Palak Paneer Recipe Tips

Palak Paneer Recipe A Delicious Indian Dish

Palak Paneer is a classic North Indian dish loved for its vibrant flavors, creamy texture, and nutritional benefits. Made with palak and Indian cottage paneer, it's a perfect combinarion of health and taste. Here's a detailed recipe for making restaurant style palak paneer at home.

Ingredients:

For the palak paneer,

. 2 bunches of fresh palak

. 2-3 cups of water

. 1 cup cold water

For the Gravy:

. 2 tbsp oil or ghee

. 1 tbsp butter

. 1 medium onion, finely chopped

. 2 medium tomato

. 1-2 green chilies, slit

. 4-5 garlic cloves, chopped or minced

. 1 piece of ginger, grated

. 1 tbsp cumin seeds

. 1/2 tbsp turmeric powder

. 1 tbsp red chili powder

. 1 tbsp garam masala

. 1/2 tbsp coriander powder

. Salt to taste

Other Ingredients:

. 200-250 grams paneer, cubed

. 1/4 cup fresh cream

. 1 tbsp kasuri methi

. Lemon juice (a few drops, optional)

. Water (to adjust consistency)

Instruction:

1. Prepare the Palak Paneer:

. Wash the palak thoroughly under running water to remove dirt.

. Boil 2-3 cups of water in a large pot. Add the spinach leaves and blanch for 2-3 minutes

. Immediately transfer the palak to a bowl of ice cold water to preserve the vibrant green color

. Blend the spinach into a smooth puree using a blender

2. Prepare the Gravy:

. Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter

. Add finely chopped garlic and ginger. Saute until fragrant

. Stir in the chopped onion and cook until golden brown

. Add the tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes until the oil separates from the mixture

. Mix in turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder and garam masala, cook for 1-2 minutes

3. Combine Spinach Gravy:

. Add the palak paneer to the pan and mix well. Adjust the consistency with water as needed

. Simmer the gravy on medium heat for 5-7 minutes

4. Add Paneer and Finishing Touches:

. Gently stir in the paneer cubes, let them cook in the gravy for 2-3 minutes

. Crush kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it over the dish

. Add a swirl of fresh cream for extra richness

. Taste and adjust salt, Add a few drops of lemon juice if desired

Serving Suggestions:

Palak Paneer pairs wonderfully with,

. Roti, Naan or Paratha: A classic Indian bread accompaniment

. Jeera Rice or Plain Rice: For a wholesome meal

. Side Salad or Pickle: Adds freshness and tanginess to the meal

Tips for Best Results:

. Use fresh and tender spinach for a vibrant green color

. For a vegan version, substitute paneer with tofu and cream with coconut milk or cashew paste

. To avoid chewy paneer, soak the cubes in warm water for 10 minuts before adding them to the dish

Adjust the spice level to suit your taste

Enjoy this rich and flavorful dish that's as nutritious as it is delicious!