The goodness of spinach and the protein rich paneer or cottage cheese is a combination straight out of the doctor's prescription. And when the combination is made spicy and delicious, it becomes every home maker's dream for the family. Originally a Punjabi recipe, the palak or spinach and paneer combination is experimented with in homes across the continents. The dish is versatile and can be seasoned and treated to suit individual tastes. Palak paneer is quick to put together once the basic preparations are taken care of and goes well with naan, rotis or parathas. The spinach and paneer combination could also be experimented with in a baked dish.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 kg Paneer, cubed
- 1 medium sized onion chopped
- 3 flakes of garlic crushed
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon melted butter
For the Spinach gravy:
- 1 small bunch of fresh spinach leaves
- 1 inch piece of ginger
- 3 green chillies
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 medium sized tomato chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated cheese
- 1 tablespoon whipped cream
Popular Accompaniments:
Palak paneer goes well with assorted rotis, naans, kulchas or parathas, and may also be eaten with jeera rice or plain boiled rice. A tall glass of flavored lassi is another cool accompaniment, the true Punjabi style.
Preparation:
1. Peel, wash and chop the onions and tomatoes.
2. Keep all the masala powders handy.
3. Wash the spinach leaves well and chop them coarsely.
4. Boil the spinach, along with the cinnamon stick.
5. Cool the mix and puree it along with all the other ingredients.
6. Fry the diced paneer pieces till light golden brown and set aside.
Main Cooking:
1. In a heavy bottom heat the butter and stir fry the chopped onions till golden brown.
2. Add the crushed garlic & simultaneously stir fry the spice powders.
3. Add the pureed spinach and cook for 4 minutes.
4. Add the diced and fried paneer and cook for a minute.
5. Serve the palak paneer hot.
Presentation:
Palak paneer should be served and the dish is at its table-best when garnished with whipped cream and grated cheese or even crushed paneer.
You could also put together a raita or yogurt based salad. You can choose among pineapple, apple, pomegranate or plain onion and tomato to make the raita.
The gravy, if eaten with jeera rice, also goes well with a fresh green salad with carrots, celery, raddish and tomato.
