Palak Paneer: A Delicious Indian Spinach and Cheese Dish

Palak Paneer is a popular vegetarian dish from the Indian cuisine, made with spinach and paneer cheese. This delicious recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you are a vegetarian or not, you will love this creamy and spicy dish that can be served with rice or naan bread.

Ingredients

To make Palak Paneer for 4 portions, you will need:

• 500g fresh spinach
• 200g paneer cheese
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

1. Wash the spinach and blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Puree the spinach in a blender or food processor until smooth.

3. Cut the paneer cheese into small cubes and set aside.

4. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and green chilies and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.

5. Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt and stir well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

6. Add the spinach puree to the pan and stir well. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the spinach is heated through.

7. Add the paneer cubes to the pan and stir well. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the paneer is heated through.

8. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and heated through.

9. Serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Variations

Palak Paneer can be made in many different ways, depending on your taste and preference. Here are some variations you can try:

• Vegan Palak Paneer: To make this recipe vegan, you can replace the paneer cheese with tofu or another plant-based protein. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to make the sauce creamy.

• Spicy Palak Paneer: If you like your food spicy, you can add more green chilies to the recipe or use a spicy variety of garam masala. You can also add some red chili powder to the recipe.

• Palak Paneer with Potatoes: You can add boiled potatoes to the recipe to make it more filling and nutritious. Cut the potatoes into small cubes and add them to the pan along with the paneer cubes.

• Palak Paneer with Cashews: You can add some cashews to the recipe to make it more creamy and rich. Soak the cashews in water for a few hours and blend them into a paste before adding them to the pan.

Conclusion

Palak Paneer is a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish that you can make in no time. This recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to suit your taste and preference. Whether you are a vegetarian or not, you will love this creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy the flavors of India!

FAQ

What is Palak Paneer?

Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with spinach (palak) and cottage cheese (paneer). It is a vegetarian dish that is often served with naan or rice.

How do I make Palak Paneer?

To make Palak Paneer, you will need to blanch spinach and then puree it. Then, you will need to cook onions and spices in a pan, and add the spinach puree and paneer. Cook until the paneer is heated through and serve.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach. However, make sure to thaw and drain the spinach before using it in the recipe. Fresh spinach is recommended for the best results.

Can I substitute tofu for paneer?

Yes, you can substitute tofu for paneer. However, the texture and taste of the dish will be slightly different. Paneer is recommended for the best results.

Can I make Palak Paneer in advance?

Yes, you can make Palak Paneer in advance. However, the spinach may lose its vibrant green color if it sits for too long. Reheat the Palak Paneer in a pan or in the microwave before serving.

What type of pan should I use to make Palak Paneer?

You can use a non-stick pan or a regular pan to make Palak Paneer. However, a non-stick pan is recommended to prevent the spinach from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

What can I serve with Palak Paneer?

Palak Paneer is often served with naan or rice. You can also serve it with roti or any other type of flatbread.

Can I make Palak Paneer vegan?

Yes, you can make Palak Paneer vegan by using tofu instead of paneer, and by using oil instead of ghee. You can also use coconut milk instead of cream for a vegan version.

How long will Palak Paneer last in the fridge?

Palak Paneer will last for 3-4 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. Reheat in a pan or in the microwave before serving.

Can I freeze Palak Paneer?

Yes, you can freeze Palak Paneer for up to 3 months. However, the texture of the spinach may change when thawed. Reheat in a pan or in the microwave before serving.