Palak Paneer: A Creamy Indian Spinach Dish

Palak paneer is a popular North Indian vegetarian dish made with spinach (palak) and paneer (Indian cottage cheese). The creamy spinach gravy is flavored with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of Indian spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 1/2 block paneer, cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/4 cup water
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté spices: Heat the oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Then, add coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Sauté for another 30 seconds.
2. Add onions and garlic: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste: Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
4. Add spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and the liquid has evaporated.
5. Puree: Transfer the spinach mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.
6. Add pureed spinach: Return the pureed spinach to the pan and stir to combine.
7. Add paneer and simmer: Add the cubed paneer to the pan and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the paneer is heated through.
8. Adjust taste and serve: Add the water and salt to taste.

Simmer for a few more minutes, then serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.

Tips:

• For a creamier palak paneer, you can add a splash of coconut milk or cream.
• If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach.
• Serve palak paneer with a side of raita or mint chutney.

Enjoy your delicious palak paneer!