This Classic Palak Paneer Recipe features paneer simmered in a creamy spinach gravy, making it a popular choice in North Indian cuisine. With its rich flavors and smooth texture, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and pairs well with naan or rice.
This Easy Palak Paneer Recipe is straightforward and can be customized with various spices. It’s a great addition to your collection of Cottage Cheese Recipes and offers a delicious way to enjoy spinach.
Overview of Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer is a beloved dish in Indian cuisine, known for its vibrant green spinach gravy and soft, white cubes of paneer. This Classic Palak Paneer Recipe is a staple in many households, offering a delightful way to enjoy spinach while incorporating the rich flavors of paneer.
The dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it a popular choice among health-conscious eaters. With its creamy texture and aromatic spices, this Paneer Curry is perfect for any meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients That Shine
The beauty of this Palak Paneer Recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Fresh spinach is the star, providing a vibrant color and a wealth of vitamins. Coupled with paneer, a type of Indian cottage cheese, this dish becomes a protein-rich option that satisfies hunger.
Other essential ingredients include onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. These elements come together to create a harmonious flavor profile that is both comforting and delicious. The addition of cream or yogurt at the end enriches the dish, giving it a luxurious finish.
Preparation Steps
Creating this Easy Palak Paneer Recipe is straightforward and can be completed in about 30 minutes. The first step involves blanching the spinach, which helps retain its bright green color. After blending it into a smooth puree, the cooking process begins with sautéing onions and spices, building a flavorful base.
Next, the pureed spinach is combined with the sautéed mixture, followed by the addition of paneer cubes. This gentle cooking allows the paneer to absorb the flavors of the gravy, resulting in a satisfying dish. Finally, a swirl of cream or yogurt is stirred in, elevating the richness of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Palak Paneer is best enjoyed hot, garnished with a drizzle of cream for an added touch of elegance. It pairs wonderfully with warm naan bread or steamed rice, making it a versatile option for any meal. The combination of soft naan and creamy spinach gravy creates a delightful experience that is hard to resist.
For those looking to enhance their dining experience, consider serving it alongside a side of raita or a fresh salad. This not only adds variety to the meal but also balances the richness of the Palak Paneer.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. A serving of Palak Paneer provides a good amount of protein from the paneer, while the spinach offers essential vitamins and minerals. With approximately 320 calories per serving, it fits well into a balanced diet.
Moreover, the healthy fats from cream or yogurt contribute to satiety, making it a satisfying choice for those looking to maintain energy levels throughout the day. Incorporating this dish into your meal rotation can be a great way to enjoy the benefits of spinach in a flavorful manner.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great aspects of the Palak Paneer Recipes Indian is their adaptability. While the classic version is beloved, there are numerous ways to customize it to suit personal tastes. For instance, adding spices like fenugreek leaves or experimenting with different types of paneer can create unique flavors.
For a twist, some might opt for Saag Paneer, which incorporates mustard greens along with spinach, offering a different texture and taste. Additionally, for those who prefer a lighter version, substituting cream with yogurt can provide a tangy flavor while reducing calories.
Simple and Delicious Palak Paneer Recipe
This Palak Paneer Recipe combines fresh spinach with paneer, creating a delightful Paneer Curry that is both nutritious and satisfying. The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 250 grams paneer, cubed
- 500 grams fresh spinach leaves, washed and chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 cup cream or yogurt
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Blanch the Spinach: Boil water in a pot, add the spinach leaves, and blanch for 2-3 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer to ice water to retain the green color. Blend into a smooth puree.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add Spices: Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cooking for another minute. Add the pureed tomatoes, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
- Combine Spinach and Paneer: Add the spinach puree to the pan, mixing well. Add the cubed paneer and gently stir to coat it in the gravy. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in cream or yogurt and garam masala. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, adjusting seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Garnish with a drizzle of cream and serve hot with naan or rice.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 18g