Paneer Palak Recipe: A Nutritious Delight

Paneer Palak, also recognized as Palak Paneer, is a classic Indian dish that combines the creamy richness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with the nutrient-packed goodness of spinach (palak). This dish is not only delicious but also healthy, making it a favorite amongst vegetarians and food enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this delectable dish.

Ingredients

To make Paneer Palak, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For The Spinach Base:

• 2 bunches (about 500g) fresh spinach leaves
• 1 green chili (optional, for heat)
• 2 cups water (for blanching)

For The Main Dish:

• 200-250g paneer, cut into cubes
• 1 average onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped or pureed
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced (plus 1-2 cloves for spinach paste)
• 2 tablespoons ghee or cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ¼ cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for creaminess)
• Salt to taste

For Garnishing:

• A few drops of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh cream (optional)

Preparation

1. Blanching The Spinach:

• Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt.
• Boil 2 cups of water in a large pot. Add the spinach leaves and a pinch of salt. Let them blanch for 2-3 minutes until they wilt.
• Remove the spinach and transmission it to a bowl of ice-cold water to retain its vibrant green color.
• Once cooled, blend the spinach with 1-2 cloves of garlic and the green chili into a smooth puree. Set aside.

2. Preparing The Paneer:

• If using store-bought paneer, soak the cubes in warm salted water for 10 minutes to soften them.
• For a richer flavor, lightly fry the paneer cubes in a teaspoon of ghee until golden. This step is optional.

Cooking The Paneer Palak

1. Sautéing The Aromatics:

• Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
• Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
• Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown.

2. Cooking The Tomato Base:

• Add the tomatoes or tomato puree to the pan.
• Season with turmeric, red chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the oil separates from the mixture, signifying the spices are well-cooked.

3. Combining The Spinach And Paneer:

• Pour the spinach puree into the pan and mix well.
• Add garam masala and adjust salt to taste. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
• Gently add the paneer cubes and stir sensibly to coat them with the spinach gravy. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.

4. Finishing Touches:

• If desired, stir in heavy cream or milk for a creamier texture.
• Drizzle lemon juice for a hint of tanginess.

Serving Suggestions

Paneer Palak pairs beautifully with Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha. It can also be enjoyed with steamed rice or jeera rice. Garnish with fresh cream for added richness and serve hot for the best flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious. Spinach is rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins, while paneer provides protein and healthy fats. Paneer Palak is an excellent choice for a wholesome, balanced meal.

Enjoy the goodness of Paneer Palak, a dish that delights your taste buds while nutritious your body!