Top10FoodRecipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 200 grams paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cubed
• 300 grams fresh spinach (palak), washed and chopped
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Blanching the spinach:
   • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the chopped spinach leaves and blanch them for 2-3 minutes.
   • Drain the spinach and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water. This helps retain the vibrant green color.
   • Once cooled, drain the spinach and blend it into a smooth puree. Set aside.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a pan or kadai over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
4. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.
5. Add the tomato puree and cook for a few minutes until the oil separates from the masala.
6. Reduce the heat to low and add turmeric powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well and cook for a minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
7. Add the spinach puree to the pan and mix everything together. Cook the spinach and masala mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Add salt to taste and mix well. If the consistency is too thick, you can add a little water to adjust it.
9. Gently place the paneer cubes into the spinach gravy. Stir carefully to coat the paneer with the spinach mixture.
10. Cover the pan and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors of the curry.
11. If desired, add heavy cream to the palak paneer and mix well. Simmer for another minute.
12. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve:

1. Serve the Palak Paneer hot with naan bread, roti, or steamed rice.

Enjoy the flavorful and nutritious Palak Paneer!