Palak Paneer or saag paneeer is a very tasty and healthy vegetarian side dish made with spinach and paneer/cottage cheese. The addition of paneer cubes to spinach takes it to another level of not only taste but also nutrition. This dish is high in both protein and iron, making it a healthy addition to any vegetarian menu.
The paneer cubes are smothered in a silky smooth palak (spinach) gravy which is made by blanching and then blending the spinach until it is smooth and velvety. Some people like the crisp texture of paneer and they fry the cubes before adding it to the gravy. I haven't fried the paneer in this recipe so basically it's up to you whether you like it fried or otherwise. Although mildly spiced, this spinach and paneer side dish still packs a punch full of flavor. Adding cream is also an option which I tend to exclude in my savoury dishes because I like to save the calories for the dessert.
Apart from basic spices like cumin and coriander the addition of fresh green chillies adds a spark and depth of flavor to the otherwise bland tasting spinach. The paneer cubes lend not only texture but also flavor to this palak paneer recipe making it a family favorite in my home.
Blanching the spinach ensures it retains it's color and nutritional value. Here's how to blanch spinach: Boil water to a rolling boil, throw in the washed spinach and blanch for 1 minute. Put the blanched spinach in iced water. Once the spinach is cooled remove from the ice water. Squeeze out as much water as you can from the spinach and pat dry. Set aside to use later.
Below you will find the ingredient list and step by step recipe for palak paneer.
IngredientsQuantity
fresh spinach washed and dried2 lbs
vegetable oil 4-5 tbsps
onions chopped1 1/2
tomatoes2 medium
garlic chopped1 1/2 tsp
red chilli powder1 1/2 tsp
fresh green chillies chopped2-3
cumin powder1 tsp
coriander powder1 tsp
turmeric powder 1/4 tsp
kasuri methi(dried fenugreek leaves)5 tbsps
saltto taste
Blend the blanched spinach in a high speed blender to obtain a smooth paste.
Cook the onions in oil until they are light golden in color. Add the chopped garlic and chopped green chillies.
Now add the copped tomatoes, red chillies, cumin powder and also the dried coriander powder.
Also add the salt. Cook this mixture until the oil begins to separate from the sides.
Now add the blanched spinach and cook for about 10 minutes on medium heat.
Finally add in the paneer/cottage cheese cubes and stir to combine.
Cook for 5 more minutes and the palak paneer is ready to be served.
Happy Cooking!
Palak Paneer/Saag Paneerby Shazia Ijaz August-4-2016,Paneer cubes smothered in a velvety and smooth spinach gravy.Ingredients
- 2 lbs spinach leaves
- 4-5 tbsps vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 onions chopped
- 2-3 tomatoes chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp grlic chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
- 2-3 fresh green chillies chopped
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 4 -5 tbsps kasuri methi
- to taste salt
