Palak Paneer

 

Hello readers,

     Today I came with an another northern delicacy "Palak paneer". This dish originated in the northern region of India, but variations are popular all over India. Palak means Spinach and paneer means cottage cheese. So,palak paneer means "Spinach curry with cottage cheese". It is said that Portuguese settlers brought their knowledge of making fresh cheese, or Queijos Frescos, to the region around the 17th century, introducing India to the acid method of cheese making.

Ingredients:-

1. Cottage cheese (paneer)- 250g.(cut into 1inch by 1inch by 1/2inch size).

2. Spinach(palak)-500g.(young &tender spinach leaves).

3. Butter- 2tbsp.

4. Green chilies- 4( deseeded).

5. Onions- 4 small(finely chopped).

6. Garlic- ginger paste- 2tsp.

7. Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp.

8. Asafetida-1/2tsp.

9. Cashew nuts-10(whole).

10. Almonds-5(blanched).

11. Garam Masala powder-1 tsp.

12. Fenugreek leaves- 1tsp.

13. Lemon juice- 1tbsp.

14. Sugar-1/2 tsp.

15. Salt-To taste.

16- Tomato-2( finely chopped).

17. Fresh cream- 4tbsp+2tbsp.

Whole spices:-

1. Cumin seeds-1 tsp.

2. Cinnemon sticks- 2(1inch).

3. Cloves- 4(whole).

4. Green cardamom-4 pods.

Preparation Method:-

Step 1-  Take baby spinach and discard the stems. Now wash them very well by changing water. Drain water completely.

Step 2- Take a large vessel. Add water and Blanch spinach with 1tsp salt for 2-3 minutes. Then immersed in ice water for another 3-4 minutes. Drain water completely.

Step 3- Now transfer spinach into a blender along with, cashew nuts, blanched almonds,green chilies. Blend until getting a smooth and thick puree.

Step 4-  Place a wok on medium low flame. Add 1tbsp butter. Once butter will start melting add whole spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves,green cardamom pods,cumin seeds) saute for few seconds. Now add Asafetida powder stir.

Step 5- Now add finely chopped onions, saute till onion turns to golden. Next add ginger-garlic paste saute till raw aroma goes away.

Step 6- Next add chopped tomatoes, Turmeric powder,salt,sugar. Saute till they turn mushy. Now add garam marsala Powder stir to mix well. 

Step 7- Now add 1cup water and cover the pan with lid. Once water will start boiling. Add dried fenugreek leaves,spinach puree. Mix well and cook for 4-5 minutes on lower flame.

Step 8- Next add cottage cheese,lemon juice and cook for another 2 minutes. Now add 4tbsp cream and mix well. Turn off flame.

Step 9- Transfer palak paneer into a serving bowl. Add remaining butter and remaining fresh cream for Garnishing.

Step - Serve hot with Naan or cumin rice.

## Thank you friend for going through my recipe and your support.🙏😊❤️

 image credit: source