Palak Paneer Recipe

Ingredients

• Fresh Spinach (Palak) - 500g, cleaned and roughly chopped
• Paneer (Cottage Cheese) - 200g, cubed
• Onion - 1 large, finely chopped
• Tomato - 2 medium, pureed
• Ginger-Garlic Paste - 1 tbsp
• Green Chili - 2, slit (adjust to taste)
• Cumin Seeds (Jeera) - 1 tsp
• Turmeric Powder (Haldi) - 1/2 tsp
• Red Chili Powder (Lal Mirch) - 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
• Coriander Powder (Dhaniya) - 1.5 tsp
• Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp
• Fresh Cream (optional, for richness) - 2 tbsp
• Oil or Ghee - 2 tbsp
• Salt - to taste
• Water - as needed

Instructions

1. 1

   Step 1: Blanch the Spinach. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the chopped spinach and blanch for just 1-2 minutes until wilted. Immediately drain the spinach and transfer it into a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process and retain its vibrant green color. Drain again and blend into a smooth puree with green chilies.

2. 2

   Step 2: Prepare the Paneer. Heat 1 tbsp oil/ghee in a pan. Lightly shallow-fry the paneer cubes until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside. Alternatively, you can directly add raw paneer cubes to the gravy.

3. 3

   Step 3: Make the Masala. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp oil/ghee. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent and light golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.

4. 4

   Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Spices. Add tomato puree to the pan and cook until the oil separates from the masala. Stir in turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

5. 5

   Step 5: Combine and Simmer. Add the spinach puree to the cooked masala. Mix well and add about 1/2 cup of water to adjust the consistency. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add salt to taste and garam masala. Mix well.

6. 6

   Step 6: Add Paneer and Finish. Gently add the fried paneer cubes (or raw paneer) to the simmering gravy. Mix gently and cook for another 5-7 minutes on low heat, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors. If using, stir in fresh cream just before serving.

7. 7

   Step 7: Serve Hot. Garnish with a drizzle of fresh cream or a few paneer crumbles, if desired. Serve your delicious Palak Paneer hot with naan, roti, paratha, or steamed rice.