Palak Paneer, a classic Indian dish, combines fresh spinach (palak) with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a flavorful blend of spices and creamy texture. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of making this delectable vegetarian dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- Spinach (Palak): 500 grams
- Paneer (Cottage Cheese): 250 grams (cubed)
- Onions: 2 medium-sized (finely chopped)
- Tomatoes: 2 medium-sized (pureed)
- Green Chilies: 2 (finely chopped)
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon
- Cumin Seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Red Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Garam Masala: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Oil or Ghee: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh Cream: 2 tablespoons (optional)
- Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): 1 teaspoon (optional)
Procedure:
- Blanching the Spinach:
- Boil water and blanch the spinach for 2-3 minutes. Drain and transfer to ice-cold water. Blend into a smooth puree.
- Sauteing Paneer:
- Lightly sauté paneer cubes in a pan until they develop a golden color. Set aside.
- Tempering:
- In the same pan, heat oil or ghee. Add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add finely chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until onions turn golden brown.
- Adding Spices:
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Stir well.
- Tomato Puree:
- Add pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the masala.
- Incorporating Spinach Puree:
- Add the spinach puree and mix well. Allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors blend.
- Seasoning:
- Season with salt and add garam masala. Adjust spices according to taste.
- Adding Paneer:
- Gently add the sautéed paneer cubes to the spinach mixture. Stir carefully to coat the paneer with the flavorful gravy.
- Simmering:
- Let the Palak Paneer simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes on low heat, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors.
- Optional Additions:
- For added richness, you can include fresh cream and kasuri methi at this stage. Stir well.
- Final Touch:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Palak Paneer is now ready to be served.
- Garnishing and Serving:
- Garnish with a dollop of fresh cream and serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
Congratulations! You have successfully crafted a delicious batch of homemade Palak Paneer. This iconic Indian dish is not only rich in flavor but also a wholesome and nutritious addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the satisfaction of preparing a restaurant-worthy dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.