Palak Paneer

 Palak Paneer is a popular Indian vegetarian dish that consists of paneer cooked in a creamy spinach sauce. It's a well-loved North Indian dish and is known for its rich flavor and vibrant green color. Here's a basic recipe for making Palak Paneer:

Ingredients:

For the spinach sauce:

2 bunches of fresh spinach (about 500 grams)

1 small onion, finely chopped

2-3 cloves of garlic, minced

1-inch piece of ginger, minced

2-3 green chilies, chopped (adjust to your spice preference)

1/2 cup of heavy cream or yogurt (for a lighter version)

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Salt to taste

For the paneer:

200-250 grams of paneer, cut into cubes

1 tablespoon oil or ghee (clarified butter)

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

Salt to taste

Instructions:

Blanch the spinach: Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the spinach leaves and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until they wilt. Drain and immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps retain the vibrant green color. Once cooled, drain again.

Make the spinach puree: Blend the blanched spinach to a smooth puree using a blender or food processor. You can add a little water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Prepare the paneer: Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add the paneer cubes and sauté them until they turn golden brown. Sprinkle red chili powder and salt over the paneer. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the spinach sauce: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add chopped onions, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn translucent. Add cumin seeds and turmeric powder.

Add the spinach puree to the pan and cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If using cream, add it at this stage and stir well. You can also use yogurt for a lighter version.

Let the spinach sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens. Adjust salt and spice levels according to your taste.

Add the sautéed paneer cubes to the spinach sauce and gently mix them in.

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the paneer is heated through.

Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.

Palak Paneer is a delicious and nutritious dish enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. It's a great way to incorporate spinach into your diet and savor the rich flavors of Indian cuisine.