Easy Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is a classic Indian dish known for its rich, creamy spinach gravy and succulent chunks of paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Here is a simple recipe on how I make my palak paneer.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons of softened ghee
• 400g fresh spinach
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt (for boiling spinach)
• 1 teaspoon of salt (for the gravy)
• 400g paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 grated tomato
• 100ml fresh cream
• 2 tablespoons of Kashmiri masala
• 1/2 teaspoon of Dhania Jeera powder (coriander-cumin powder)
• 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon of ginger and garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon of jeera seeds (cumin seeds)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• Salt to taste

For the Tadka (Tempering):

• 2 cloves of crushed garlic
• 2 dried red chilies
• 1 teaspoon of Kashmiri masala
• 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder

METHOD

1. Begin by boiling the fresh spinach with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda until it becomes tender. Once cooked, drain the spinach and squeeze out excess water. Blend the wilted spinach with a little water until you have a smooth puree.
2. In a heated pot, add the softened ghee, jeera seeds, and the bay leaf. Allow them to sizzle for about a minute.
3. Add the finely chopped onions, ginger and garlic paste, and fresh diced garlic to the pot.
4. Add the ground spices and let them cook until they release their aromatic fragrance.
5. Incorporate the grated tomato into the mixture and let it cook until the oil surfaces.
6. Now, add the blended spinach and a bit of water to the tomato gravy. Mix it well to create a harmonious blend.
7. Once the gravy has come together, add in the fresh cream and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
8. Optionally, you can fry the paneer pieces, or you can add them as they are into the mixture.
9. Lastly, for the tempering, heat some ghee in a pan and add Kashmiri masala, crushed garlic, turmeric, and dried red chilies. Sizzle them for a moment.
10. Drizzle this aromatic tempering over the Palak Paneer along with a touch of fresh cream.

Serve your delicious Palak Paneer with roti or naan for a delightful meal that will surely impress your taste buds!