Palak Paneer Recipe | Creamy Spinach Curry with Soft Indian Cottage Cheese

Introduction To Palak Paneer Recipe  

     Palak Paneer is a beloved Indian dish that beautifully combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of spinach with the creamy richness of paneer. It's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to any meal.The  preparation of Palak Paneer begins with cooking fresh spinach until wilted, followed by blending it into a smooth puree. This puree is then cooked with ingredients such as onions, garlic, and spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful sauce. We can use Homemade Paneer for best test. Cubes of paneer are added to the spinach gravy, allowing them to absorb the rich flavors while retaining their soft texture. Palak Paneer is often enjoyed with Indian bread like Tandoori Naan or Tandoori Roti, or served with Basmati Rice. Its creamy flavorful is perfect way to enjoy nutritious spicy delicious spinach in a delicious curry.This dish mild flavor make a favorite among both children and adults. it's very healthy dish. Now, Let'smake Palak Paneer  with SK in a simple and easy. way .

🕒Recipe Details:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 3–4

🧮Ingredients For Palak Paneer:

• 250 grams fresh spinach (palak)

• 200 grams paneer (cottage cheese)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1-2 green chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee

• Salt to taste

• 2-3 tablespoons cream (optional for garnish)

🧆 How to make Palak Paneer step -by -step Recipe:

Step 1. Blanch the Spinach:

• Boil water in a pot. Add the spinach and blanch for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

• Remove the spinach and immediately transfer it to ice-cold water to retain its green color. Drain and set aside.

Step 2. Prepare the Spinach Puree:

• In a blender, blend the blanched spinach with a little water to make a smooth puree. Set aside.

Step 3. Cook the Onion Mixture:

• Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

• Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

• Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cooking for another minute until the raw smell disappears.

Step 4. Add Spices:

• Stir in turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for a minute to combine.

Step 5. Combine Spinach Puree:

• Add the spinach puree to the pan and mix well. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6. Add Paneer:

• Cut the paneer into cubes and add it to the spinach mixture. Stir gently to coat the paneer without breaking it.

Step 7.Garnish with Garam Masala:

• Sprinkle garam masala over the top and mix. If using, add cream for richness. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve hot with Tandoori Roti, naan, or Jeera Rice. Garnish with a swirl of cream if desired.

See more  recipes: Aloo Palak and  Sarson Ka Saag

🧑‍🍳 Expert Tips For healthy Palak Paneer:

1. Fresh Spinach: 

• Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and vibrant color. Avoid using wilted or old spinach.

2. Blanching Technique: 

• Blanching the spinach not only retains its bright green color but also helps reduce bitterness. Make sure to quickly transfer it to ice water after blanching.

3. Use Cream: 

• Adding cream enhances the richness of the dish. You can also use yogurt for a tangy flavor, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.

4. Paneer Texture:

•  If you want your paneer to be softer, soak it in hot water for about 15-20 minutes before adding it to the dish.

5. Spice Adjustments: 

• Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your heat preference.

6. Blend Well: 

• Ensure the spinach is blended into a smooth puree for a creamy texture. You can add a little water if needed to facilitate blending.

7. Customize:

•  Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

8. Cooking Time: 

• Don’t overcook the spinach after adding it to the pan; just heat it through to retain its nutrients.

8. Garam Masala: 

• Adding garam masala at the end of cooking enhances the aroma and flavor. Adjust the amount to your taste.

10. Serving Suggestions:

•  Palak Paneer pairs well with Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha, as well as steamed basmati rice.

💥 FAQs About Palak Paneer curry:

Q 1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

• Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it and drain any excess water before blending it into a puree.

Q 2. Is it necessary to blanch the spinach?

• Blanching helps retain the bright green color and reduces bitterness, but you can skip this step if you prefer a more rustic look.

Q 3. Can I make it vegan?

• Yes, you can substitute paneer with tofu and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of dairy cream.

Q 4. How can I make it spicier?

• Increase the amount of green chilies or red chili powder according to your spice preference.

Q 5. Can I add other vegetables?

• Yes, you can add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for additional flavor and nutrition.

Q 6. What should I serve with Palak Paneer?

• Palak Paneer pairs well with naan, roti, paratha, or steamed basmati rice.

Q 7. Can I prepare it in advance?

• Yes, you can prepare the spinach puree and sauté the onion mixture in advance. Just combine them and heat before serving.

Q 8. How do I store leftovers?

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Q 9. Can I freeze Palak Paneer?

• While it's best fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Thaw and reheat gently, but the texture may change slightly.

Q 10. How can I make it creamier?

• Add more cream or a bit of cashew paste to achieve a richer texture.

🎉 Summary on Palak Paneer

          Palak Paneer is a classic North Indian dish that combines creamy paneer with nutritious spinach in a flavorful, spiced gravy. Quick to make and rich in vitamins and protein, it pairs perfectly with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice, making it a healthy and delicious choice for any meal.