Delicious Homemade Palak Paneer Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Delicious Homemade Palak Paneer Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Palak Paneer is a quintessential North Indian dish made with vibrant green spinach (palak) and soft paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cooked together with an array of spices to create a mouthwatering delicacy. It is not only packed with nutrients but also rich in flavor, making it a favorite across Indian households. This detailed, step-by-step guide will help you prepare a delicious homemade Palak Paneer that will impress your family and friends.

Delicious Homemade Palak Paneer Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Palak Paneer

Ingredients (Serves 4):
– 250 grams of paneer, cubed
– 500 grams of fresh spinach (palak)
– 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil
– 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
– 2 tomatoes, pureed
– 1 inch of ginger, grated
– 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 green chilies, slit
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– Salt to taste
– 2-3 tablespoons of cream or yogurt (optional)
– Lemon juice to taste
– Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Start by thoroughly washing the spinach leaves under running water to remove any dirt or grit. Once cleaned, blanch them in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until they wilt but still retain their vibrant green color. Immediately transfer the blanched spinach into a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve the color. Drain after a minute and blend the spinach to a fine puree using a blender or food processor. Set aside.

Step 2: Fry the Paneer
Heat a tablespoon of ghee or oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Gently add the paneer cubes and fry until they turn golden brown on all sides. Once done, remove and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. To keep the paneer soft, you may soak the fried cubes in warm water for about 10 minutes, if desired.

Step 3: Prepare the Masala Base
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of ghee or oil. Lower the heat and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter, then add the chopped onions. Sauté well until the onions become translucent and just start to brown. Add the ginger and garlic, sautéing until the raw aroma vanishes. Introduce the green chilies and stir for about a minute.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the mixture reduces and the oil starts to separate from the sides. This should take about 10 minutes; ensure that you stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Introduce turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and continue sautéing the masala base until the spices are well-cooked and aromatic.

Step 5: Combine Spinach and Paneer
Pour the prepared spinach puree into the masala base. Mix thoroughly so that all the spices blend well with the spinach. Let it simmer on a low flame for about 5-7 minutes. This cooking allows the flavors to meld together into a cohesive dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Add the fried paneer cubes to the spinach curry and gently fold them in. Ensure the paneer is well-coated with the palak. Let the Palak Paneer simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the paneer.

Step 6: Finishing Touches
For a creamy texture, stir in the cream or yogurt just before turning off the heat. This step is optional but adds richness to the dish. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavors. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Step 7: Serve
Homemade Palak Paneer is best enjoyed with warm naan, roti, or jeera rice. The dish’s rich flavors will pair beautifully with any of these accompaniments.

Cooking Tips:
1. Use fresh, tender spinach for the best flavor and nutritional value.
2. Adjust the chili and spice levels according to your preference.
3. While frying paneer, ensure not to overcook it. Softer paneer makes for a more enjoyable texture.
4. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thoroughly thawed and excess water is squeezed out before blending.

Palak Paneer, bubbling away with enticing aromas, is bound to be the star of your meal. Using this guide, you can recreate a restaurant-style dish right in your kitchen. Enjoy the wholesome goodness and flavors of this classic Indian vegetarian delight, perfect for a cozy family meal or a festive gathering.

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