Palak Paneer

palak_paneer

Palak Paneer is one of the most beloved dishes in Pakistan, and it has become a staple on many dinner tables. This dish is a vegetarian delight that combines spinach with paneer, a type of Indian cheese that has a texture similar to tofu but is much firmer and has a richer flavor.

The dish is creamy, smooth, and deliciously spiced. It is a great way to get your greens in, and it is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for something healthy and nutritious. The spinach is cooked with a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala. These spices give the dish a warm, earthy flavor that makes it very comforting to eat.

Palak Paneer originated in northern India and has become popular throughout Pakistan as well. It is typically eaten with rice or naan bread and is a great way to add some flavor and variety to your diet.

Paneer is a type of Indian cheese that is made from milk and is similar to tofu in texture. It is a great source of protein and is often used in vegetarian dishes to add some richness and texture. Paneer is also very versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes, from curries to sandwiches.

To make Palak Paneer, you will need fresh spinach, paneer, and a variety of spices. The spinach is cooked down until it is tender and then mashed into a smooth puree. The paneer is then added to the puree along with the spices and cooked until all the flavors have melded together.

The dish is typically served with rice or naan bread, but you can also enjoy it on its own as a nutritious and delicious vegetarian meal. It is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or who are looking for a healthier alternative to traditional curries.

Overall, Palak Paneer is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for anyone looking to add some variety to their diet. It is simple to make and can be customized to suit your tastes, so give it a try and see why it is so beloved in Pakistan!

Ingredients:

  • 500 grams of spinach (fresh or frozen)
  • 250 grams of paneer (cut into cubes)
  • 2 medium sized onions (finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 medium sized tomatoes (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
  • 2 green chillis (finely chopped)
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 tablespoons of oil
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • ¾ cup of water

Instructions:

  1. First, wash the spinach leaves thoroughly and blanch them in hot water for about 2 minutes. Then, remove the spinach leaves from the water and immediately put them in cold water to cool down.
  2. Drain the excess water and blend the spinach leaves to a smooth paste. Set aside.
  3. Heat oil in a pan and fry the paneer cubes until they turn golden brown. Remove the fried paneer and keep them aside.
  4. In the same pan, add butter and cumin seeds. Once they start spluttering, add chopped onions and fry them until they turn golden brown.
  5. Add ginger-garlic paste and fry for a minute.
  6. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
  7. Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a minute.
  8. Add the spinach paste and chopped green chillis to the pan. Mix everything well and cook for 10 minutes on medium flame.
  9. Add ¾ cup of water and let it simmer for 10 more minutes.
  10. Add the fried paneer cubes to the pan and mix everything gently. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  11. Your Palak Paneer is now ready to serve. You can garnish it with some cream and serve it hot with roti, naan or rice. Enjoy!