Palak Paneer Recipe - A Rich and Creamy Spinach Curry with Paneer

Palak Paneer is a popular dish made with paneer cooked in a smooth, flavorful, and mildly spiced spinach (palak) gravy. It is a vegetarian dish that is rich in protein, iron, and essential nutrients. The dish is known for its vibrant green color and creamy texture, often enhanced with a touch of fresh cream or butter.

Ingredients:

For the spinach puree:

• 500g fresh spinach (palak)
• 2 cups water (for blanching )
• 1 cup ice-cold water
• 2 green chilies (adjust spice level )

For the Paneer and Gravy:

• 200g paneer (cubed)
• 2 tablespoon ghee or oil
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped )
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 large tomato (pureed)
• half tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• half tablespoon cumin powder
• half tablespoon red chili powder (adjust to taste )
• half tablespoon garam masala
• salt to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cream (optional, for a richer taste )
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra flavor )

For Garnishing:

• 1 tablespoon fresh cream
• half tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi )
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

Step 1: Blanch and Puree the Spinach

Boil 2 cups of water in a large pan. Add the spinach leaves and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and transfer immediately to ice-cold water to retain the green color. Blend the spinach with green chilies into a smooth puree. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Gravy

Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them sputter. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears. Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates. Add turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.

Step 3: Combine Spinach Puree and Paneer

Lower the heat and add the spinach puree. Mix well and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add paneer cubes and gently stir. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi. Stir in fresh cream and butter (if using ). Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh flavor. 

• Serve hot with naan, roti, jeera rice, or plain basmati rice.
• Drizzle extra cream for a restaurant-style look.