This delightful Palak Paneer Bhurji is a vibrant North Indian dish that beautifully combines the creaminess of crumbled paneer with the rich, earthy flavors of spinach and aromatic spices. It’s not just a comforting meal but also a healthy option, making it perfect for breakfast or a light lunch.
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) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Garam Masala Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 2 teaspoons |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | For cooking |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~ 230 kcal |
| Protein | ~ 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~ 8 g |
| Fat | ~ 18 g |
| Fiber | ~ 2 g |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
Instructions
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Preparation of Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you are making homemade paneer, follow the instructions provided in the linked recipe to ensure you have fresh, crumbled paneer ready for the dish.
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Cooking the Base: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat a generous splash of sunflower oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and let them crackle, releasing their fragrant aroma into the oil.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, green chillies, and onion to the pan. Sauté these ingredients until the onion turns a lovely light brown, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds the base flavor for the bhurji.
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Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook them down until they soften and the moisture begins to evaporate, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
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Add Spinach: Once the tomatoes are soft, introduce the finely chopped spinach leaves into the pan. Stir and sauté until the spinach wilts down and reduces in volume, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
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Spice It Up: After the spinach has cooked, sprinkle in the red chilli powder, garam masala, and amchur powder. Mix well, ensuring the spices coat the spinach and tomato mixture evenly.
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Combine with Paneer: Gently fold in the crumbled paneer and add a generous dollop of butter. Stir the mixture to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Allow it to simmer on low heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
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Final Touches: After the cooking time, turn off the heat and let the dish sit for a minute to settle. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
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Serving Suggestion: Serve the Palak Paneer Bhurji hot, ideally accompanied by slices of homemade whole wheat bread toasted to perfection. For a refreshing drink, pair it with a glass of muskmelon (kharbuj) juice, completing this wholesome meal.
Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body!