Palak Paneer Recipe an Exotic Indian Curry

Palak paneer is one of the most popular Indian cuisines. Palak paneer is a vegetarian gravy dish prepared with spinach and paneer cubes, this exotic Indian curry originated from Punjabi cuisine. Palak Paneer is an Indian gravy-based curry made of spinach and paneer (a non-melting Indian cheese) in a tomato and onion gravy with Indian spices. It’s a very popular vegetarian delicacy. Palak, since its arrival in the subcontinent, was the rural people’s food, and the robust homemade Palak paneer union fit the hardworking lifestyle of the village people, who laboriously worked the agricultural lands of the fertile province.

This combination of spinach and paneer is not only nutritious but also a splendid blend of taste, texture and flavor. This green leafy vegetable not only packs a nutritional punch but also enhances your taste buds with its unique taste and flavor. The dish looks very appetizing due to the combination of its natural green and white colors of spinach and paneer. 

About Palak:
Palak or spinach is one of the healthy greens that you can include in your meals. It is a versatile vegetable. Spinach works well when combined with most or any type of cuisine whether you’re adding it to dal, pasta, stir-fries, curries, noodles, pizza, etc., the culinary possibilities are virtually endless. Some of them are, Palak Moong Dal Fry, Palak Paneer Paratha, Palak Pakoda, Palak Dal, Palak Curry, Palak Gosht, Palak Chutney, Aloo Palak, Palak Puri, many more.

About Paneer:
Paneer is a fresh cheese common in South Asian cuisine. It is of Indian origin. In eastern parts of India, it is generally called Chhena. The use of paneer is more common in northern India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh due to the prominence of milk in their cuisine. If you're buying paneer from the market, you will find two varieties - hard and soft. Though the soft one is preferred by many, one must remember soft cottage cheese stays fresh for a lesser duration as compared to the hard one. Soft cottage cheese is great for salads while the hard one can be used to make snacks or in curries. 

Wondering how to make a palak paneer? Here you go!

Ingredients for Easy Palak Paneer Recipe:

• 12 oz. palak (spinach) washed and drained

• 1 tomato

• 5 cloves garlic, divided (3 whole and 2 finely chopped)

• 1 (2 inches / 5 cm) piece ginger

• 1 hot green pepper (or more to taste)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• ½ cup water

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder

• ¼ teaspoon red chilli powder

• 3 tablespoons heavy cream

• 8 oz. paneer , cubed

• ½ tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

• 1 lime , squeezed

• ½ teaspoon sugar

• Salt

• White pepper

Preparation Method for Palak Paneer Recipe:

• In a large saucepan of boiling salted water, immerse the spinach leaves and blanch them for 3 minutes, until wilted.

• Drain the spinach and immediately place it in a large ice bath to help the leaves retain their green color.

• In a blender, place the blanched spinach and tomato, 3 whole garlic cloves, the ginger and the green pepper. Reduce to a smooth paste and set aside.

• Heat a deep, dry skillet over medium heat.

• Add the oil then the 2 chopped garlic cloves.

• Saute for 1 minute or until just starting to brown.

• Then add the chopped onions.

• Saute for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring regularly, until the onion is tender and translucent.

• Add the reserved spinach purée and mix.

• Add the water. Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes over medium heat. The spinach should be bubbling a lot. Stir at regular intervals to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

• Once the spinach is cooked, add the garam masala, sugar, turmeric powder, red pepper powder and salt. Mix and cook for 1 minute, covered. Then add the heavy cream and mix.

• Incorporate the paneer and mix.

• Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn off the heat, add the lemon juice and kasuri methi and mix.

• Serve the palak paneer hot with naan or roti or rice.

Pro Cooking Tips:

• For soft paneer that mixes well with gravy of palak - soak them in hot water for 10 minutes after shallow frying.

• Do not overcook spinach in order to preserve the nutrients in it.

• Do not over blend spinach, otherwise, you may end up with 

Health Tips:

• Palak (Spinach) is high in iron, vitamins A & C and even calcium.

• Palak is rich in nutrients like Vitamin C, which improves your metabolism helping you burn calories at a faster rate.

• According to Ayurveda, bitter leafy greens like palak have a stimulating effect on digestion.

• Palak leaves are high in protein, calcium, and carotenes–and, hence, a vital component of a healthy vegetarian diet.  

• Palak is also beneficial for skin and hair, bone health.

• Palak improves your brain function and is great for your eyes.

• Paneer is rich in protein, vitamin B12, and calcium–and easier to digest than other cheeses.

• Vitamins B complex, present in paneer, are essential for the formation and strengthening of cartilage in children, women (pregnant and lactating), and men.

• Paneer is a great source of calcium, which is helpful in maintaining strong teeth and bones.

• Palak Paneer is a great combo of taste and health, with an aromatic flavor of spices. It is a traditional curry that goes well with rotis, naan, parathas and even jeera rice or biryani rice.

Palak paneer is truly a guilt-free, satisfying well balanced delicious dish. Next time you want to relish some mouth-watering desi meal or Indian food you can simply enjoy Indian Food delivery with Quicklly. We deliver a wide range of authentic Indian Food to your doorsteps. You can get great deals and the best prices on online Indian food delivery, Indian grocery delivery, Indian meal kits, and organic Indian Grocery box with doorstep delivery.