Palak Paneer – Spinach with Cheese Cubes
I use one of my two recipes for preparing Palak Paneer (Spinach with Cheese Cubes), depending upon the time and ingredients I have. One is sort of the traditional way, and another way which is a little easier. This recipe is for the traditional way, which involves grinding of some of the ingredients. Other than that, it is really not difficult to make.
Palak Paneer is quite healthy. Obviously it uses Spinach or Palak which is very nutritious. It also includes some vegetables, spices and herbs which have been proven to be useful for good health and prevention of illnesses.
If you are Vegan, skip the dairy products. Instead of cheese cubes, use hard Tofu cubes.
RECIPE :
Palak Paneer - Spinach with Cheese Cubes
Palak Paneer is quite healthy, and this recipe makes it delicious. This recipe also uses spices and herbs which have been proven to be useful for good health and prevention of illnesses.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Fresh Spinach Or 1 large package frozen cut leaf spinach
- 1 cup Paneer Cubes Indian Cuisine Cheese Cubes
- 1 piece Fresh Ginger 1 inch cube, peeled, finely chopped
- 1 small Green Chilli Serrano pepper, finely chopped
- 6 cloves Garlic finely chopped
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 1 Tomato finely chopped
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1 tsp Garam Masala Powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 4 tsp Oil
- ¼ cup Cream Or sourcream Or Yoghurt
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
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Place a deep fry pan on medium heat. Add 1 cup of water. Add the spinach leaves. Mix and cover. Steam for a minute. Remove pan from heat.
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Transfer the contents of the pan to a colander. Run cold water on the spinach. Drain thoroughly. Let it stay for a few minutes.
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Add the spinach, ginger, green chilli and 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic to a blender. Puree or pulse a couple of times until spinach is pureed.
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Clean and dry the fry pan. Place it on low heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the paneer (cheese cubes). Stir fry gently for about a minute, so that the freshness disappears and they become a light golden brown here an there. Do not fry much. Transfer the contents to a bowl.
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Wipe off the fry pan with a paper towel. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the fry pan on medium heat. Add the cumin seeds. Fry for a minute. Then add the onion and bay leaves. Cook for 3 minutes. Add the rest of the chopped garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir fry until onion and garlic are cooked.
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Add the chopped tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, cayenne pepper, turmeric and garam masala. Cook for about 2 minutes or until well blended.
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Add the spinach puree to the fry pan. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly and cook for about 3 minutes.
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Add the roasted cheese cubes to the fry pan.
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Add the cream (or sour cream or yoghurt) also. Mix well until the contents are mixed thoroughly.
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Garnish with a dollop of cream or sour cream, if you like.
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Serve hot with Rotis, Naans, Tortillas or hot steamed Rice.
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions:
1) Serve hot.
2) Serve with Rotis, Naans, Tortillas or hot steamed rice.
Options:
1) If you are Vegan, skip the dairy products. Instead of cheese cubes, use Tofu cubes.
