Authentic Palak Paneer Recipe: Creamy Spinach and Cheese Curry
25 minutes
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About Authentic Palak Paneer Recipe: Creamy Spinach and Cheese Curry
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of authentic Palak Paneer, a beloved Punjabi dish. This recipe features perfectly pan-seared homemade cottage cheese simmered in a vibrant spinach puree, infused with aromatic Indian spices. It's a culinary masterpiece, perfect for any occasion.Chef Reetu Uday Kugaji shares her family's secret to this heavenly delicacy, ensuring each bite transports you to the heart of Punjab. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor and the perfect balance of spices.This easy-to-follow recipe makes it accessible for home cooks of all levels. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality Palak Paneer!
Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook10 minutes
Total25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Spinach Puree
- 10 oz Spinach approximately 4 small bunches, chopped, fresh, stems discarded
For the Paneer
- 1.5 cup Cottage Cheese paneer, cut into ½-inch cubes
For the Spice Blend
- 1.5 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 0.5 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 0.5 cup Onion finely chopped
- 5 clove Garlic grated
- 1 inch Ginger grated
- 2 Chilies adjust to taste, finely chopped, green
- 0.5 cup Tomato Puree
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp Heavy Cream
- 1.5 tbsp Water or as needed for desired consistency
For Sprinkling
- 1 tsp Chili Oil
- 1 tsp Garam Masala punjabi style
For Garnishing (Optional)
- 2 tsp Heavy Cream
Instructions
Prepare the Spinach Puree
- Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool. Blend into a smooth puree.
Sauté Aromatics
- Heat oil in a kadhai (wok or large pan). Add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
Build the Flavor
- Add grated garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in tomato puree and cook until the mixture releases oil.
Combine and Simmer
- Add the spinach puree and 1.5 tablespoons of water. Mix well and cook for 3 minutes. Gently stir in the paneer cubes.
Season and Finish
- Add salt and Punjabi garam masala. Cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Final Touches
- Stir in lemon juice gently (to avoid breaking the paneer). Add heavy cream and mix well.
Serve
- Serve hot, sprinkled with chili oil and garnished with extra cream (optional).
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Perfect Palak Paneer
- For a richer flavor, use homemade paneer. You can find numerous easy recipes online.
- Don't overcook the spinach puree; it should retain a vibrant green color and a slightly fresh texture.
- Adjust the amount of green chilies according to your spice preference. Start with fewer and add more as needed.
- For a creamier Palak Paneer, use full-fat heavy cream and even consider a dollop of Greek Yogurt at the end.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 226kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 12gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 397mgPotassium: 727mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 7461IUVitamin C: 32mgCalcium: 169mgIron: 3mg
4 Comments
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This is so inspiring! Can’t wait to cook it.
My favorite curry…
This looks so good! Appreciate the share.
This is perfect! Can’t wait to taste it.