Palak Paneer

Introduction

Palak Paneer is a classic North Indian dish that showcases the rich flavors of spinach paired with soft cheese, known as paneer. This delightful vegetarian recipe is not only nutritious but also quick to prepare, making it a favorite in many households. The creamy texture of the spinach sauce, combined with the mild flavor of paneer, creates a perfect balance that is often enjoyed with naan or rice. In this article, you will find detailed ingredients, preparation time, cooking time, and how to create this delicious dish.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Spinach – 300 grams
Paneer – 200 grams
Onion – 1 medium-sized, finely chopped
Tomatoes – 2 medium-sized, pureed
Ginger – 1 inch, grated
Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
Green chilies – 2, slit
Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon
Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
Garam masala – 1/2 teaspoon
Cream – 1/4 cup (optional)
Oil or ghee – 2 tablespoons
Salt – to taste

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients, including paneer, spinach, spices, and any other components required for the recipe.

Step 2: Blanch Spinach

Boil a pot of water and add the spinach. Blanch the spinach for a couple of minutes until wilted, then transfer it to ice water to cool. Drain well.

Step 3: Blend Spinach

Once cooled, transfer the spinach to a blender. Blend until you have a smooth puree, adding a little water if needed.

Step 4: Cook Paneer

Cut the paneer into cubes. In a pan, heat oil and add the paneer cubes. Sauté until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 5: Prepare Masala

In the same pan, add more oil and heat it. Add cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle. Then, add chopped onions and sauté until they become golden brown.

Step 6: Add Spices

Incorporate ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala into the sautéed onions. Cook for a few minutes until the spices release their aroma.

Step 7: Combine Spinach Puree

Add the spinach puree to the pan with the cooked spices. Stir well and cook on low heat for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 8: Incorporate Paneer

Add the sautéed paneer cubes to the spinach mixture. Gently fold to combine and coat the paneer with the spinach sauce.

Step 9: Final Seasoning

Adjust the seasoning by adding salt to taste. If desired, add some cream for a richer flavor.

Step 10: Serve

Remove the dish from heat and serve hot with rice or Indian bread.

Notes

Note 1: Fresh Spinach

For the best flavor and texture, use fresh spinach instead of frozen.

Note 2: Paneer Variations

You can substitute paneer with tofu for a vegan version.

Note 3: Spice Adjustments

Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences.

Note 4: Serving Suggestions

Paired well with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice for a complete meal.

Cook techniques

Cooking Paneer

Paneer can be prepared by either pan-frying or grilling. To enhance its flavor, it can be marinated in spices and yogurt before cooking.

Preparing Spinach

The spinach for Palak Paneer should be blanched to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients. This involves boiling it briefly and then plunging it into ice water.

Making Masala

Creating a masala involves finely chopping onions, tomatoes, and garlic, then sautéing them until fragrant and caramelized to provide depth of flavor.

Blending Ingredients

After cooking the masala, blend it with the blanched spinach to create a smooth consistency that serves as the base for the dish.

Combining Ingredients

Once the spinach and masala are blended, incorporate the cooked paneer and simmer everything together to allow the flavors to meld.

Garnishing

For a finishing touch, garnish with a drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of garam masala, which enhances the dish’s presentation and flavor profile.

FAQ

Can I make Palak Paneer vegan?

Yes, you can substitute paneer with tofu and use a plant-based cream or omit the cream entirely.

How do I store leftover Palak Paneer?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Can I freeze Palak Paneer?

Yes, Palak Paneer can be frozen; however, the texture of the paneer might change. Freeze in portions for convenience.

What can I serve with Palak Paneer?

Palak Paneer is commonly served with rice, naan, or roti for a balanced meal.

Is Palak Paneer spicy?

The spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference by altering the amount of green chilies or spices used in the recipe.

Conclusion

Palak Paneer is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the goodness of spinach with creamy paneer. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also offers a burst of flavors that can be enjoyed with various accompaniments. Its vibrant green color and rich taste make it a delightful addition to any meal.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Palak Chole

A delightful blend of spinach and chickpeas, Palak Chole is a healthy alternative packed with protein and fiber.

Paneer Tikka

This grilled paneer dish is marinated in spices and serves as a flavorful appetizer. Pair it with mint chutney for an added kick.

Palak Rice

A simple rice dish where palak is cooked with spices and basmati rice, making it a nutritious and fulfilling meal.

Dal Palak

A comforting combo of lentils and spinach that is both hearty and healthy. This dish is perfect served with rice or flatbread.

Spinach Paratha

A whole wheat flatbread stuffed with palak and spices, these parathas are delicious and can be enjoyed with yogurt or pickle.

Paneer Butter Masala

Creamy and rich, this dish pairs well with naan or rice, offering a perfect balance to Palak Paneer.

Palak Soup

A light and refreshing spinach soup that can be a great starter. Flavored with herbs and spices, it’s nutritious and easy to prepare.