Palak Paneer

A rich and creamy dish made with fresh spinach (palak) and paneer (Indian cottage cheese), Palak Paneer is a popular and nutritious curry that pairs perfectly with roti, naan, or rice. The combination of spinach and paneer in a spiced gravy makes it a delicious and comforting meal.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 500g fresh spinach (palak), washed and chopped
• 200g paneer, cut into cubes
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• ¼ cup heavy cream or yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
• ½ teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) (optional, for flavor)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spinach

   • Blanch the spinach leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes.
   • Drain and immediately transfer to ice-cold water to retain the green color.
   • After cooling, blend the spinach into a smooth paste and set aside.

2. Cook the Spices and Onion

   • Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat.
   • Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
   • Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
   • Stir in ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.

3. Prepare the Gravy

   • Add pureed tomatoes to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes, until the oil separates from the masala.
   • Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well.

4. Add the Spinach Paste

   • Add the prepared spinach paste to the pan and mix well.
   • Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add Paneer and Cook

   • Gently add paneer cubes to the gravy. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the paneer to absorb the flavors.

6. Finish the Dish

   • Sprinkle garam masala and kasuri methi (if using) into the curry.
   • Stir in heavy cream or yogurt for extra richness (optional).
   • Adjust salt and spice levels as needed.

7. Serve

   • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with roti, naan, or rice.

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Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~250 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Fat: 18g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg (varies based on salt added)