Teresa's Recipes
Palak Paneer
A jewel of Indian cuisine, Palak Paneer is a luxuriously creamy dish where velvety spinach meets the delicate, milky taste of paneer. This recipe, steeped in rich history, is a staple of Punjabi households and vibrant Indian festivities. This flavorful and nutritious vegetarian dish is a celebration of simple ingredients transforming into an exquisite, hearty meal, perfect for a family dinner or a festive feast.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, washed and cleaned Fresh spinach
- 200 grams, cubed Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
- 1/4 cup Fresh cream
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 inch piece, grated Ginger
- 1, finely chopped Green chili
- 1 medium, finely chopped Tomato
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala
- to taste Salt
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 17g
- Carbs: 10g
- Protein: 14g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Sugar: 4g
Instructions
- Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes. Immediately drain and plunge the spinach into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process and retain the vibrant green color. Once cooled, drain and blend into a smooth puree.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add cumin seeds and let them splutter to release their flavors.
- Add the finely chopped onions to the pan, sauté until they turn a golden brown color.
- Next, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chili to the pan. Sauté for a minute until the aromatics release their aroma.
- Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
- Season with turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Pour in the spinach puree and let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add the cubed paneer and garam masala to the pan. Mix gently, ensuring the paneer is well-coated with the spinach mixture, and let it cook for another 5 minutes.
- Finally, stir in the fresh cream, blending it well into the spinach and paneer mixture. Allow the dish to cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve your Palak Paneer hot, accompanied by warm naan bread or fragrant basmati rice. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this timeless Indian classic.
Tips
- For a vegan alternative, use tofu instead of paneer and coconut cream instead of fresh cream. To add a smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika or a hint of liquid smoke.