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Palak Paneer Recipe | Quick, Tasty & Easy

Palak Paneer Recipe

Palak paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with spinach and paneer (Indian cottage cheese). This delicious and healthy dish is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. Here is a detailed recipe for palak paneer, along with some tips to make it even more delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 500 grams of fresh spinach leaves
  • 250 grams of paneer (cut into small cubes)
  • 2-3 tablespoons of oil or ghee
  • 1 large onion (finely chopped)
  • 1-2 green chilies (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
  • 2-3 medium-sized tomatoes (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon of coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed

Instructions:

  1. Start by cleaning the spinach leaves thoroughly and boiling them in a large pot of water for about 3-4 minutes. Drain the water and rinse the spinach leaves with cold water. Blend the spinach leaves in a blender or food processor until you have a smooth puree.
  2. In a large pan or kadhai, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and green chilies and sauté for a few minutes until the onions turn translucent.
  3. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell goes away.
  4. Add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
  5. Add the coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and red chili powder (if using) and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spices are well combined with the onions and tomatoes.
  6. Add the spinach puree to the pan and mix well with the spices. Add water as needed to adjust the consistency of the gravy. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat until the spinach is cooked and the gravy thickens.
  7. Add the paneer cubes to the pan and mix gently. Cover the pan and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the paneer is heated through.
  8. Turn off the heat and let the palak paneer sit for a few minutes before serving.
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Your palak paneer is now ready to serve. You can garnish it with a dollop of fresh cream or a sprinkle of garam masala powder. Serve hot with naan bread or rice.

Tips:

  • Use fresh spinach leaves to make the dish more flavorful and nutritious.
  • Boil the spinach leaves for only 3-4 minutes to retain their bright green color and prevent them from becoming too mushy.
  • Use homemade paneer for a creamier and richer taste.
  • Adjust the spice levels according to your preference. You can also add other spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, or bay leaves to enhance the flavor.
  • For a healthier version, you can use low-fat paneer or tofu instead of regular paneer.

Palak paneer is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. With these simple instructions and tips, you can make a restaurant-quality palak paneer dish right in your own kitchen.