Palak Paneer, a beloved Indian dish, is a vibrant and flavorful combination of creamy spinach and savory paneer cheese. This classic vegetarian curry boasts a rich, earthy taste thanks to the spinach, perfectly balanced by the soft, slightly tangy cubes of paneer. The dish is surprisingly easy to make, requiring readily available ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it accessible even to novice cooks. Its vibrant green color and satisfying texture make it a visually appealing and delicious meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether you're a seasoned Indian food enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
This simple yet satisfying recipe unlocks the secrets to achieving perfectly tender paneer and a luxuriously smooth spinach sauce. Ready to embark on a culinary journey to India? Let's dive into the step-by-step process of making the most delicious Palak Paneer you've ever tasted!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Blender
Ingredients
- Palak (Spinach)
- Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese)
- Red Onions
- Garlic
- Dried Red Chilies
- Cumin Seeds
- Turmeric Powder
- Tomatoes
- Garam Masala
- Salt
- Ghee or Butter
- Water
- Cream (Optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Spinach
- Blanch spinach leaves in boiling water with salt until the color is bright. Then transfer to ice water to stop cooking.
- Drain the blanched spinach and grind into a fine puree with some added water.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- Heat ghee or butter in a pan. Add cumin seeds and dried red chilies; sauté until fragrant.
- Add chopped garlic and sauté until golden brown.
- Add chopped onions and salt; sauté until lightly golden brown.
- Add turmeric powder and chopped tomatoes; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Add garam masala and stir-fry briefly.
Step 3. Simmer the Curry
- Add the spinach puree and adjust consistency with water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Deep fry paneer beforehand).
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot with roti or naan.
Read more: Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry: A Simple Yet Sumptuous Recipe
Tips
- Blanching spinach improves its color and texture.
- Using red chilies instead of chili powder preserves the palak paneer's color.
- Adjust salt carefully because spinach is naturally salty.
- Optional: Add cream or butter for extra richness.
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-300
- Fat: 15-25g
- Carbs: 10-15g
- Protein: 10-15g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the pan. This prevents a watery sauce.
2. What if I don't have paneer? Can I substitute it?
While paneer is traditional, you can substitute with firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water for best results. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Enjoy your homemade Palak Paneer! This vibrant and flavorful dish is sure to impress your family and friends. From now on, you'll have a delicious and easy-to-make Indian classic at your fingertips.