Simple steps to make this delicious palak paneer at home
Palak paneer is a classic Indian vegetarian dish that hails from the lush fields of North India. It's a harmonious blend of nutritious spinach and soft, fresh paneer (Indian cottage cheese), often seasoned with a medley of aromatic spices. This dish not only carries the essence of Indian culinary tradition but also offers a rich source of iron and protein. Here's a quick recipe.
Step 1: Gather the following ingredients
For this recipe, you will need 250 gm of cubed paneer, 500 gm of fresh spinach leaves (blanched and pureed), one large onion, finely chopped; two tomatoes (pureed), four cloves of garlic, and an inch of ginger (minced), two green chilies, slit; one teaspoon cumin seeds; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1/2 teaspoon garam masala; salt to taste; and oil for cooking.
Step 2: Start cooking the ingredients
Begin by heating two tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Then stir in the chopped onions and saute until they turn golden brown. Infuse the ginger-garlic paste into the mix until the raw aroma dissipates. This base will unlock deep flavors that are integral to palak paneer.
Step 3: Make a lush green spinach puree
Once your base is ready, introduce the tomato puree to the pan and cook until the oil starts separating from the sides. Now it's time to add the blanched and pureed spinach into the pan. Cook for about five minutes before sprinkling in turmeric powder, garam masala, and green chilies. The simmering green concoction is where your paneer will soon find its home.
Step 4: Add the paneer
The next step is to add the cubed paneer to the spinach mixture and gently fold it in, ensuring each piece is coated with the vibrant green sauce. If need be, keep mixing and then add salt to taste. Let it simmer for another five minutes so that the paneer absorbs all the flavors while remaining soft and succulent.
Step 5: Your dish is almost ready
Sprinkle a pinch of garam masala over your palak paneer for an extra layer of flavor. Serve hot with flatbreads like naan or roti or with steamed rice for a complete meal. Enjoy this beautiful blend of greens and cheese that is as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eyes. Don't forget to share this recipe with your friends or family!
