Palak Paneer, a beloved Indian dish, is a symphony of flavors and textures. This creamy spinach curry, rich in iron and vitamins, is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
What is Palak Paneer?
Palak Paneer translates to “Spinach and Cheese” in Hindi. It’s a vegetarian dish where soft paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is simmered in a luscious spinach-based gravy. The vibrant green color and the creamy texture of the sauce make it visually appealing and incredibly satisfying.
Palak Paneer (Easy, Restaurant-Style)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and can be prepared in under an hour.
Healthy and Nutritious: Spinach is packed with iron, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this dish a healthy and wholesome option.
Versatile: You can serve Palak Paneer with steamed rice, roti, naan, or even enjoy it as a side dish with your favorite Indian bread.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a guaranteed hit with both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spinach Puree:
1 bunch fresh spinach (about 2 cups chopped)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, grated
1 green chili, slit (optional)
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon garam masala
Salt to taste
For the Paneer:
200g paneer, cubed
For Tempering:
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
1 dried red chili
Instructions
1. Prepare the Spinach Puree:
Wash and Chop: Wash the spinach thoroughly under running water. Remove any thick stems and chop the leaves roughly.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Add asafoetida and dried red chili. Sauté for a few seconds.
Add Onions and Garlic: Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
Add Spinach: Add chopped spinach to the pan and stir well. Cover and cook until the spinach wilts down.
Blend Smooth: Once the spinach has cooled slightly, blend it to a smooth puree using a blender or food processor. Add a little water if needed to help with blending.
2. Make the Palak Paneer Gravy:
Heat Oil: Heat oil in a pan.
Add Spinach Puree: Add the blended spinach puree to the pan.
Season: Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir well and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Paneer: Gently add the paneer cubes to the gravy.
Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the paneer is heated through and the flavors have meld
