Palak Paneer Recipe
Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian dish that consists of creamy spinach (palak) curry with cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese). It is a vegetarian dish that is widely enjoyed for its rich, flavorful, and nutritious qualities.
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| Palak Paneer Recipe |
The dish is prepared by blanching or sautéing fresh spinach leaves and then pureeing them into a smooth paste. The pureed spinach is cooked with a combination of aromatic spices like cumin, garam masala, turmeric, and ginger-garlic paste. This imparts a distinct and fragrant flavor to the curry. Paneer, which is a soft and mild cheese, is cut into cubes and added to the spinach curry.
The paneer cubes absorb the flavors of the curry and provide a creamy and rich texture to the dish. Sometimes, the paneer cubes are lightly fried or grilled before adding them to the curry for added texture and taste.
Nutritional Value of Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer not only satisfies the taste buds but also offers nutritional benefits. Spinach is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while paneer provides protein and calcium. This makes the dish not just delicious but also a wholesome and nourishing option.
Overall, Palak Paneer is a classic and comforting dish that showcases the flavors of Indian cuisine, combining the goodness of spinach and paneer in a delectable way.
Palak Paneer Recipe Ingredients
To prepare Palak Paneer, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and finely chopped
- 200 grams paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup fresh cream (optional)
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee (clarified butter)
- Salt to taste
Optional garnish:
- Fresh cream or yogurt
- Crushed dried fenugreek leaves
How to Prepare Palak Paneer?
Heat oil or ghee in a pan or kadhai over medium heat.
Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well and cook for a minute.
Add the chopped spinach leaves and cook until they wilt and become soft. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend it into a smooth puree. You can add a little water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Return the pureed mixture to the pan or kadhai and place it back on medium heat.
Add salt and mix well.
Add the paneer cubes and gently mix them into the spinach curry. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
If using fresh cream, add it now and mix well. This step is optional but adds a creamy texture to the dish.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the paneer is heated through.
Remove from heat and garnish with a drizzle of fresh cream or yogurt and finely crushed dried fenugreek leaves.
Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
Enjoy your homemade Palak Paneer!
How to Serve Palak Paneer?
Palak Paneer is often garnished with a drizzle of fresh cream or yogurt and served with naan, roti, or rice. The combination of the creamy spinach curry and the soft paneer cubes creates a delightful and satisfying meal. It is a popular choice for vegetarians and is loved by people of all ages.
Suggestions for Serving Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer is served best with Roti or Jeera Rice. Try some onion rings with this delicious Indian cuisine- Palak Paneer.
Tips to make the Best Palak Paneer
Fry the paneer cubes before adding to the gravy.
Wash properly palak before cutting and chopping it.
Add crushed dried fenugreek leaves to enhance the taste.
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