A Delicious and Nutritious Indian Recipe (Spinach and Cottage Cheese)
Palak Paneer, a classic North Indian dish, is a healthy, flavorful, and protein-packed meal made with spinach (palak) and cottage cheese (paneer). This creamy, spiced dish is loved for its vibrant green color and delicious blend of spices, making it a perfect accompaniment to naan, roti, or rice. In this step-by-step recipe guide, we will walk you through how to make this delicious dish at home.
Why You’ll Love Palak Paneer:
- Rich in nutrients: Spinach is a superfood loaded with iron, vitamins, and antioxidants. Paneer provides a good source of protein and calcium.
- Quick and easy: You can prepare this dish in under 40 minutes.
- Low-carb and keto-friendly: A great choice for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 200-250 grams of paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
- 2 bunches (about 250-300 grams) of fresh spinach (palak)
- 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, finely chopped
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 1-inch piece of ginger
- 2 green chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee
- 2-3 tablespoons of fresh cream (optional, for creaminess)
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Spinach:
- Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly and boil them in a pot of hot water for 2-3 minutes until they wilt.
- Immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice-cold water to retain its vibrant green color. This process is called blanching.
- After a few minutes, drain the water and blend the spinach into a smooth puree using a blender. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Paneer:
- If you prefer, lightly fry the paneer cubes in a teaspoon of oil or ghee until they are golden on the edges. This step is optional but adds texture to the paneer.
- Set the fried paneer aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Masala (Spiced Base):
- In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee on medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and allow them to crackle for a few seconds.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Next, add ginger, garlic, and green chilies, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and release oil from the sides.
- Now, mix in the turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook the masala for 2-3 minutes until well combined.
4. Cook the Spinach Gravy:
- Pour the spinach puree into the pan with the masala and stir well.
- Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. You can add a little water if the gravy is too thick.
5. Add Paneer and Final Touches:
- Add the paneer cubes to the spinach gravy and gently mix them in.
- Sprinkle garam masala over the dish and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- For a richer, creamier texture, you can add a few tablespoons of fresh cream at the end.
- Adjust salt and spices to taste.
6. Serve Hot:
- Garnish with a swirl of cream or some freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve Palak Paneer hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.
Tips for the Perfect Palak Paneer:
- Use fresh spinach: Fresh, tender spinach gives the best flavor and texture. Frozen spinach works too but may slightly alter the texture.
- Adjust the spice level: If you like your food spicier, feel free to increase the number of green chilies or add more red chili powder.
- Paneer variations: You can substitute paneer with tofu for a vegan version of this dish.
Health Benefits of Palak Paneer:
- High in iron and calcium: Spinach is rich in iron, while paneer provides calcium, making this dish great for bone health.
- Low in carbs: Palak Paneer is naturally low-carb, making it a healthy option for those on a keto or low-carb diet.
- Rich in protein: Paneer is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair.
Palak Paneer is a healthy, flavourful, and easy-to-make dish that brings together the nutritional goodness of spinach and paneer. Whether you are looking for a wholesome vegetarian meal or want to explore Indian cuisine, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds. Pair it with some warm naan or fluffy rice, and you have a complete meal ready to serve!
