Palak Paneer Recipe
Introduction
Palak Paneer is a traditional Indian dish that is made with fresh spinach and paneer cheese. This dish is known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. It is a favorite among vegetarians and is often served with rice or naan bread.Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh spinach
- 8 oz paneer cheese, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Wash the spinach thoroughly and blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Puree the spinach in a blender or food processor and set aside.
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add the onions and sauté until they are translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for another minute.
- Add the diced tomato and cook until it is soft and mushy.
- Add the coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the pureed spinach and mix well. Add the water and bring everything to a boil.
- Add the cubed paneer cheese and mix gently. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the lid and add the heavy cream. Mix well and let it simmer for another minute.
- Turn off the heat and let the palak paneer rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
This recipe yields 4 servings. Each serving contains:
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 414mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 11g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 13g
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Wash the spinach thoroughly and blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Puree the spinach in a blender or food processor and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add the onions and sauté until they are translucent.
Step 3: Add the Garlic and Ginger
Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for another minute.
Step 4: Add the Tomato
Add the diced tomato and cook until it is soft and mushy.
Step 5: Add the Spices
Add the coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
Step 6: Add the Spinach
Add the pureed spinach and mix well. Add the water and bring everything to a boil.
Step 7: Add the Paneer
Add the cubed paneer cheese and mix gently. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Step 8: Add the Cream
Remove the lid and add the heavy cream. Mix well and let it simmer for another minute.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Turn off the heat and let the palak paneer rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Use Fresh Spinach
Using fresh spinach will give your palak paneer a bright green color and fresh flavor.
Tip 2: Cut the Paneer into Bite-Sized Pieces
Cutting the paneer into bite-sized pieces will help it absorb the flavors of the dish.
Tip 3: Add Extra Cream for a Creamier Texture
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add extra heavy cream to the dish.
Tip 4: Serve with Rice or Naan Bread
Palak paneer is traditionally served with rice or naan bread. The bread can be used to scoop up the spinach and cheese mixture.