Palak Paneer Bhurji (Spiced Cottage Cheese Scramble with Spinach)
North Indian Recipe | Vegetarian
Palak Paneer Bhurji, a delicious and nutritious North Indian dish, takes inspiration from the classic egg bhurji (scrambled eggs). In this vegetarian twist, crumbled homemade paneer (cottage cheese) is cooked along with finely chopped spinach, creating a scrambled texture full of flavor and nutrients. The combination of aromatic spices like cumin, garam masala, and amchur (dry mango powder) elevates the taste, while the smoothness of butter makes it absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or a light meal, Palak Paneer Bhurji pairs wonderfully with whole wheat bread toast or soft parathas.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 200 grams, crumbled |
| Spinach Leaves (Palak) | 50 grams, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, finely chopped |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Tomato | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, finely chopped |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | ½ teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Garam masala powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 2 teaspoons |
| Butter (Salted) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For cooking |
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Instructions:
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Prepare the Paneer: If you’re making homemade paneer, follow the recipe for making fresh paneer and crumble it. Set it aside.
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Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the spinach, green chillies, onion, tomato, and garlic. Measure out the spices and butter.
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Cooking the Spices: Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds to the hot oil and let them crackle. The cumin will infuse the oil with a nutty aroma.
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Sauteing the Aromatics: Add the finely chopped garlic, green chillies, and onion to the pan. Sauté these ingredients until the onions turn light brown and fragrant.
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Adding Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook them down until they soften and most of the moisture has evaporated.
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Cooking the Spinach: Now, add the finely chopped spinach (palak) to the pan. Stir and cook until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
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Spicing It Up: Add the red chili powder, garam masala powder, and amchur (dry mango powder). Mix well to coat the spinach and onion mixture with the spices.
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Adding the Paneer: Gently stir in the crumbled paneer. Ensure that the paneer is evenly combined with the spinach mixture.
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Adding Butter and Simmering: Add a tablespoon of salted butter to the mixture. Continue sautéing for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the paneer to soak up the spices.
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Final Touch: Once everything is well combined, turn off the heat. The Palak Paneer Bhurji is now ready to be served!
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Palak Paneer Bhurji hot, accompanied by Homemade Whole Wheat Bread Toast or Parathas. You can also enjoy it with a refreshing glass of Muskmelon (Kharbuj) Juice to balance the flavors.
This flavorful dish is perfect for a hearty breakfast or even a quick lunch. Its rich texture and savory taste are sure to delight anyone who enjoys Indian flavors!
Enjoy your Palak Paneer Bhurji as a comforting and wholesome meal.
