Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian vegetarian dish made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a creamy, mildly spiced spinach gravy. It’s a nutritious and flavorful meal, loved for its vibrant green color and rich taste.
Palak paneer is a delicious and nutritious Indian dish made with spinach and paneer (Indian cottage cheese). It’s a popular vegetarian dish known for its rich flavors and creamy texture. Here’s a simple recipe to make palak paneer at home:
Ingredients:
- 200 grams paneer (cubed)
- 250 grams fresh spinach (palak)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (pureed)
- 2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1-inch piece of ginger (minced)
- 2 green chilies (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or yogurt (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Blanch the Spinach:
- Wash the spinach thoroughly and blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Drain the spinach and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to retain its green color.
- Once cooled, blend the spinach into a smooth puree using a blender or food processor. Set aside.
- Prepare the Paneer:
- Heat a tablespoon of ghee or oil in a pan and lightly fry the paneer cubes until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Base:
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of ghee or oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Tomato Puree and Spices:
- Add the tomato puree to the pan and cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
- Add turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.
- Combine Spinach and Paneer:
- Add the spinach puree to the pan and mix thoroughly with the tomato and spice mixture.
- Add a little water if needed to adjust the consistency.
- Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the fried paneer cubes to the pan and gently mix to coat them with the spinach mixture.
- Finish the Dish:
- Add garam masala and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- If using, add heavy cream or yogurt for a creamier texture and mix thoroughly.
- Adjust salt and spices to taste.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Tips:
- Paneer: For a softer paneer, you can soak the fried paneer cubes in warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the spinach mixture.
- Creaminess: Adjust the amount of cream or yogurt based on your preference for a richer or lighter dish.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies and garam masala based on your spice tolerance.