Indian cuisine has a food dish called Palak paneer, which is made of fresh palak (spinach) and paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Rich, flavorful, and healthy, this spinach and paneer curry is a great way to satisfy that craving for curry but without packing on the calories. Palak Paneer is a wholesome meal enjoyed by the majority throughout the world, whether they love to have it with roti, naan, or rice. So let us jump in on how to make this dish and why it’s one of their favorites.
Health Benefits of Palak Paneer
Before we even start discussing the recipe, let’s mention the health benefits of this dish. Rich in nutrients like iron, vitamins A, C, and K, folate, and magnesium, palak (spinach) is a nutritious food that helps build immunity, keep eyesight healthy, and keep the skin beautiful. Paneer, however, is rich in protein and calcium, which are needed for muscles and bones. Together these make a delicious, filling combination.
Ingredients for Palak Paneer
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Palak Paneer at home:
For the Spinach Puree:
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (palak)
- 2-3 green chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1-inch ginger piece
- 1 garlic clove (optional)
For the Gravy:
- 200g paneer (cubed)
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tomato (pureed)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/4 cup fresh cream (optional for extra richness)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
Step-by-Step Recipe for Palak Paneer
Prepare the Spinach Puree:
- First, rinse the spinach leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Boil water in a pot, and once it reaches a rolling boil, add the spinach leaves and blanch them for about 2 minutes.
- Immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice-cold water to retain its green color.
- After cooling, drain the spinach and blend it into a smooth puree using a blender. Set this aside.
Prepare the Paneer:
- Cut the paneer into bite-sized cubes.
- Heat a little oil or ghee in a pan and lightly fry the paneer cubes until they turn golden brown. This step is optional but adds a nice texture to the dish.
- Once fried, remove the paneer and set aside.
Cooking the Gravy:
- In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil. Heat it and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add finely chopped onions and sauté them until golden brown.
- Add the ginger, garlic, and green chilies, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Next, add the tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat until the oil starts separating from the masala.
- Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook the spices for another minute.
Add the Spinach Puree:
- Pour in the spinach puree and stir it into the masala mixture. Let the curry simmer for about 5 minutes.
If the consistency of the curry is too thick, add a little water to adjust it to your liking. - Once the spinach and spices are well blended, check for salt and seasoning. Add garam masala and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the Paneer:
- Gently add the fried paneer cubes to the gravy and stir carefully to avoid breaking the cubes.
- Let the curry simmer for 5 minutes so the paneer absorbs the flavors of the spinach and spices.
Add Cream (Optional):
- For a richer flavor, add fresh cream to the curry and mix it well. This step is optional but adds a creamy texture to the dish.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with a little fresh cream or coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with roti, naan, or steamed rice.
Tips for Perfect Palak Paneer
- Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach gives the curry a vibrant green color and a fresh taste. Avoid using old or wilted spinach.
- Frying the paneer: Frying the paneer cubes gives them a firmer texture that helps them hold up in the curry. However, if you prefer a softer paneer, you can skip this step.
- Adjust spice levels: You can easily adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer green chilies and red chili powder according to your taste.
- Use ghee for extra flavor: Ghee adds a unique aroma and flavor to the curry, but you can also use vegetable oil if you prefer.
- Blend the spinach well: A smooth spinach puree ensures that the curry has a silky texture, making each bite enjoyable.
Why Palak Paneer is So Popular
Many love Palak Paneer for the perfect mix of flavors and textures. The spinach gives you an earthy taste, and the paneer gives you a mild creamy texture. With the spices in the curry, the dish has become a staple of children as well as adults, with the spices giving them a well-rounded and aromatic base. Palak Paneer is a great option whether you’re a vegetarian or you happen to be looking for a healthy and hearty meal.
It is also a very versatile dish. It depends what your preference in spiciness is; you can make it more or less. It makes it a perfect dish to serve at a family gathering or any special occasion, as you can serve it as a main course for your dinner and lunch.
Conclusion
Palak Paneer is an easy and flavorful delight for foods and nutrients. It’s a nice way to sneak greens into your diet without dreary feelings about how much fiber spinach has. This easy Palak Paneer recipe will allow you to make restaurant-quality Palak Paneer at home in no time flat! And now they are! So go ahead and make this healthy and satisfying dish today; your taste buds will thank you!
