Palak Paneer Recipe

Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with spinach and paneer (Indian cottage cheese). This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It is a great vegetarian option that can be enjoyed with roti, naan, or rice. In this recipe, we will make palak paneer from scratch.

Ingredients:

• 500g spinach
• 200g paneer
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

Step 1: Blanching the Spinach

Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Remove the spinach from the boiling water and immediately put it in a bowl of ice-cold water. This will help to retain the bright green color of the spinach.

Drain the spinach and puree it in a blender until it becomes a smooth paste.

Step 2: Making the Paneer

Cut the paneer into small cubes and set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the paneer cubes and fry until they turn golden brown on all sides. Remove the paneer cubes from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Making the Gravy

In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.

Add the chopped onions, ginger-garlic paste, and green chilies. Saute until the onions become translucent.

Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Add the tomato puree and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the oil separates from the mixture.

Step 4: Adding the Spinach and Paneer

Add the spinach puree to the pan and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

Add the fried paneer cubes and mix gently. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Add the heavy cream and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens.

Step 5: Serving

Palak Paneer is ready to be served. Garnish it with a little bit of cream and serve hot with roti, naan, or rice.

Tips:

• You can use fresh or frozen spinach for this recipe. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely before using it.
• You can adjust the amount of green chilies according to your taste.
• Instead of tomato puree, you can also use fresh tomatoes. Just chop the tomatoes finely and add them to the pan after the onions become translucent.
• To make the dish healthier, you can use low-fat cream or skip the cream altogether.

Conclusion:

Palak Paneer is a classic North Indian dish that is loved by many. This dish is not only tasty but also healthy, as it is packed with nutrients from the spinach and paneer. This recipe is easy to follow and can be made with simple ingredients that are readily available in your kitchen. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with this delicious and nutritious dish.