Palak Paneer Recipe: A Delicious and Healthy Indian Dish
Palak Paneer, a classic Indian vegetarian dish, is loved for its creamy texture and vibrant green color. This recipe will guide you through making a delicious and healthy version of this popular curry. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let's dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
-
For the Palak Puree:
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed thoroughly
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
-
For the Paneer:
- 1 pound paneer (Indian cheese), cubed
- 1 tablespoon oil or ghee (clarified butter)
-
For the Curry:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for creaminess)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Spinach Puree:
- Blanch the Spinach: Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the spinach and salt, then cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Blend into a Puree: Add the blanched spinach to a blender along with the 1/2 cup of water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Sautéing the Onions and Aromatics:
- Heat the oil or ghee in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chili (if using). Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Adding the Spices:
- Stir in the garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step is crucial for releasing the flavors of the spices.
4. Combining the Ingredients:
- Pour in the spinach puree and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Adding the Paneer:
- Gently add the cubed paneer to the spinach mixture. Stir carefully to coat the paneer evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the paneer is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Finishing Touches:
- Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Season with salt to taste. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Serving Your Palak Paneer:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with naan bread, roti, rice, or jeera rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Palak Paneer:
- Fresh Spinach is Key: Using fresh spinach will result in a brighter green color and a more vibrant flavor.
- Don't Overcook the Paneer: Overcooked paneer can become rubbery. Cook it just until it's heated through.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of green chili to your liking.
- Make it Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Enjoy your homemade Palak Paneer! This recipe is relatively easy to follow and delivers a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
