Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian dish that combines the goodness of spinach (Palak) with the rich, creamy texture of paneer (Indian cottage cheese). This vegetarian delight is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nutritious addition to your diet. In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple and authentic recipe to prepare Palak Paneer at home.

Ingredients:

1. 250g paneer (cubed)
2. 4 cups fresh spinach leaves (palak), washed and chopped
3. 1 large onion, finely chopped
4. 2 tomatoes, chopped
5. 2 green chilies, chopped
6. 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
7. 1/2 cup fresh cream (optional)
8. 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
9. 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
10. 1 teaspoon red chili powder
11. 1 teaspoon garam masala
12. 1 teaspoon coriander powder
13. Salt to taste
14. 2 tablespoons oil or ghee

Instructions:

1. Blanch the Spinach:

• Boil water in a pot and blanch the chopped spinach for 2-3 minutes.
• Immediately transfer the spinach to ice-cold water to retain its vibrant green color.
• Drain the water and blend the spinach with the help of blender into a smooth paste.

2. Prepare the Paneer:

• In a separate pan, heat a little oil and lightly fry the paneer cubes until they turn golden brown.
• Remove the paneer from the pan and set it aside.

3. Sauté Onions and Tomatoes:

• In the same pan, add more oil if needed, and temper cumin seeds.
• Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, sauté for another 2 minutes.
• Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.

4. Spice it Up:

• Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala.
• Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes to allow the spices to blend.

5. Combine Spinach and Paneer:

• Add the blended spinach paste to the pan.
• Stir well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat.
• Gently fold in the fried paneer cubes.

6. Add Cream or Yogurt:

• Pour in fresh cream or yogurt to give the dish its creamy texture.
• Season with salt according to taste.
• Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

7. Serve Hot:

• Once the Palak Paneer reaches your desired consistency, remove it from heat.
• Serve it hot with roti, naan, or rice.

Conclusion:

Palak Paneer is a delightful dish that showcases the perfect balance of flavors and textures. By preparing it at home, you not only get to enjoy the authentic taste but also control the quality of ingredients. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and treat yourself to a wholesome, homemade Palak Paneer that’s sure to impress your family and friends.