Palak Paneer

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Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is perhaps the most popular paneer dish in North India and is a favorite in Indian restaurants. Creamy spinach paired with paneer makes for a delicious main course. This recipe has always been one of my favorites, and I can prepare it quickly.

Although I’ve made this recipe before, I now want to simplify it by using just a few ingredients. Even after so many years of cooking, I’m still learning and striving to keep things simple, healthy, nutritious, and flavorful.

This dish is made with blanched spinach, which helps retain its vibrant green color. I didn’t know why blanching was used in cooking, but this is all part of the learning process. Palak Paneer pairs perfectly with roti, naan, or paratha.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Keyword palak paneer

Servings 2 people

Ingredients

• 5 oz spinach washed and clean, about 6 cups packed spinach
• 1 cup paneer cubed into bite size, about 4oz of paneer
• 1 green chili chopped
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds – jeera
• 1/8 tsp asafetida – hing
• 1 tsp coriander powder – dhania
• 1/4 tsp turmeric – haldi
• 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup finely chopped tomato
• 2 tbsp paneer shredded for garnishing

Instructions

• First blanch the spinach, this helps to keep the spinach color bright. To blanch the spinach, boil about 6 cups of water in a saucepan, and let the spinach boil for one minute. Drain the water and put the spinach in ice cold water for about two minutes. Drain the water.
• Blend the spinach, ginger and green chili. Spinach should be creamy.
• Soak the cubed paneer in about three cups of hot water, for about 5 minutes. This helps to give the paneer a soft texture. Set it aside.
• While cooking, spinach can splatter, use larger saucepan. Heat the oil in a saucepan, over medium high heat. Test the heat by adding one cumin seed to the oil; if it cracks right away it is ready.
• Add cumin seed, and asafetida. After cumin seeds crack, add blended spinach and stir. Add coriander, salt, and sugar, stir.
• After spinach comes to boil lower the heat to low, and let the spinach cook for about 5-6 minutes partially cover the pot, because spinach will splatter. I don’t cover the pan fully because this helps keep the green color of spinach.
• Mix the flour to 1/2 cup of water and add to the spinach, also add the cream. Mix it well and let it cook for five minutes. If needed add a little more water.
• Drain the paneer and fold it gently with spinach and let it simmer for about five minutes.
• Palak paneer is ready, add the tomatoes and turn off the heat. Garnish it with shredded or crumbled paneer.

Palak Paneer is one of the most popular paneer dishes from North India and a favorite at Indian restaurants around the world. This creamy, flavorful dish features tender paneer cubes nestled in a rich spinach sauce, making it a perfect main course for any meal. 

With its vibrant green color and delicious combination of spinach and paneer, Palak Paneer pairs wonderfully with roti, naan, or paratha. This simplified version of the recipe uses just a few ingredients, allowing the natural flavors of the spinach and paneer to shine while remaining healthy and nutritious.

Cultural and Traditional Importance 

Paneer dishes are a staple in North Indian cuisine, and Palak Paneer is undoubtedly one of the most beloved. Traditionally prepared in Indian households and served during special occasions or family gatherings, this dish showcases the versatility of paneer and the use of leafy greens in Indian cooking. 

Palak Paneer is often served with flatbreads like naan or paratha, and its creamy texture and mildly spiced flavor make it a crowd-pleaser.

This simplified recipe doesn’t compromise on taste, while offering a more convenient way to prepare Palak Paneer at home. Blanching the spinach helps retain its bright green color, making the dish visually appealing as well as delicious.

Recipe Variations from Manjula’s Kitchen While Palak Paneer is a classic dish on its own, you can explore other paneer-based recipes and spinach variations from Manjula’s Kitchen:

Paneer Butter Masala: A rich and creamy tomato-based dish, perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter, milder flavor.

Aloo Palak (Potato Spinach): A delicious vegetarian dish combining spinach with tender potatoes, offering another way to enjoy spinach in your meals.

Paneer Saag: A similar dish that incorporates other leafy greens, like mustard greens, along with spinach for a different flavor profile.

Matar Paneer: A flavorful combination of paneer and green peas cooked in a spiced tomato sauce, offering a wonderful variation for paneer lovers.

Health Benefits and Dietary Considerations Palak Paneer is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Spinach is rich in iron, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants that promote overall health. 

The use of paneer adds a good amount of protein and calcium, making this dish a balanced meal that supports both muscle and bone health. 

For those looking to make a lighter version of Palak Paneer, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter cream or yogurt. The dish is also naturally gluten-free (ensure the flour you use is gluten-free or omit it), making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. If you’re vegan, tofu can be used in place of paneer to create a delicious Palak Tofu.

Serving Suggestions Palak Paneer can be served with a variety of Indian breads, such as roti, naan, or paratha. It also pairs well with rice dishes like Jeera Rice or Plain Basmati Rice for a more complete meal. For added texture and flavor, you can garnish the dish with freshly grated paneer or a drizzle of cream.

For a more elaborate meal, serve Palak Paneer alongside other classic Indian dishes such as Dal Tadka or Aloo Gobi to create a balanced vegetarian spread.

Conclusion Palak Paneer is a quintessential North Indian dish that brings together the creamy richness of paneer and the nutritious goodness of spinach. This simplified recipe ensures that you can prepare this dish quickly, without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a special meal, Palak Paneer is sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy one of India’s most loved dishes in the comfort of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I keep the spinach color bright in Palak Paneer?

Blanching the spinach is the key to retaining its vibrant green color. Boil the spinach for about a minute, then immediately transfer it to ice-cold water to stop the cooking process.

Can I make Palak Paneer vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the paneer with tofu and use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of dairy cream to make a vegan version of this dish.

What are some variations of Palak Paneer I can try?

You can try dishes like Saag Paneer, which uses a combination of leafy greens, or Aloo Palak, which pairs spinach with potatoes for a different take on the classic.

How do I serve Palak Paneer?

Palak Paneer pairs wonderfully with Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha. It can also be served with Jeera Rice or Plain Basmati Rice.

Can I prepare Palak Paneer in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the spinach puree and paneer in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, gently reheat and combine the two for a fresh and delicious meal.

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