Palak Paneer Bhurji Recipe – Spinach and Paneer Bhurji Recipe
Description:
If you enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of egg bhurji, then this Palak Paneer Bhurji is a dish you’ll absolutely love. Made with nutritious spinach and soft, crumbly paneer, this hearty, protein-packed vegetarian dish is not only incredibly healthy but also simple to prepare. With a tantalizing blend of spices, this recipe offers a wonderful balance of flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Packed with iron and protein, it’s an ideal option for both busy weekdays and special meals alike. You can even pack this dish into your lunchbox for a nutritious meal on the go!
Cuisine:
North Indian
Course:
Main Course
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (shredded) | 200 grams |
| Spinach (finely chopped) | 50 grams |
| Green chilies (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Tomato (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 2 cloves |
| Cumin seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Garam masala powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Dried mango powder (Amchur) | 2 teaspoons |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | As needed |
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Paneer:
Begin by preparing the paneer for the recipe. If you are using store-bought paneer, crumble it gently into small pieces using your hands or a fork. Set aside for later use. Alternatively, you can also prepare fresh paneer at home if you prefer. -
Heat the Oil:
In a large pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and allow them to crackle for a few seconds. This brings out the aroma of the cumin, which will form the base of your dish’s flavor. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
After the cumin seeds have crackled, add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Stir-fry them for about a minute until they release a fragrant aroma. Next, add the chopped onion and sauté until the onions become soft and turn golden brown. This step will help develop a rich, sweet flavor in your bhurji. -
Cook the Tomatoes:
Once the onions are browned, add the finely chopped tomato to the pan. Stir and cook until the tomatoes soften and start to break down. This will take about 3-4 minutes. You can also add a pinch of salt to help the tomatoes cook faster and release their juices. -
Add the Spinach:
Add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the spinach wilts down completely and releases its moisture. This will blend the flavors and create a tender base for your bhurji. -
Spice it Up:
Sprinkle in red chili powder, garam masala powder, and dried mango powder (amchur). Stir well to combine all the spices into the cooked spinach and onion mixture. The dried mango powder adds a lovely tangy flavor to the dish, complementing the richness of the paneer. -
Add the Paneer:
Add the crumbled paneer into the pan. Stir gently to combine the paneer with the spiced spinach mixture. Cook for 3-4 minutes on medium heat, allowing the paneer to soak in the flavors and heat through. -
Finish with Butter:
Add butter to the mixture for extra richness and a lovely finish. Stir it in until melted and well combined. Taste the bhurji and adjust the salt as needed. -
Serve:
Once everything is cooked to perfection, turn off the heat. Your delicious Palak Paneer Bhurji is now ready to serve! Serve this dish hot with Dal Makhani, Boondi Raita, and Phulkas (Indian flatbread) for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- For a variation, you can add a handful of fresh cream towards the end of cooking for a richer, creamier texture.
- This recipe works wonderfully as a filling for parathas or as a side dish with rice.
- You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer green chilies according to your taste.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blanch the spinach before adding it to the pan, then puree it and mix with the other ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 13 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 9 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Fat | 16 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 6 grams |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Potassium | 500 mg |
| Vitamin A | 1800 IU |
| Vitamin C | 25 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Calcium | 250 mg |
Palak Paneer Bhurji is a fantastic way to enjoy the goodness of spinach and paneer in a flavorful and easy-to-make dish. This vibrant recipe brings together wholesome ingredients with the delightful tastes of Indian spices, making it a perfect choice for a healthy lunch or dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body.
