Palak Paneer Recipe: A Delectable Journey into Indian Cuisine

Palak Paneer, a classic vegetarian dish in Indian cuisine, combines the vibrant flavors of spinach (palak) with the creamy goodness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese). This hearty and nutritious dish has earned a special place on dinner tables around the world. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore the recipe for this flavorful and wholesome Palak Paneer.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and chopped
• 200g paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cubed
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust according to spice preference)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 cup fresh cream (optional, for added richness)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Blanching the spinach:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil.
• Add the chopped spinach leaves and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they wilt.
• Drain the spinach and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to retain the vibrant green color.
• Once cooled, blend the spinach into a smooth puree.

2. Cooking the Paneer:

• Heat a pan with a little oil or ghee.
• Add the paneer cubes and lightly fry them until they turn golden brown.
• Remove the paneer cubes and soak them in warm water to keep them soft.

3. Preparing the Palak Paneer:

• In the same pan, add more oil or ghee if needed.
• Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
• Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Stir in ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chilies. Sauté for another minute.
• Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.

4. Adding Spices:

• Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Stir well to combine the spices with the onion-tomato base.

5. Incorporating Spinach Puree:

• Pour in the blended spinach puree and mix thoroughly.
• Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

6. Adding Paneer and Cream:

• Gently add the fried paneer cubes into the spinach mixture.
• If using fresh cream, add it at this stage for added richness. Stir well.

7. Adjusting Seasoning:

• Season the Palak Paneer with salt according to taste.
• Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors of the spinach gravy.

8. Garnishing:

• Once the Palak Paneer reaches the desired consistency, garnish it with fresh coriander leaves.

9. Serving:

• Palak Paneer pairs well with naan, roti, or steamed rice. Serve it hot, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures.

10. Tips:

• For a smoother consistency, you can pass the spinach puree through a sieve after blending.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
• Experiment with the quantity of cream to achieve the desired richness.

Palak Paneer is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a celebration of wholesome ingredients. This recipe allows you to create a restaurant-style dish in the comfort of your kitchen, bringing the essence of Indian cuisine to your dining table. Enjoy the delightful fusion of spinach and paneer—a combination that continues to captivate food enthusiasts around the world.