Recipe for Palak Paneer

 

                                                Recipe for Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is a delicious Indian vegetarian dish made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a creamy spinach (palak) gravy. It's a popular and healthy dish enjoyed with naan, roti, or rice.   Palak paneer is a popular Indian dish made with spinach and paneer (Indian cottage cheese). It is a nutritious dish that is high in protein, iron, and calcium. Here's a full recipe for making Palak Paneer:

Ingredients:

- 250 grams paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cubed

- 500 grams fresh spinach (palak), washed and cleaned

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped

- 2-3 green chilies, chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)

- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced

- 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves (cilantro), chopped

- 1/2 cup fresh cream (or substitute with cashew cream for a vegan version)

- 1/2 cup water (or as needed for consistency)

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or ghee (clarified butter)

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon garam masala

- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Blanch the Spinach:

   - Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the washed spinach leaves to it.

   - Boil for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.

   - Drain the spinach and immediately transfer it to a bowl filled with ice water.

   - This helps retain the bright green color of the spinach.

   - Once cooled, drain the spinach again and blend it to a smooth puree. Set aside.

2. Fry the Paneer:

   - In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee over medium heat.

   - Add the paneer cubes and fry them until they turn golden brown on all sides.

   - Remove the fried paneer from the pan and place it on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

3. Prepare the Gravy:

   - In the same pan, add the remaining oil or ghee.

   - Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

   - Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

4. Add Ginger-Garlic and Spice Powders:

   - Add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the pan and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.

   - Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Stir well.

5. Add Tomatoes and Green Chilies:

   - Add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies to the pan.

   - Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the oil starts to separate.

6. Mix in the Spinach Puree:

   - Add the spinach puree to the pan and mix everything together.

   - Season with salt according to your taste.

7. Cook the Gravy:

   - Let the spinach gravy simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and develop.

   - If the gravy is too thick, you can add some water to achieve the desired consistency.

8. Add Paneer and Cream:

   - Gently add the fried paneer cubes to the spinach gravy.

   - Stir in the fresh cream or cashew cream, which adds richness to the dish.

9. Garnish and Serve:

   - Finally, add chopped coriander leaves for added freshness and aroma.

   - Give it a gentle mix and turn off the heat.

   - Palak Paneer is now ready to be served.

   - Serve it hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

Enjoy your homemade Palak Paneer! It's a nutritious and flavorful dish that's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.