Palak Paneer || Palak Paneer Recipe
**Introduction:** : Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer is a beloved North Indian vegetarian dish that combines the goodness of spinach (palak) with
creamy paneer (Indian cottage cheese). This flavorful and nutritious dish is not only easy to prepare but also a
great way to incorporate greens into your diet. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the step-by-step process of
making delicious Palak Paneer.
**Ingredients:**
For the Palak Paste:
- 250 grams of fresh spinach leaves (palak)
- 2 cups of water for blanching
- 1/2 cup of water for ice bath
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1-inch piece of ginger, chopped
- 2-3 green chilies (adjust to taste)
- half teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1/2 cup of water (for blending)
- Salt to taste
For the Gravy:
- 200 grams of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cubed
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil or ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
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- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, finely chopped
- half a teaspoon of turmeric powder
- One teaspoon of red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup of fresh cream (optional)
**Instructions:**
**Step 1: Preparing the Palak Paste**
1.1. Begin by washing the spinach leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities.
1.2. In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt. Once the water is boiling, add the spinach
leaves and blanch them for about 2 minutes until they wilt.
1.3. Quickly transfer the blanched spinach into a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps
retain the vibrant green color of the spinach.
1.4. Drain the spinach and transfer it to a blender. Add chopped onion, garlic, ginger, green chilies, cumin seeds,
and 1/2 cup of water. Blend until you get a smooth, vibrant green paste. Set this aside.
**Step 2: Preparing the Gravy**
2.1. Heat oil or ghee in a container on medium intensity. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2.2. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent and light golden brown.
2.3. Stir in the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate from the
mixture.
2.4. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir well and cook for a
couple of minutes.
2.5. Pour in the prepared Palak Paste and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture
thickens and the oil begins to separate.
2.6. Add the cubed paneer and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors.
2.7. If you prefer a creamier texture, add fresh cream at this stage and stir well. Adjust the consistency with water
if needed.
**Conclusion:**
Palak Paneer is now ready to serve. Garnish it with a drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of garam masala for extra
flavor. This wholesome and nutritious dish pairs perfectly with naan, roti, or rice. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and
aromatic flavors of this classic Indian dish with your loved ones.
