Palak Paneer
Jun 5
5 min read
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A delicious Indian dish made with spinach and paneer (Indian cottage cheese).
Palak Paneer is a popular vegetarian dish from India. It features a creamy spinach sauce with chunks of paneer (Indian cottage cheese). The dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for a main course. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to making Palak Paneer at home.
Ingredients
- Spinach — 500 grams (about 1 pound)
- Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) — 200 grams (about 7 ounces), cubed
- Oil or ghee — 2 tablespoons
- Cumin seeds — 1 teaspoon
- Onion — 1 medium-sized, finely chopped
- Garlic — 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger — 1-inch piece, grated
- Tomato — 1 medium-sized, finely chopped
- Green chili — 1, finely chopped (optional)
- Turmeric powder — 1/2 teaspoon
- Coriander powder — 1 teaspoon
- Cumin powder — 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala — 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt — to taste
- Heavy cream — 1/4 cup
- Water — 1/4 cup
- Fresh coriander leaves — 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
1. Wash the spinach thoroughly and blanch it in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl of cold water to retain the green color. Drain again and blend to a smooth puree using a blender or food processor.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
4. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chili (if using). Cook for a minute until fragrant.
5. Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
6. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir well to combine the spices with the onion-tomato mixture.
7. Add the spinach puree to the pan and mix well with the spice mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
8. Add the cubed paneer and gently mix it with the spinach sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors.
9. Stir in heavy cream and water to adjust the consistency of the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
10. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
11. Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
12. Enjoy the delicious Palak Paneer!