Introduction

Palak Paneer is a beloved vegetarian Indian dish featuring tender paneer (Indian cottage cheese) simmered in a rich and creamy spinach-based gravy. This vibrant green curry is a staple in many Indian restaurants and is known for its earthy flavors and comforting texture.

Why You’ll Love This

•   Rich and Flavorful: The combination of spinach, spices, and cream creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile.
•   Tender Paneer: The paneer cubes are cooked to perfection in the creamy spinach sauce.
•   Healthy: Packed with vitamins and minerals from spinach, Palak Paneer is a nutritious and wholesome meal.
•   Versatile: Can be enjoyed as a main course with rice or naan, or as a side dish.
•   Relatively Easy to Make: While it may seem complex, the recipe is surprisingly straightforward.

Equipment Needed

•   Large pot or Dutch oven
•   Blender or food processor
•   Cutting board
•   Knife
•   Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

•   1 pound fresh spinach, washed and stemmed
•   1 pound paneer, cut into 1-inch cubes
•   2 tablespoons butter
•   1 large onion, chopped
•   2 cloves garlic, minced
•   1-inch piece ginger, minced
•   1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
•   1 teaspoon garam masala
•   1 teaspoon ground coriander
•   1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
•   1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
•   1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
•   1/4 cup heavy cream
•   Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutritional Information (per serving)

•   Calories: 250-300
•   Protein: 15-20g
•   Fat: 10-15g
•   Carbohydrates: 15-20g

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

•   Blanch Spinach: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add spinach and blanch for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted. Drain and squeeze out excess water.
•   Sauté Onions: Heat butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
•   Add Aromatics: Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more.
•   Simmer the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
•   Blend the Spinach: Transfer the blanched spinach to a blender along with 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce. Blend until smooth and creamy.
•   Combine and Simmer: Return the blended spinach mixture to the pot. Stir in the remaining tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
•   Add Paneer: Gently stir in the paneer cubes.
•   Simmer and Thicken: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
•   Stir in Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 1 minute more.
•   Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan, or roti.

Tips for the Best Palak Paneer

•   Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach will provide the best flavor.
•   Don’t overcook the spinach: Overcooking can make the spinach mushy.
•   Blend the spinach smooth: A smooth spinach puree creates a more velvety sauce.
•   Adjust the spice level: Add more or less chili powder to suit your taste.
•   Simmer gently: Low and slow simmering allows the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

•   Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or roti.
•   Garnish with a dollop of plain yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice.
•   Enjoy as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.
•   Serve alongside other Indian dishes like raita or samosas.

FAQs About Palak Paneer

 Q 1: Can I use frozen spinach?

Ans: Yes, frozen spinach works well in this recipe.

 Q 2: Can I use store-bought paneer? Ans: Yes, store-bought paneer works well in this recipe.

 Q 3: Can I make this dish ahead of time? Ans: Yes, the sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and reheated gently.

 Q 4: Can I freeze Palak Paneer?

Ans: Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

 Palak Paneer is a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to impress. With its creamy spinach sauce and tender paneer, it’s a perfect option for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the taste of India in your own kitchen.