Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Dish from India

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with tender spinach and paneer cubes cooked in a flavorful blend of spices. This vegetarian dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a favorite among many.

History

Palak Paneer has its origins in North India, where spinach and paneer are commonly used ingredients in traditional cuisine. The dish has been enjoyed for generations and has become a staple in Indian households and restaurants around the world.

Ingredients

600 g (about 24 oz) tender spinach, washed
2 green chillies, chopped
2 cup(s) paneer cubes
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
salt to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp cream
2 tomatoes, thinly diced or half cup tomato puree

How to prepare

Blanch the spinach in a large pot of boiling salted water for approximately 3 minutes.
Refresh the blanched spinach in chilled water.
Gently squeeze out excess water from the spinach and blend it with the green chillies until it becomes a fine paste.
In moderately hot oil, deep fry the cubes of cottage cheese until they turn light golden in color.
Drain the fried cheese cubes on absorbent paper. Note: If you prefer not to deep fry the cheese cubes, you can add them as they are when the dish is almost ready.
Heat oil in a heavy-based pan.
Add the cumin seeds and let them crackle.
Add the garlic and ginger, and fry briefly until the raw smell disappears.
Add garam masala.
Add the chopped spinach puree, salt, and mix well.
Add tomato puree or diced tomatoes and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
If needed, add water to achieve the desired gravy consistency and bring it to a boil.
Add the deep-fried cottage cheese cubes and gently stir to mix.
Mix in the lemon juice.
Simmer for approximately 4 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the cream.
Garnish with chopped fresh coriander and cream.
Best enjoyed with roti or naan.

Variations

Add a pinch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for a unique flavor.
Substitute tofu for paneer for a vegan version of the dish.
Add a dollop of yogurt on top for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Blanche the spinach to retain its vibrant green color and nutrients.

- Deep fry the paneer cubes for a crispy texture, or add them as they are for a healthier option.

- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer green chillies.

- Garnish with fresh coriander and cream for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Palak Paneer with roti or naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal. It can also be enjoyed with steamed rice or quinoa.

Cooking Techniques

Blanche the spinach to retain its color and nutrients.

- Deep fry the paneer cubes for a crispy texture.

- Simmer the dish to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use frozen spinach if fresh spinach is not available.

- Substitute ghee for oil for a richer flavor.

- Use tofu instead of paneer for a vegan option.

Make Ahead Tips

Palak Paneer can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Palak Paneer with a swirl of cream and fresh coriander leaves for a beautiful presentation. Serve in a decorative bowl for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Palak Paneer with a side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. A glass of lassi or mango lassi makes a refreshing beverage to accompany the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Palak Paneer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Palak Paneer is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium from the spinach and paneer.

Alergens

Contains dairy (paneer)

Summary

Palak Paneer is a nutritious dish packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein. It is a great option for vegetarians looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Summary

Palak Paneer is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make at home. With its blend of spinach, paneer, and spices, it is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy this classic North Indian dish with your favorite bread or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Palak Paneer. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to take a leisurely stroll through the bustling streets of Delhi. As I walked past the colorful stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables, the aroma of spices wafted through the air, enticing me to follow my nose.

I found myself drawn to a small, unassuming food stand tucked away in a corner of the market. The elderly woman behind the counter had a twinkle in her eye as she ladled out steaming bowls of a vibrant green curry. Intrigued, I approached her and asked about the dish she was serving. With a warm smile, she told me that it was Palak Paneer, a traditional North Indian dish made with spinach and paneer (Indian cottage cheese).

Curious to learn more, I asked the woman if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. She chuckled and told me that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. Seeing my genuine interest, she graciously agreed to teach me how to make Palak Paneer.

We spent the afternoon together, chopping spinach, grating paneer, and grinding spices. As the curry simmered on the stove, the sweet aroma of garlic, ginger, and garam masala filled the kitchen. The woman shared stories of her childhood, of cooking with her grandmother in a small village in Punjab, and of the joy that food had brought to her family.

As we sat down to enjoy the Palak Paneer together, I was struck by the simplicity and depth of flavors in the dish. The creamy paneer melted in my mouth, while the spinach lent a vibrant freshness to every bite. It was a revelation, a perfect harmony of ingredients and spices that danced on my taste buds.

From that moment on, Palak Paneer became a staple in my own kitchen. I experimented with different variations, adding extra garlic here, a pinch of cumin there, until I had perfected my own unique version of the dish. I shared it with friends and family, who marveled at the rich green color and complex flavors of my Palak Paneer.

Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe, drawing inspiration from different sources and incorporating new techniques. I learned to make my own paneer from scratch, toasting the spices before grinding them, and adding a splash of cream at the end for a luxurious finish. Each time I made Palak Paneer, I felt a deep connection to the woman in Delhi who had first shared the recipe with me, and to her grandmother who had passed it down through generations.

Today, as I stand in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of home, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the culinary journey that led me to Palak Paneer. It is more than just a dish to me—it is a testament to the power of food to connect us to our past, to nourish our bodies and souls, and to bring joy and comfort to those we love.

I hope that one day, I will have the opportunity to pass down this recipe to my own grandchildren, just as the woman in Delhi did for me. And as they gather around the table, savoring each delicious bite of Palak Paneer, I know that they will feel the same sense of wonder and connection that I have experienced. For in the end, food is more than just sustenance—it is a powerful link to our heritage, our culture, and our shared humanity.