Here’s a recipe for Indian Palak Paneer:
Ingredients:
- 200 grams paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
- 200 grams spinach (palak), washed and blanched
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Blanch the spinach: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach leaves and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water to cool and retain its vibrant green color. Drain again and blend the blanched spinach into a smooth puree. Set aside.
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions and green chilies to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well and cook for a minute to let the spices release their flavors.
- Add the spinach puree to the pan and mix well with the spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Season with salt and add the paneer cubes to the pan. Gently stir to coat the paneer with the spinach gravy. Simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors.
- Pour in the heavy cream and mix well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and transfer the Palak Paneer to a serving dish.
- Serve hot with naan bread, roti, or rice.
Note: You can adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding water or adjusting the amount of spinach puree. You can also garnish the Palak Paneer with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of garam masala before serving.
Enjoy your creamy and flavorful Palak Paneer!