Palak Paneer Recipe (Cottage Cheese in Spinach Gravy)
Palak Paneer, a quintessential dish from Punjabi cuisine, combines the rich, creamy texture of paneer (homemade cottage cheese) with the bold flavors of spinach. This hearty vegetarian recipe is not only high in protein but also a delightful addition to any dinner table. The spinach is cooked with aromatic spices, and when paired with the soft cubes of paneer, it creates a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Perfect for pairing with roti, phulka, or jeera pulao, this dish is sure to be a family favorite!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 200 grams, cut into cubes |
| Spinach Leaves (Palak) | 500 grams, washed and chopped |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, finely chopped |
| Tomato | 1, chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, slit |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| For Seasoning | |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Fresh Cream | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter (Salted) | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
40 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Spinach:
Start by picking the fresh palak (spinach) leaves and washing them thoroughly—make sure to rinse the leaves at least three times to remove any dirt. Once clean, chop the leaves finely and set them aside. -
Cook the Spices and Vegetables:
Heat the ghee in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and green chilies to the ghee. Sauté them for a few seconds, allowing the tomatoes to soften. Stir in the cumin powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala, allowing the spices to bloom in the hot ghee. -
Add Spinach:
Now, add the chopped spinach to the cooker, followed by salt to taste. Stir everything together to combine the spinach with the spices, and add about 1 tablespoon of water. This will help in the cooking process. Close the pressure cooker lid and cook for just one whistle. Once the whistle goes off, immediately release the pressure. You can either lift the weight or place the cooker under cold running water to ensure the spinach retains its bright green color. -
Prepare the Spinach Puree:
Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and allow the spinach to cool completely. Once cooled, blend the spinach into a smooth puree using a blender. If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can use a potato masher to mash the spinach instead. -
Sauté the Seasoning:
In a separate frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Sauté the spices for a few seconds until they release their fragrance, making sure they don’t burn. -
Combine Spinach and Paneer:
Add the pureed spinach to the frying pan and stir in the fresh cream. Gently mix in the diced paneer cubes. Let the mixture cook for 3-4 minutes, giving it a brisk boil to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the salt, if necessary. -
Final Steps:
Once the Palak Paneer is well-mixed and heated through, turn off the heat. Transfer the dish to a serving bowl. -
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Palak Paneer hot, alongside freshly made phulkas, jeera pulao, or dal makhani for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Protein | 14-16 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 12-15 grams |
| Fat | 18-22 grams |
| Fiber | 5-7 grams |
| Sodium | 300-350 mg |
Conclusion
Palak Paneer is a wholesome, high-protein vegetarian dish that brings the best of Punjabi cuisine to your dinner table. The combination of vibrant spinach and rich paneer in a spiced gravy is a classic that never goes out of style. Whether served with hot phulkas, jeera pulao, or a comforting bowl of dal makhani, this dish is sure to impress with its creamy, flavorful profile. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious recipe with your loved ones!
