If you’re craving a comforting and flavorful dish, look no further than the beloved Indian classic – Palak Paneer. This vegetarian recipe features paneer, a firm Indian cheese, cooked in a creamy and aromatic spinach sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to impress guests with your culinary skills, Palak Paneer is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Title: Palak Paneer
Ingredients:
– 1 lb paneer, cubed
– 2 bunches of fresh spinach, washed and chopped
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
– 2 tomatoes, chopped
– 1 tsp cumin seeds
– 1 tsp garam masala
– 1 tsp turmeric powder
– 1 tsp coriander powder
– 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
– Salt to taste
– 2 tbsp ghee or oil
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Begin by blanching the chopped spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain the spinach and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This will help retain the vibrant green color of the spinach. Once cooled, blend the spinach to a smooth puree and set aside.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and start to break down.
4. Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to combine the spices with the onion-tomato mixture.
5. Pour in the spinach puree and cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add the cubed paneer and gently stir to coat the cheese in the creamy spinach sauce.
6. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to incorporate it into the dish. Let the Palak Paneer simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and the paneer to absorb the delicious sauce.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or chili powder according to your preference.
8. Once the Palak Paneer reaches your desired consistency, remove it from heat and serve hot with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread.
Palak Paneer is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish alongside other Indian delicacies. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to Indian cuisine, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and creamy texture. Give it a try and savor the taste of India right in your own cozy kitchen!
