Description

This creamy, vibrant Palak Paneer blends spiced spinach gravy with golden-fried paneer cubes for a wholesome vegetarian dish. Perfect with naan or rice, it’s a cozy, flavorful meal you can easily make at home.

Ingredients

10 ounces fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen, thawed and drained)

1 cup paneer, cubed

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, grated

1 green chili, chopped (optional for spice)

1 medium tomato, chopped

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

2 tablespoons oil

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

2 tablespoons heavy cream or 2 tablespoons yogurt (optional)

1 cup water (as needed to adjust consistency)

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Instructions

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add spinach and blanch for 1-2 minutes. Transfer immediately to an ice bath, drain, and blend into a smooth puree.

2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Fry paneer cubes until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.

4. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

5. Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chili. Sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.

6. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and pulpy.

7. Mix in garam masala and salt. Cook the spice mix for 1-2 minutes.

8. Pour in spinach puree and simmer for 5-6 minutes, adding water as needed to reach desired consistency.

9. Gently stir in the fried paneer and simmer for 3-4 more minutes.

10. Finish with cream or yogurt if using. Serve hot with naan or rice.

Notes

Blanching the spinach and transferring it to ice water preserves the bright green color.

For a vegan version, substitute paneer with firm tofu and use coconut cream.

Frying the paneer before adding it to the gravy prevents it from breaking apart.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stove-top sauté
Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 290
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 550
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 9
Unsaturated Fat: 11
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 10
Fiber: 4
Protein: 13
Cholesterol: 35