Palak Paneer is a popular Indian dish made with spinach and paneer (Indian cottage cheese).
Ingredients:
1 lb spinach (palak)
1 lb paneer, cut into cubes
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, minced
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp garam masala powder
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp red chili powder (optional)
Salt, to taste
2 tbsp oil
1/4 cup fresh cream (optional)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the spinach for 2-3 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water. Once the spinach is cool, squeeze out the excess water and finely chop it.
Heat oil in a pan and add the cumin seeds. Once the seeds start to crackle, add the chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent.
Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for another minute.
Add the chopped tomatoes, coriander powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder and salt. Stir well and sauté until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
Add the chopped spinach to the pan and stir well. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the spinach has wilted.
Add 1 cup of water to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, blend the mixture into a smooth puree.
Heat the pan again and add the puree. Add the cubed paneer and mix it well. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
If you want to add cream, add it and mix it well.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or naan.
Note:
You can also add some cashew paste to make the gravy thick and creamy. Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preference.
