Palak Paneer Recipe: A Hearty Vegetarian Indian Meal

Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian dish that combines the earthy flavour of spinach with the creamy texture of cottage cheese. This dish is rich in iron, calcium, and protein and is a great way to incorporate nutrient-dense spinach into your diet. The spinach puree for this recipe is made with garlic, ginger, and green chillies to add a spicy kick to the dish. The paneer or cottage cheese is lightly fried and added to the spinach puree, creating a hearty and flavorful dish that can be served with rice or naan bread.

Ingredients:

For the Paneer:

• 250 grams paneer, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons oil, divided

For the Spinach Base:

• 2 bunches spinach (about 500g), cleaned and roughly chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 2-3 green chillies, chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add spinach and blanch for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to preserve the bright green colour. Drain well.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chillies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add all ground spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, Kashmiri chilli powder) and salt. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
5. Transfer the blanched spinach and sautéed onion mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth, adding a splash of water if needed.
6. In the same pan, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add paneer cubes and fry until lightly golden on all sides, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
7. Add butter or ghee to the pan. Pour in the spinach puree and stir well. Add 1/2 cup water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
8. Simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat. Add cream and garam masala, stirring well to combine.
9. Gently add the fried paneer to the spinach gravy. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a swirl of cream.

Tips:

• Use fresh spinach for best results
• Don't skip the ice bath step - it keeps the spinach vibrant green
• Pat paneer dry before frying to prevent oil splatter
• Adjust water quantity for desired gravy consistency

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice
• Accompany with sliced onions and lemon wedges
• Pairs well with dal and jeera rice

Storage:

Can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream or water if needed to adjust consistency.

And there you have it - this recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the nutritious benefits of spinach and the creamy goodness of cottage cheese. The combination of spices and herbs, including garlic, ginger, green chillies, and garam masala, adds a complex and satisfying flavour to the dish.