Palak Paneer Recipe - How to make Palak Paneer

Read in Hindi

Palak Paneer is very tasty and popular vegetable of India, whose mouth starts watering on hearing its name. This delicious and nutritious curry is made by mixing spinach and paneer together. It is a vegetarian dish that is not only delicious but also very nutritious. Spinach is an excellent source of essential nutrients like iron, calcium, vitamins A, C and K, as well as antioxidants, while paneer, on the other hand, is rich in protein and calcium. So, in this palak paneer recipe, we are going to learn how to make palak paneer. A delicious and nutritious recipe step by step. 

Ingredients for palak paneer

- 250 grams paneer, cut into small pieces
- 500 grams fresh spinach leaves, washed and blanched
- 2 medium sized onions, finely chopped
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust as per your spice preference)
- 1/2 cup thick cream
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder (as per taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- salt to taste
- 2 tbsp ghee or oil for cooking

Palak paneer recipe step by step

Step1:
First of all wash the spinach thoroughly, after that add water and a little salt in a pot and boil the spinach leaves for about 2-3 minutes till they become soft.

Step2:
Now filter it and immediately put it in a bowl of cold water. When it cools down, blend the spinach and make a smooth puree.

Step3:
In a non-stick pan, heat 1 tbsp ghee or oil on a medium flame. Add the paneer pieces and fry till they turn golden brown in color from all the sides, then take out the paneer from the pan and keep it aside.

Step 4:
In the same pan, add remaining ghee or oil, add cumin seeds and asafoetida, let them crackle, then, add finely chopped onions and fry till translucent.

Step 5:
Now add grated garlic, ginger and green chillies and fry till the raw smell disappears.

Step6:
Now add chopped tomatoes and cook till they become soft and oil starts separating from the mixture.

Step 7:
Lower the heat and add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, ground coriander and salt. Mix well and cook for a minute or two.

Step 8:
Pour the spinach puree into the pan, mix it with the tomato and spice base. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 9:
Now add water to the spinach as required, and cook for some 2-3 minutes.

Step 10:
When the gravy starts boiling, add fried paneer to it and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Step 11:
Now, add cream and mix well, after mixing turn off the gas.

Step 12:
Palak paneer is ready, serve it hot with basmati rice, naan, roti or jeera rice.

Conclusion

• If you do not have paneer, you can also use fried tofu instead.
• You can soak paneer in water for 10 minutes as soft paneer blends easily with the gravy.
• You can also garnish palak paneer with kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for taste and aroma.

FAQ

1. How to make Palak Paneer at home? (Palak Paneer kaise banta hai)
To make palak paneer at home, you need to blanch fresh spinach, blend it into a smooth puree, and then cook it with paneer (Indian cheese) in a tasty gravy made with onions, tomatoes and spices.

2. What are the ingredients required for a traditional Palak Paneer recipe?
The ingredients required for a traditional palak paneer recipe include fresh spinach, paneer (Indian cheese), onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, green chillies, garam masala, cumin, turmeric powder and other spices. Additionally, some recipes may use cream or cashew paste for a creamy texture.

3. Is there a vegetarian or dairy-free version of Palak Paneer?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian or dairy-free version of palak paneer by using tofu or any other plant-based protein in place of paneer. You can use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of cream to get a creamier texture.

4. Can I use frozen spinach for Palak Paneer?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach for palak paneer. Be sure to thaw it before use and squeeze out excess water to avoid diluting the flavor.

5. How to make Palak Paneer without using cream?
To make Palak Paneer without using cream, you can also add a handful of soaked cashew nuts while blending the spinach. Cashews will provide a creamy texture without the need for dairy cream.

6. What are the best spices to enhance the taste of Palak Paneer?
The best spices to enhance the flavor of palak paneer include garam masala, cumin, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder and kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves).

7. How to prevent Palak Paneer from becoming rubbery?
To prevent the paneer from becoming rubbery, you can soak the paneer pieces in hot water for 15-20 minutes before adding them to the gravy. Additionally, avoid overcooking the paneer to maintain its softness.

8. What are some variations of Palak Paneer that I can try?
Some popular varieties of palak paneer include adding cream or yogurt to the gravy for better flavor, adding mushrooms or peas for added texture, or adding different types of greens such as fenugreek leaves (methi) or mustard greens (sarson) with the spinach. use is included.

9. How to make Palak Paneer using Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker?
To make palak paneer in the Instant Pot or pressure cooker, follow the same steps as for blanching the spinach and making the gravy. Then, cook the paneer and spinach gravy together in an Instant Pot for a few minutes until well combined.

10. Are there any health benefits associated with Palak Paneer?
Yes, Palak Paneer can be a nutritious dish. Spinach is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, while paneer provides protein and calcium. However, the overall healthiness depends on the method of cooking, and using as little oil or ghee as possible can enhance its health benefits.