Palak Paneer Recipe: A Creamy Delight!

The first whiff of a well-cooked palak paneer hits you like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine fresh spinach, vibrant green and fragrant, swirling around cubes of soft paneer that practically melt in your mouth. Each bite is like a mini-celebration of flavors—earthy, creamy, and just the right amount of spice to dance on your tongue. If you’re not already dreaming about this dish, you’re in for a treat!

I remember the first time I tasted palak paneer at my friend Priya’s house. It was during one of those rainy afternoons when everything outside looked dreary, but inside her kitchen? Oh boy! The aroma wafting from her stove could put any fancy restaurant to shame. We devoured it with warm naan, and I swear, I thought the heavens opened up just for us. Now, every time I’m feeling nostalgic or need a quick pick-me-up, this palak paneer recipe is my go-to comfort food.

Ingredients for palak paneer recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Spinach: You’ll need about 500 grams of fresh spinach. Look for dark green leaves without wilting or yellowing.
• Paneer: About 250 grams of paneer adds that creamy goodness. You can find it in Indian grocery stores or even make your own!
• Onion: One medium onion will do the trick. Chop it finely for that sweet base flavor.
• Tomato: Use one medium-sized tomato. It brings acidity and depth; opt for ripe ones.
• Ginger-Garlic Paste: Two teaspoons add warmth and aromatic qualities to the dish.
• Spices: Cumin seeds (1 teaspoon), garam masala (1 teaspoon), and turmeric powder (½ teaspoon) create a flavor explosion.

For the Sauce:

• Cream: A splash of cream (about 50 ml) adds richness. You can substitute yogurt if you’re looking for a lighter version.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make palak paneer recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Blanch the Spinach

Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the fresh spinach and let it cook for about two minutes until wilted but still vibrantly green. Drain the spinach and plunge it into ice water immediately—this keeps that beautiful color intact!

Step 2: Blend into a Smooth Paste

Once cooled, transfer the spinach into a blender or food processor. Blend until you have a smooth puree that looks like something straight out of an art class—vibrant green and perfectly consistent.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pan over medium heat, add some oil or ghee (your choice). Toss in cumin seeds until they crackle joyfully—about thirty seconds should do it! Then add chopped onions and sauté them until golden brown.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Spices

Stir in chopped tomatoes along with ginger-garlic paste into the mix. Cook until tomatoes soften and blend beautifully with onions—around five minutes should suffice. Now sprinkle in turmeric powder and garam masala; let those spices mingle!

Step 5: Combine Spinach and Paneer

Pour your luscious spinach puree into the pan with the sautéed mixture and stir well to combine all those mouthwatering flavors together. Gently fold in cubed paneer; simmer everything together on low heat for another five minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Cream

Finally, pour in your splash of cream (or yogurt) and mix until everything’s looking velvety smooth! Taste-test to see if you need more salt or spices—after all, it’s your culinary creation!

Transfer to plates and serve hot with naan or steamed rice for an unforgettable meal that will make you want seconds (and maybe thirds). Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by blanching the spinach to preserve its vibrant color. While it’s cooling, sauté the onions and tomatoes for a rich base. Once blended, mix in the paneer and let those flavors marry beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out paneer for tofu if you’re looking for a vegan option. You can also experiment with spices like cumin or garam masala to make it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your palak paneer fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain its creamy texture.

Sometimes, my friends say this palak paneer recipe is better than any restaurant version! Cooking it once led to a family request every week—talk about a crowd-pleaser!

FAQs:

What is the main ingredient in palak paneer recipe?

The primary ingredient in palak paneer recipe is spinach, which gives the dish its vibrant green color and rich flavor. Along with spinach, paneer, a type of Indian cheese, plays a crucial role in creating the dish’s creamy texture. Other common ingredients include onions, tomatoes, garlic, and spices like cumin and garam masala. This combination creates a deliciously nutritious meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.

How long does it take to prepare palak paneer?

Preparing palak paneer typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish. You will spend about 10 to 15 minutes washing and blanching the spinach and chopping other ingredients. Cooking the dish itself usually takes another 20 minutes. This makes it a quick and easy option for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Can I make palak paneer recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To make a vegan version of palak paneer recipe, simply substitute traditional paneer with tofu or any other plant-based alternative. You can also use coconut cream or cashew cream to achieve that creamy texture without dairy. The flavors will still be rich and delightful, ensuring that everyone at your table can enjoy this classic dish without compromise.

What dishes pair well with palak paneer?

Palak paneer pairs wonderfully with various Indian bread like naan or roti, which you can use to scoop up the creamy spinach mixture. Additionally, serving it alongside steamed basmati rice or jeera rice enhances the meal’s overall experience. For added flavor, consider offering pickles or yogurt on the side; these complement the spices beautifully while providing a refreshing balance.

Looking to expand your recipe collection? Check out these tasty recipes for your next culinary adventure.

Conclusion for palak paneer recipe:

In summary, making palak paneer is both simple and rewarding. By focusing on fresh spinach and quality paneer, you create a dish that’s not only flavorful but also nutritious. Remember to season well with spices for that authentic taste. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this palak paneer recipe will impress every time. Enjoy your cooking journey!

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Palak Paneer

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of palak paneer, featuring fresh spinach and soft paneer, perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.

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Ingredients

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For the Sauce:

• 500 grams fresh spinach
• 250 grams paneer
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 50 ml cream (or yogurt)

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Instructions

1. 1. Blanch the Spinach: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add fresh spinach and cook for about two minutes until wilted. Drain and plunge into ice water to preserve color.
2. 2. Blend into a Smooth Paste: Once cooled, transfer spinach to a blender and puree until smooth.
3. 3. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pan over medium heat, add oil or ghee and cumin seeds. Sauté until they crackle. Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
4. 4. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in chopped tomatoes and ginger-garlic paste. Cook until tomatoes soften (about five minutes). Add turmeric powder and garam masala.
5. 5. Combine Spinach and Paneer: Pour spinach puree into the pan, mixing well. Gently fold in cubed paneer and simmer on low heat for five minutes.
6. 6. Finish with Cream: Stir in cream (or yogurt) until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 40mg