Palak Paneer Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Guide
Are you craving a creamy, flavorful, and healthy Indian dish? Look no further than Palak Paneer! This classic vegetarian recipe is loved worldwide for its rich spinach and cheese combination. This guide will walk you through a simple yet authentic Palak Paneer recipe, perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. Let's dive into the details!
Ingredients for the Best Palak Paneer
Before you start, gather these essential ingredients:
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For the Palak Puree:
- 1 pound fresh spinach (palak), washed thoroughly
- 1/2 cup water
- 1-inch ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, slit (adjust to your spice preference)
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For the Palak Paneer:
- 1 tablespoon oil or ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for extra richness)
- Salt to taste
- 250 grams paneer (Indian cheese), cubed
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Step-by-Step Palak Paneer Recipe: A Beginner's Guide
Follow these simple steps for a delicious and authentic Palak Paneer:
1. Preparing the Palak Puree:
- Blanch the spinach: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach, ginger, and green chilies. Cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Drain and blend: Drain the spinach mixture thoroughly. Transfer to a blender and add 1/2 cup water. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Making the Palak Paneer:
- Sauté the onions: Heat the oil or ghee in a pan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add spices: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the puree: Pour in the spinach puree. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Simmer: Add salt to taste. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add paneer: Gently add the paneer cubes to the sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes, ensuring the paneer is heated through but not broken.
- Creamy finish: Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with naan, roti, rice, or jeera rice.
Tips for the Perfect Palak Paneer
- Fresh is best: Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and vibrant green color.
- Adjust spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference.
- Don't overcook the paneer: Overcooked paneer will become tough. Cook it just until heated through.
- Creamy consistency: Heavy cream or coconut milk adds richness and creaminess.
- Make it your own: Experiment with adding other vegetables like peas or potatoes.
Enjoy Your Homemade Palak Paneer!
This Palak Paneer recipe is a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of Indian cuisine. With its vibrant color, creamy texture, and rich flavor, it's a dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. So go ahead, try this recipe, and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade Palak Paneer!
