Palak Paneer Recipe – Spinach Paneer Recipe
A classic and wholesome dish from Punjabi cuisine, Palak Paneer is a delightful combination of nutritious spinach and protein-packed paneer. This dish, a staple in many Indian households, is not only rich in iron and protein but also a comforting addition to your dinner table. Whether you’re looking to pack a healthy lunch or enjoy a flavorful dinner, Palak Paneer is the perfect choice. Serve it with rice or flatbreads for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Punjabi
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer | 250 grams |
| Spinach | 500 grams (washed and chopped) |
| Tomatoes (puree) | 1 |
| Garlic (grated) | 2 cloves |
| Ginger (grated) | 2 inches |
| Green Chilies | 2 (chopped) |
| Cumin Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cream | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Spinach:
Begin by washing the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt. Once clean, chop it into small pieces and set aside. -
Blanch the Spinach:
In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the chopped spinach. Turn off the heat and let the spinach sit in the hot water for about 2-3 minutes. After this, remove the spinach from the water and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, blend the spinach into a smooth puree using a mixer or blender. -
Cook the Base:
In a large pan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle. Next, add the grated garlic, ginger, and chopped green chilies. Cook these ingredients together for about a minute until fragrant. -
Add Tomatoes and Spices:
Stir in the tomato puree, turmeric powder, and cook for 2-3 minutes. This will allow the tomato to cook through and the spices to blend well with the tomatoes. -
Combine Spinach and Spices:
Add the freshly ground spinach puree to the pan, followed by cumin powder, garam masala powder, cinnamon powder, and salt. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes. The spinach will thicken slightly during this process, and the flavors will meld beautifully. -
Add Paneer and Cream:
Once the spinach mixture is cooked, add the cream to give the dish a smooth texture. Gently stir in the paneer cubes and allow the curry to come to a boil. Once it reaches a gentle boil, turn off the heat. -
Serve:
Serve this delicious Palak Paneer hot with your favorite Indian bread, such as phulkas, or a steaming bowl of jeera rice. For a well-rounded meal, pair it with a refreshing side of Boondi Raita and comforting Dal Tadka.
Tips for a Perfect Palak Paneer:
- Texture: For an even smoother consistency, you can use a hand blender directly in the pan after adding the spinach puree.
- Paneer: If you prefer a softer paneer, lightly fry the cubes in a bit of butter or oil before adding them to the spinach mixture.
- Spices: Adjust the spice levels to your liking by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chilies or garam masala.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair your Palak Paneer with traditional Dal Tadka and Phulkas for a wholesome meal that is both nutritious and full of flavor. Alternatively, serve it with Jeera Rice for a comforting dinner option. Enjoy your healthy, high-protein vegetarian dinner that everyone will savor!
