Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of our Palak Paneer recipe, a beloved classic in Indian cuisine! This vibrant dish features tender spinach leaves cooked with aromatic spices and cubes of paneer cheese, creating a luxurious and satisfying meal that's perfect for vegetarians and spinach lovers alike. Join us as we explore the steps to creating this flavorful masterpiece in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and chopped
- 200 grams paneer, cubed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spinach:
- Blanch the chopped spinach leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Drain the spinach and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Once cooled, drain the spinach again and blend it into a smooth puree using a blender or food processor. Set aside.
2. Cook the Paneer:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the paneer cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the Gravy:
- In the same pan, add the remaining oil or ghee.
- Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chili (if using). Sauté for another minute.
- Stir in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground coriander, and garam masala. Mix well.
4. Combine Spinach and Gravy:
- Add the spinach puree to the pan and mix until well combined with the spice mixture.
- Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Finish with Paneer and Cream:
- Gently fold in the fried paneer cubes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- If using heavy cream, pour it into the pan and stir until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Adjust salt to taste.
6. Serve:
- Transfer the Palak Paneer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with rice, naan, or roti for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
Experience the comfort and flavor of homemade Palak Paneer with our easy-to-follow recipe. With its creamy spinach gravy and tender paneer cubes, this classic Indian dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. So, gather your ingredients and spices, and embark on a culinary journey to delight your taste buds with this creamy and delicious Palak Paneer.
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Enjoy your creamy Palak Paneer!
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