Introduction to Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer is a popular Indian dish that features vibrant spinach and soft paneer cheese, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This vegetarian recipe is not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile, perfect for pairing with naan, rice, or roti.
Ingredients You Will Need
To prepare this delicious Palak Paneer, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach (palak), washed and chopped
- 200 grams paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 2 green chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- Water, as needed
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
To cook the perfect Palak Paneer, follow these easy steps:
- Start by blanching the spinach in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Once done, drain and immediately place it in ice water to retain its vibrant color.
- Blend the cooled spinach into a smooth paste and set it aside.
- In a pan, heat oil or ghee and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute before adding the tomato puree. Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the spinach paste, followed by the garam masala and salt. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Finally, add the paneer cubes and gently mix them into the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes before serving hot.