Palak Paneer Recipe: Creamy Spinach Delight

The aroma of freshly cooked palak paneer wafts through the air, inviting you to dive into a bowl of creamy goodness. Imagine tender cubes of paneer bathed in a luscious spinach sauce that’s both vibrant and comforting. This isn’t just food; it’s an experience that dances on your taste buds and warms your soul.

Every time I prepare this palak paneer recipe, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen, where my mother would whip it up with love. The sizzle of spices mingling with fresh greens is a sound that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and laughter around the dinner table. This dish is perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests at dinner parties, promising an explosion of flavors that will leave everyone craving more.

Ingredients for palak paneer recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Spinach: Look for bright green leaves without any yellow spots; they’re the star of our dish.
• Paneer: You can find this Indian cheese in most grocery stores; choose firm blocks for easy cubing.
• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce; chop finely for even cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring an aromatic kick; crush them to release their full flavor.
• Ginger: Use fresh ginger for zest; it balances the richness of the spinach perfectly.
• Tomatoes: Choose ripe tomatoes for a touch of acidity; they help brighten up the dish.
• Cumin Seeds: These tiny seeds add warmth and earthiness; toast them lightly before adding other ingredients.
• Cream: A splash of heavy cream gives the sauce its luxurious texture; substitute with yogurt for a lighter option.

For the spices:

• Turmeric Powder: Just a pinch adds beautiful color and subtle flavor to our dish.
• Coriander Powder: This ground spice enhances the overall flavor profile with its citrusy undertones.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make palak paneer recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prep Your Greens

Start by washing your spinach thoroughly under cold water. Place it in a large pot with just enough water to cover it and bring it to a boil. Blanch the spinach for about two minutes until wilted but still bright green. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to keep that gorgeous color.

Step 2: Blend Away

Once cooled, transfer your blanched spinach into a blender. Add in a few tablespoons of water if needed and blend until smooth like velvet. Set this aside—trust me, you’ll want every drop.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pan over medium heat, add some oil or ghee (because let’s be honest—ghee always wins). Toss in cumin seeds until they start dancing around, then add chopped onions. Cook until golden brown and fragrant.

Step 4: Spice It Up

Next, throw in minced garlic and ginger into the pan along with chopped tomatoes. Stir it all together while adding turmeric and coriander powder. Let everything simmer until the tomatoes break down beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now comes the fun part! Pour that gorgeous spinach puree into your pan with spices and mix well. Let it simmer for about five minutes so all those flavors can mingle together like old friends at a reunion.

Step 6: Finish It Off

Add your cubed paneer gently into the mix along with cream if you’re using it (or yogurt if you’re feeling fancy). Stir carefully not to break up your paneer too much! Cook everything together for another couple of minutes until heated through.

Transfer to plates and serve hot, perhaps with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice on the side for dipping or scooping—whatever floats your culinary boat!

And there you have it—the ultimate palak paneer recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy this vibrant dish that’s as nourishing as it is delightful!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by blanching the spinach to brighten its color, then sauté onions and spices to build flavor. Blend the spinach into a smooth puree, cook with spices, and finally add cubed paneer for that perfect finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this palak paneer recipe by adding ingredients like tomatoes for tanginess or swapping paneer with tofu for a vegan twist. Spice it up with extra chili if you crave heat.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain creaminess.

Sharing my first experience cooking this palak paneer was unforgettable; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! It felt like I had discovered culinary magic right in my kitchen!

FAQs :

What is the origin of palak paneer recipe?

Palak paneer is a beloved dish from the Indian subcontinent. It originated in North India and has become popular worldwide. Traditionally, this dish combines spinach and paneer, a type of Indian cheese, creating a rich and flavorful curry. The vibrant green color of palak paneer comes from the fresh spinach used in the recipe, symbolizing health and nourishment. Its popularity has led to various regional adaptations, but the core ingredients remain consistent.

Can I make palak paneer recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To create a vegan version of the palak paneer recipe, simply substitute the paneer with tofu or a plant-based cheese alternative. Ensure you adjust cooking times accordingly since tofu can cook faster than traditional paneer. Additionally, you can replace dairy yogurt or cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for added richness. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors without compromising on dietary preferences.

What can I serve with palak paneer recipe?

Palak paneer pairs beautifully with various Indian breads and rice dishes. Common accompaniments include naan, roti, or paratha for dipping into the creamy sauce. You could also serve it alongside steamed basmati rice or jeera rice to soak up the flavors. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of raita or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.

How do I store leftovers from palak paneer recipe?

To store leftovers from your palak paneer recipe, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to prevent it from drying out. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it in portions; it can last up to three months in the freezer.

Looking to expand your recipe collection? Check out these tasty recipes for your next culinary adventure.

Conclusion for palak paneer recipe :

In summary, this palak paneer recipe showcases how simple ingredients can create vibrant flavors that delight your palate. By following straightforward steps and making adjustments for dietary needs, anyone can enjoy this nutritious dish at home. Whether served with rice or bread, palak paneer offers versatility and satisfaction on every plate. It’s not just food; it’s an experience worth savoring!

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Palak Paneer

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in this rich, creamy palak paneer featuring tender paneer cubes enveloped in a luscious spinach sauce that’s both nourishing and delightful.

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Ingredients

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For the Sauce:

• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 200g paneer, cubed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or yogurt)

For the Spices:

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder

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Instructions

1. 1. Prep Your Greens: Wash spinach thoroughly under cold water. Place it in a pot with enough water to cover. Boil for about 2 minutes until wilted but still bright green. Drain and plunge into ice water to maintain color.
2. 2. Blend Away: Once cooled, transfer the blanched spinach to a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.
3. 3. Sauté Aromatics: In a pan over medium heat, add oil or ghee. Toss in cumin seeds until fragrant, then add chopped onions. Cook until golden brown.
4. 4. Spice It Up: Add minced garlic and ginger along with chopped tomatoes to the pan. Stir and cook until tomatoes are soft. Add turmeric and coriander powder; mix well.
5. 5. Combine Everything: Pour the spinach puree into the pan with spices and mix well. Simmer for about 5 minutes to meld flavors together.
6. 6. Finish It Off: Gently add cubed paneer and heavy cream (or yogurt). Stir carefully to avoid breaking the paneer, cooking for an additional couple of minutes until heated through.
7. 7. Serve hot with naan or basmati rice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 50mg