiches - Spread the cheese mixture on bread and grill in a pan or sandwich press. Add sliced onions, green chilies, or other veggies for extra flavor.
- Cheese toast - Top bread slices with the melted cheese and bake until golden brown and crispy.
- Cheese cubes - Form the cheese blend into cubes and enjoy as a snack or in skewers.
- Pizzas - Use the cheese mix instead of regular shredded pizza cheese.
- Pastas and lasagnas - Mix into any dish needing a white sauce or cheesy layer.
- Stuffed breads - Stuff naan, paratha, or other flatbreads with the melted cheese blend.
- Quesadillas - Sandwich the cheese mix between tortillas and grill until toasted.
Other Cheeses to Consider
While mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan make up the bulk of an Amul-like cheese blend, you can experiment with other cheeses as well:
- Monterey Jack - similar creamy texture to mozzarella
- Gruyere - nutty, salty flavor
- Fontina - buttery, semi-soft
- Havarti - smooth, slightly acidic
- Gouda - mellow, hint of butterscotch
- Asiago - firm, salty, tangy
The possibilities are endless when mixing and matching cheeses! Play around to create your own perfect blend.
Non-Dairy Amul Cheese Alternatives
Those avoiding dairy can also imitate Amul cheese using non-dairy cheeses. You won't exactly replicate the flavor and melt of real cheese, but combining options like:
- Nut-based cheeses
- Coconut oil-based cheeses
- Cashew cream cheese
- Vegan mozzarella
Can yield decent results. Add nutritional yeast for cheesy umami flavor. Vegan butter can also round out flavor.
Some specific brands to look for:
- Daiya
- Follow Your Heart
- Miyoko's
- Kite Hill
- Treeline
While not identical to real Amul cheese, non-dairy cheeses keep improving with new innovations. They work well in cooked applications like grilled cheese, toast, pizza, pasta, etc.
Purchasing Amul Cheese Online
If you can't quite match the magic of Amul with other cheeses, it is possible to order it online. There are a handful of sites that sell Amul cheese and ship to various countries.
Be aware that stocks can run low and sellers may limit how many cans can be purchased. But getting the real thing is worth it for die-hard Amul cheese fans.
Be sure to check the shipping information, but in many cases you can get authentic Amul cheese shipped if needed. It may be worth stocking up if you find a good source!
FAQs
What's the closest cheese to Amul?
A blend of mozzarella, white cheddar, and parmesan comes closest to imitating Amul's taste and texture. The mild mozzarella provides the creamy base, while sharp cheddar gives tanginess. Grated parmesan adds savoriness and crunch. Mixing the cheeses balances the different flavors and textures.
What cheese can be used instead of Amul?
Good substitutes include mozzarella, Monterey Jack, havarti, gouda, and white cheddar. Avoid heavily aged cheeses as they can overpower. Try to find cheeses made from whole milk for a creamy mouthfeel. Blend two or more substitutes together for better results.
Is Amul cheese vegetarian?
Yes, Amul cheese is vegetarian. It uses a microbial rennet to coagulate the milk rather than traditional animal-based rennet. This makes it acceptable for vegetarians and people who follow Hindu dietary customs.
Why is Amul cheese different than other cheeses?
Amul cheese has a unique tangy, salty flavor because it's made from Indian buffalo milk and aged for 3-6 months. This gives it a richer, funkier taste compared to cheese made from cow's milk. The canned processing also contributes to the distinctive sourness and long shelf life.
What can I use if I can't find Amul cheese?
Try blending mozzarella, Monterey Jack, gouda, and Parmesan if you can't find Amul cheese locally. Add some tangy fresh cheese like ricotta or goat cheese too. While not exactly the same, combining mild and sharp cheeses can mimic Amul well in cooked dishes.
Conclusion
Amul cheese holds a special place in Indian cuisine and culture that's hard to truly replicate.
But by blending the right cheeses together and using proper cooking techniques, you can come surprisingly close to that nostalgic Amul flavor and texture.
With the growing availability of cheeses worldwide, experimenting with different combinations can yield an Amul alternative that's memorable in its own right.