How To Make Palak Paneer: A Delicious and Healthy Spinach and Cheese Dish
Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian dish that is loved by many for its rich and creamy texture, combined with the goodness of spinach and paneer (Indian cottage cheese). This vegetarian delight is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a great source of essential nutrients. If you want to learn how to make this delectable dish at home, follow this step-by-step recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 bundles of fresh spinach leaves (approximately 400g)
– 200g paneer, cubed
– 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
– 2 medium-sized tomatoes, pureed
– 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
– 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)
– 1 tsp cumin seeds
– 1 tsp garam masala
– 1 tsp turmeric powder
– 1 tsp red chili powder
– 1/2 tsp cumin powder
– 1/2 tsp coriander powder
– 1/2 cup fresh cream
– Salt to taste
– 2 tbsp oil or ghee (clarified butter) for cooking
Instructions:
1. Begin by washing the spinach under running water. Blanch the spinach leaves in hot water for about 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to retain the vibrant green color. Blend the blanched spinach into a smooth puree. Set aside.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a pan on medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies to the pan. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
4. Reduce the heat to low and add the tomato puree. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rawness of the tomatoes is gone.
5. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala to the pan. Mix well with the tomato-onion mixture.
6. Pour in the spinach puree and mix it with the spices. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add salt according to taste.
7. Gently place the cubed paneer into the pan. Mix it gently with the spinach mixture. Cook for another 5 minutes on low heat to allow the paneer to absorb the flavors.
8. Finally, add fresh cream to the dish and stir well. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the entire mixture is well-blended and has a creamy consistency.
9. Remove the pan from heat and serve the Palak Paneer hot with naan, roti or steamed rice.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach as a substitute for fresh spinach. However, make sure to thaw and drain the excess water before pureeing it.
Q: Can I replace paneer with tofu for a vegan version?
A: Absolutely! Tofu can be used as a substitute for paneer to make a vegan version of Palak Paneer. Simply cube the tofu and follow the same recipe.
Q: Can I reduce the amount of cream to make it healthier?
A: Yes, if you prefer a lighter version of Palak Paneer, you can reduce the amount of cream or even omit it entirely. The dish will still taste delicious.
Q: How do I store leftover Palak Paneer?
A: Allow the Palak Paneer to cool down at room temperature and then refrigerate it in an airtight container. It can be stored for up to 2-3 days.
Now that you have the perfect recipe to make Palak Paneer, go ahead and try it out at home. It’s a great way to incorporate the goodness of spinach into your meals while treating your taste buds to a flavorful and satisfying dish. Enjoy!
