Palak Paneer (Indian Spinach and Cheese Curry)
Palak paneer is a popular Indian dish made with spinach, paneer (Indian cheese), and spices. It’s often served as a main course or side dish in North Indian cuisine.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
Paneer
- 250 grams paneer, cut into small cubes
Liquids
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Palak Paneer Sauce (if applicable)
Mix the following:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt to taste
Recipe Steps
1. Prepare the Spinach Puree
Combine spinach leaves, onion, garlic, and ginger in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add spinach puree and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
2. Cook the Paneer
In a separate pan, melt ghee over medium heat. Add paneer cubes and cook until they’re lightly browned on all sides.
3. Add Spices and Seasonings to Spinach Puree
Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt into the spinach puree.
4. Combine Spinach Puree with Paneer
Add cooked paneer cubes to the spinach puree and stir to combine.
5. Add Water and Lemon Juice
Gradually add water and lemon juice to the pan, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Optional: Variation - Roasted Garlic
- To roast garlic, slice the top off a whole head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into the spinach puree before adding it to the pan.