Palak Paneer is a classic and beloved Indian dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of spinach (palak) and Indian cottage cheese (paneer). Hailing from North Indian cuisine, this iconic vegetarian dish showcases tender spinach leaves cooked with aromatic spices and cubes of paneer, creating a rich and creamy gravy that tantalizes the taste buds.
The spinach, blanched and pureed, forms the base of the dish, providing both vibrant color and a nutritious foundation. The paneer, a fresh, unsalted Indian cheese, is added to the spinach gravy, absorbing the flavors and imparting a creamy texture to the dish.
Often infused with a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, Palak Paneer embodies a perfect balance of earthy, herbaceous, and mildly spiced flavors. This creamy spinach and paneer concoction is typically served alongside Indian bread like naan, roti, or rice, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Palak Paneer not only delights the taste buds with its creamy texture and flavorful spinach but also offers a nutritious dish packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and protein.
This iconic Indian dish continues to captivate food enthusiasts worldwide with its comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of India.
Palak Paneer Ingredients
- 250g paneer (cubed)
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves (washed)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1-inch ginger (minced)
- 1 or 2 green chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee for cooking
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Blanch the spinach: Boil water in a pot, add spinach leaves, and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer the leaves to ice-cold water. This helps retain the vibrant green color. Blend the blanched spinach to a smooth puree and set aside.
- Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Add minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate.
- Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a minute.
- Pour the spinach puree into the pan and mix everything together. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes on medium heat.
- Add cubed paneer to the spinach mixture and mix gently. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes.
- Finally, add garam masala and mix. If using heavy cream, add it now and stir well. Cook for an additional minute.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat.
- Serve hot Palak Paneer with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
This Palak Paneer recipe is nutritious and delicious, perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal. Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade Palak Paneer!
Comments
Post a Comment