Palak Paneer is a beloved North Indian dish that combines the goodness of spinach (palak) with the creamy texture of paneer (Indian cottage cheese). This nutritious and flavorful dish is a staple in Indian households and a favorite in restaurants worldwide. In this blog, we’ll explore the classic Palak Paneer recipe along with a few variations to cater to different tastes and preferences.

Classic Palak Paneer Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches of fresh spinach leaves
• 200 grams paneer (cut into cubes)
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 2 medium tomatoes (pureed)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies (slit lengthwise)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 cup fresh cream or yogurt (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

Instructions:

1. Blanch the Spinach:
   • Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly.
   • Boil water in a large pot and add the spinach leaves.
   • Blanch for 2-3 minutes until the leaves wilt.
   • Drain the spinach and immediately transfer to ice-cold water to retain the green color.
   • Once cooled, blend the spinach into a smooth puree and set aside.
2. Prepare the Paneer:
   • Heat oil or ghee in a pan.
   • Lightly fry the paneer cubes until golden brown.
   • Remove and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
3. Cook the Masala:
   • In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and add cumin seeds.
   • When they start to crackle, add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
   • Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, and sauté for a couple of minutes.
   • Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the masala.
4. Combine Spinach and Paneer:
   • Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt to the masala.
   • Pour in the spinach puree and mix well.
   • Add water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
   • Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat.
5. Finish the Dish:
   • Add the fried paneer cubes and mix gently.
   • Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the paneer to absorb the flavors.
   • Add fresh cream or yogurt for a richer texture and taste.
   • Sprinkle garam masala on top and mix well.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with a dollop of cream and serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

Variations of Palak Paneer

1. Vegan Palak Paneer:
   • Substitute paneer with tofu to make it vegan.
   • Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of dairy cream for a creamy texture.
2. Palak Paneer with Cashew Paste:
   • Add a handful of soaked and blended cashews to the spinach puree for a richer, nuttier flavor.
   • This variation adds a luxurious touch to the dish, making it perfect for special occasions.
3. Spicy Palak Paneer:
   • Increase the quantity of green chilies and red chili powder for a spicier version.
   • Add a pinch of black pepper for an extra kick.
4. Palak Paneer with Methi (Fenugreek):
   • Add a handful of fresh or dried fenugreek leaves (methi) to the spinach puree.
   • Fenugreek adds a unique, slightly bitter flavor that complements the spinach and paneer beautifully.
5. Palak Paneer with Corn:
   • Add boiled sweet corn kernels to the spinach puree for added texture and sweetness.
   • This variation is especially loved by kids and adds a delightful crunch to the dish.

Tips for the Perfect Palak Paneer

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh spinach and high-quality paneer for the best results.
• Blanching Spinach: Blanching and immediately cooling spinach helps retain its vibrant green color.
• Paneer Preparation: Lightly frying the paneer before adding it to the spinach prevents it from crumbling and enhances its texture.
• Adjusting Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding water or cream as per your preference.
• Seasoning: Adjust the spices to suit your taste. You can always add more or less based on your spice tolerance.

Palak Paneer is not just a dish; it’s an experience of rich flavors and wholesome nutrition. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the exciting variations, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Enjoy the vibrant, creamy, and delicious world of Palak Paneer!