Palak Paneer is a vibrant, flavorful Indian dish consisting of creamy spinach (palak) puree infused with aromatic spices and chunks of soft paneer (Indian cottage cheese). It’s a vegetarian delight, rich in taste and texture, often served with naan, roti, or rice. Here’s a basic recipe for Palak Paneer.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chopped spinach (palak)
- 200g paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cubed
- 2-3 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Blanch the Spinach: Boil water in a pot and blanch the spinach leaves for about 2 minutes. Drain the spinach and immediately transfer it to a bowl of cold water to retain its green color. Blend the spinach to a smooth paste.
- Prepare the Paneer: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan and lightly fry the paneer cubes until they turn golden brown. Remove them and set aside.
- Make the Gravy: In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for a couple of minutes.
- Add Spices: Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and the oil starts separating. Add garam masala, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.
- Combine Spinach and Gravy: Add the spinach puree to the mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
- Add Paneer: Add the fried paneer cubes to the spinach gravy. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the paneer is coated with the spinach mixture. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes on low heat.
- Finish with Cream (optional): If using heavy cream, drizzle it over the palak paneer and mix it well. This step adds a creamy texture to the dish.
- Serve: Once done, turn off the heat and transfer the palak paneer to a serving bowl. Garnish with a swirl of cream or a dollop of butter if desired. Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
Enjoy your homemade palak paneer!
