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I have been craving palak paneer for some time. This dish is sooooo good and only takes 30 minutes and you are left with a bangin dish which works with naan, roti, parathas, rice, etc.

Honestly, spinach is boring and this is a great way to spice it up!

Link to watch the video: https://www.instagram.com/amateurprochef/

What is Palak Paneer?

Palak Paneer is a classic North Indian dish that features a creamy spinach (palak) sauce and cubes of paneer, a type of Indian cottage cheese. This vegetarian delight is known for its rich, vibrant green color and a flavorful blend of spices.

The dish typically includes ingredients such as fresh spinach, paneer, onions, garlic, ginger, and a mix of spices. Some variations also incorporate tomatoes and cream or yogurt for added texture and flavor.

The spinach leaves are blanched and pureed, creating a smooth, nutrient-packed base. Paneer cubes are then added to the spinach sauce, allowing them to absorb the dish’s rich and aromatic flavors. Palak Paneer is commonly served with Indian breads like naan or roti, or with rice.

This dish not only offers a delicious and satisfying meal but is also packed with nutrients from the spinach and paneer, providing a healthy and balanced option for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

The use of spinach and paneer in Indian cooking is long-standing, with both ingredients being staples in many vegetarian dishes. Paneer, a type of fresh cheese, is particularly popular in North India, where it is commonly used in various recipes.

Lets get started:

Spinach and paneer—a classic combination in Indian cuisine—never fails to bring warmth and comfort to the table. The dish I’m sharing today is a fresh and vibrant take on this beloved duo, with a spicy twist that will invigorate your taste buds. It’s a perfect blend of earthy spinach, creamy paneer, and aromatic spices.

We start by blanching the spinach, which not only helps retain its vibrant green color but also preserves its nutrients. Blanching involves briefly boiling the spinach in hot water, just enough to soften it, and then immediately rinsing it under cold water. This technique stops the cooking process, ensuring that the spinach remains bright and fresh. Once blanched, the spinach is ready to be transformed into a puree, along with 4-5 green chillis for a bit of heat.

Building the curry base:

Next, we move on to preparing the base of the dish. Chop a medium-sized onion into small pieces, as these will add a sweet and savory depth to our dish. Paneer, the star of our recipe, is cut into bite-sized cubes, ready to soak up the delicious flavors of the spinach and spices. The beauty of paneer is its versatility and ability to absorb flavors while retaining its firm texture.

In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and add 4 cloves of minced garlic and the chopped onion. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this stage is simply irresistible. The garlic and onion sauté together, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a flavorful base. After a few minutes, add a dollop of ghee or butter, which not only enriches the dish but also enhances the caramelization process, giving the onions a golden-brown color and a deep, rich flavor.

Now, it’s time to introduce the spinach puree into the pan. As you pour it in, you’ll notice the vibrant green color contrasting beautifully with the golden onions. This puree serves as the heart of our dish, bringing together the freshness of spinach with the warmth of spices. Speaking of spices, this is the moment to add your favorites—cumin, coriander, turmeric, or garam masala—to elevate the dish’s flavor profile.

Finishing Touches and Serving

To finish, squeeze the juice of half a lime into the mixture. The acidity of the lime cuts through the richness of the dish, adding a bright and tangy note. Finally, add in the paneer cubes and stir everything together over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. This gentle cooking allows the paneer to absorb the flavors while maintaining its delicate texture.

And there you have it—a delicious, wholesome Spinach-Paneer dish, ready to be enjoyed. Whether served with warm naan, fluffy rice, or simply on its own, this dish is a celebration of flavors and textures that will delight your senses. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy the process of creating a meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat!

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