Palak paneer

This is an all time favorite in my house though i have changed the authentic palak paneer to suit our family tastes. Hopefully you will also enjoy this dish the same way as we do.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 bunch Palak (cleaned and washed)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 tomatoes  chopped
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp grated garlic
• 1/4 tsp jeera
• 1/4 tsp red chilli powder
• 1/4 tsp haldi or turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp tomato ketchup
• Salt as per taste
• 1/8th cup cream
• 200 gm paneer cubed
• 2-3 tsp oil

METHOD:

• Blanch the palak (spinach) in a some boiling water for about 10 minutes. When the spinach has been blanched, drain the hot water and run it through some cold water . This helps to retain the green color of the spinach.
• In a nonstick pan, heat some oil. When the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds. When they start to crackle, add the onion and mix well. 
• Then add the grated ginger and garlic. I like  to add the ginger and garlic after adding the onion because   adding the onion first regulates the temperature of the oil  and prevents the burning of garlic and ginger.
• When the onion slightly changes color, add the tomatoes.
• When the tomatoes have been cooked, add the dry masalas like haldi, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder and red chilli powder.
• Cook for sometime and turn off the heat. Cool it.
• Now grind the spinach and the onion tomato masala in to a fine puree.
• Heat the same nonstick pan and add the puree and cook in medium heat.Add salt and ketchup. If you think the puree is too thick, add some water.
• Now add the cubed paneer and mix well.
• Let the mixture come to a boil and cook on low for 5-7 minutes.
• At the end, add the cream and mix.
• Serve hot.

Note:

1. If you are using store bought paneer, make cubes and put them in a microwave safe bowl add some water  just enough to soak the paneer. Also add salt. Heat it in the microwave  for about 2 -3 minutes and then drain the water and add it to the gravy. This way the paneer is very soft. To make home made paneer, click here.