Delicious Homemade Palak Paneer Recipe You Need to Try Today

Ingredients for Homemade Palak Paneer Recipe

To create a delightful palak paneer dish, gather the following ingredients:

1. Fresh spinach leaves (palak) – 2 bunches or approximately 300 grams
2. Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) – 250 grams, cut into cubes
3. Ghee or oil – 2 tablespoons
4. Cumin seeds (jeera) – 1 teaspoon
5. Green chilies – 2, finely chopped
6. Garlic cloves – 4, minced
7. Ginger – 1 inch, grated
8. Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
9. Tomatoes – 2 medium, pureed
10. Garam masala – 1 teaspoon
11. Turmeric powder – 1/4 teaspoon
12. Red chili powder – 1/2 teaspoon
13. Salt – to taste
14. Cream or Greek yogurt – 2 tablespoons
15. Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon

Preparing the Spinach

Begin by thoroughly washing the spinach leaves under running water to remove any dirt or impurities. In a large pot, boil water and add a pinch of salt to it. Dunk the spinach leaves into the boiling water and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until they wilt. Immediately transfer the blanched spinach to a bowl of ice-cold water. This process retains the vibrant green color of the spinach. After a few minutes, drain the water and blend the spinach into a smooth puree using a blender or mixer. Set this aside for later use.

Cooking the Paneer

In a non-stick pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the paneer cubes to the pan and sauté them until they turn light golden brown. Take care not to overcook the paneer as it can become chewy. Once done, remove the paneer from the pan and place it on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Preparing the Masala Base

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of ghee or oil. Once heated, add the cumin seeds and allow them to splutter. Add finely chopped green chilies, minced garlic, and grated ginger, sautéing them for a minute until the raw aroma disappears. Then, add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and start to brown slightly.

Next, incorporate the pureed tomatoes into the pan, stirring well. Allow the mixture to cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Then add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the spices. Allow the masala to cook for another 2 minutes.

Combining Spinach and Masala

With the masala ready, gently fold in the spinach puree. Stir well to combine the spinach with the masala base, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5-6 minutes. This allows the spinach to absorb the rich flavors of the spices.

Finishing Touches

Once the spinach and masala are well combined, add the sautéed paneer cubes into the pan. Carefully mix to coat the paneer with the creamy spinach mixture. Maintain a gentle hand to avoid breaking the delicate paneer cubes. Simmer the palak paneer for 3-4 minutes until the paneer absorbs the flavors of the dish.

As the final touch, stir in the cream or Greek yogurt to add richness and a slight tanginess to the dish. This helps balance the flavors and provides a smooth texture. Sprinkle a teaspoon of garam masala and drizzle lemon juice over the top, then give it a final gentle mix.

Serving Suggestions

Palak paneer, with its rich flavor and luscious texture, is best served hot with your choice of Indian bread such as naan or roti. It also pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice, elevating the dining experience with its comforting combination.

Tips for the Perfect Palak Paneer

For optimal flavor, always use fresh paneer and spinach. This ensures that the texture and taste are at their peak. Blanching the spinach is crucial as it helps retain its green color and nutritional content, making the dish visually appealing. Adjust the level of green chilies according to your spice preference, and consider adding a dollop of butter on top before serving for an extra layer of richness.

Potential Variations

For a vegan twist, substitute the paneer with firm tofu and skip the cream, opting instead for coconut cream or cashew paste for creaminess. If you like a hint of smokiness, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke or charring the tomatoes before pureeing. Adding fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves can also enhance the flavor truly offering a different dimension.

Incorporating Seasonal Ingredients

As a versatile dish, palak paneer allows the inclusion of seasonal vegetables such as fenugreek leaves, corn, or capsicum, which can be sautéed along with paneer. These additions not only add to the flavor profile but also increase the nutritional value of the dish.

Choosing the Right Complementing Dishes

Accompany your palak paneer with tangy pickles, crispy papadums, and a cool cucumber raita for a truly Indian feast. A side salad with fresh vegetables or a fruit salad can also balance the richness of the dish while adding freshness to the meal.

With this detailed palak paneer recipe, you’re well on your way to creating a delightful homemade meal that’s sure to become a favorite at your dining table. Enjoy your culinary journey exploring diverse flavors with this nutritious and flavorful dish.

Author Profile

Ganpat Singh Chouhan: My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.