Palak Paneer in 8 Easy Steps: A Creamy & Nutritious Vegetarian Delight

 

Palak Paneer: A Delicious and Nutritious Classic

Palak paneer is a beloved vegetarian dish in Indian cuisine. It features cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a rich, creamy spinach gravy. It's perfect for a comforting weeknight meal and is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 150 grams paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cubed
• 3½ to 4 cups (100 to 120 grams) spinach (palak)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil (or half oil & half butter)
• 2 green chilies (deseeded, adjust for spice preference)
• ¾ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup chopped tomatoes (deseeded and chopped, or pureed)
• ¾ teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 8 to 10 cashews
• ½ to ¾ teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi, optional)
• ¼ cup water (for blending spinach)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spinach: Wash the spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems. There are two methods for cooking the spinach:

   • Blanching: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook for 2 minutes. Drain immediately and plunge into ice-cold water to stop the cooking process and retain the vibrant green color. Drain well.
   • Sautéing: Heat half a tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add the spinach, cashews, and green chilies. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and loses its raw smell.

2. Blend the Spinach: Once cool, blend the spinach mixture with ¼ cup of water to create a smooth, thick puree.

3. Cook the Gravy: Heat oil in a pan or pot. Add cumin seeds (optional) and let them splutter. Then, add chopped onions and saute until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.

4. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Add chopped tomatoes (or puree) and cook until they soften and release their juices. Stir in garam masala, salt, and kasuri methi (if using).

5. Incorporate the Spinach Puree: Pour the prepared spinach puree into the pan and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

6. Add Paneer: Gently fold in the cubed paneer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.

7. Finishing Touches: Adjust the seasoning with salt and garam masala to your preference. For a richer texture, you can stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk.

8. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves and enjoy Palak Paneer with roti, naan, or rice.

Want to see the brewing process in action? Check out this quick video recipe for a visual guide!

Health Benefits of Palak Paneer:

Palak paneer is not only delicious but also a nutritious dish. Here's a breakdown of its health benefits:

• Rich in Protein: Paneer is an excellent source of protein, essential for building and maintaining tissues.

• Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Spinach is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A (important for vision), Vitamin C (boosts immunity), and iron.

• Good for Bone Health: Paneer provides calcium and phosphorus, both crucial for strong bones.

• Can Aid Digestion: Spinach is a good source of fiber, which promotes healthy digestion.

• Vegetarian Option: Palak paneer is a perfect protein-rich meal for vegetarians and vegans (if you use a plant-based cheese alternative).

Tips:

• To make the dish creamier, you can soak the cashews in water for 30 minutes before blending them with the spinach.
• If you prefer a milder dish, remove the seeds from the green chilies before adding them.
• You can adjust the amount of spinach according to your preference.
• For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder.

With its vibrant color, delightful aroma, and perfect blend of flavors and textures, Palak Paneer is a crowd-pleasing dish that is both delicious and good for you.