Palak Paneer Recipe: A Delicious and Nutritious Spinach and Cottage Cheese Delight

 

Palak Paneer Recipe

Introduction:

Palak Paneer is a beloved vegetarian dish from India that combines the goodness of spinach (palak) with soft and creamy cottage cheese (paneer). This wholesome and flavorful recipe not only satisfies the taste buds but also provides a generous dose of nutrients. In this blog, we will guide you through the steps to create a delightful Palak Paneer dish that will be a hit at your dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches of fresh spinach leaves, washed and chopped

• 200 grams paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped

• 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise

• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon coriander powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

• 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil

• Salt to taste

• Fresh cream or yogurt (optional), for garnish

• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Blanching the Spinach:

   • Bring a pot of water to a boil.

   • Add the chopped spinach leaves to the boiling water and blanch them for about 2 minutes.

   • Drain the spinach and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice-cold water to retain its vibrant green color.

   • Drain the spinach again and blend it into a smooth puree using a blender or food processor. Set aside.

   Sautéing the Ingredients:

   • Heat ghee or vegetable oil in a pan or skillet over medium heat.

   • Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

   • Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

   • Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.

   • Add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy, stirring occasionally.

   Adding the Spices:

   • Reduce the heat to low and add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the onion-tomato mixture with the spices.

   • Cook the spice mixture for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

   Cooking Palak Paneer:

   • Add the spinach puree to the pan and mix well with the spice mixture.

   • Cover the pan and let the spinach cook for 5-7 minutes on low heat to develop its flavors.

   • Gently stir in the cubed paneer, ensuring that it is well-coated with the spinach and spice mixture.

   • Cover the pan again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors.

   Serving:
   • Garnish the Palak Paneer with a drizzle of fresh cream or yogurt (optional) and fresh coriander leaves.
   • Serve hot with roti, naan, or steamed rice.
   • Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the dish just before serving for a tangy touch.

Tips:

• To enhance the creaminess of the dish, you can lightly fry the paneer cubes before adding them to the spinach.

• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder.

• For added richness, you can add a dollop of butter or ghee on top of the prepared Palak Paneer before serving.

Conclusion:

Palak Paneer is a delightful and nutritious dish that showcases the vibrant green color of spinach and the softness of cottage cheese. By following this recipe, you can create a mouthwatering Palak Paneer that will please both your taste buds and your health-conscious mind. Enjoy the combination of flavors and textures in this classic Indian recipe, and savor the goodness of spinach and paneer in every bite.