Palak Paneer: Authentic, Flavorful, and Nutritious Recipe

Palak Paneer is a delightful and nutritious Indian dish made from paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and pureed spinach, seasoned with a blend of spices that create a rich and aromatic flavor profile. This authentic recipe for Palak Paneer is ideal for a wholesome meal, providing a perfect balance of taste and health benefits. Palak Paneer not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides essential nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients (اجزاء)

• Fresh spinach (palak) – 500 grams (تازہ پالک – 500 گرام)
• Paneer (cottage cheese) – 250 grams (پنیر – 250 گرام)
• Onion – 1 large, finely chopped (پیاز – 1 بڑی، باریک کٹی ہوئی)
• Tomatoes – 2 medium, pureed (ٹماٹر – 2 درمیانے، پیوری کیے ہوئے)
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced (لہسن – 4 جوئے، باریک کٹے ہوئے)
• Ginger – 1 inch, grated (ادرک – 1 انچ، کدوکش کیا ہوا)
• Green chilies – 2, finely chopped (ہری مرچیں – 2، باریک کٹی ہوئی)
• Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon (زیرہ – 1 چائے کا چمچ)
• Garam masala – 1 teaspoon (گرم مصالحہ – 1 چائے کا چمچ)
• Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon (ہلدی پاؤڈر – 1/2 چائے کا چمچ)
• Red chili powder – 1/2 teaspoon (سرخ مرچ پاؤڈر – 1/2 چائے کا چمچ)
• Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon (دھنیا پاؤڈر – 1 چائے کا چمچ)
• Cream – 2 tablespoons (کریم – 2 کھانے کے چمچ)
• Oil – 2 tablespoons (تیل – 2 کھانے کے چمچ)
• Salt – to taste (نمک – حسب ذائقہ)

Get Ingredients from Sooper Cart – Online Grocery from Store to Door.

Method of Cooking Step by Step

1. Prepare the Spinach (پالک کی تیاری کریں): Wash the spinach thoroughly and blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water to retain its green color. (پالک کو اچھی طرح دھو لیں اور ابلتے پانی میں 2-3 منٹ کے لیے بلانچ کریں۔ فوری طور پر پالک کو برف کے پانی کے پیالے میں منتقل کریں تاکہ اس کا سبز رنگ برقرار رہے۔)
2. Make the Spinach Puree (پالک کی پیوری بنائیں): Drain the spinach and blend it into a smooth puree using a blender. Set aside. (پالک کو نچوڑ کر بلینڈر میں ڈالیں اور ہموار پیوری بنائیں۔ ایک طرف رکھ دیں۔)
3. Cook the Base Masala (بیس مصالحہ تیار کریں): Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they crackle, add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. (ایک پین میں تیل گرم کریں اور زیرہ ڈالیں۔ جب زیرہ چٹخنے لگے، کٹی ہوئی پیاز ڈالیں اور سنہری بھوری ہونے تک بھونیں۔)
4. Add Aromatics and Spices (خوشبو اور مصالحے شامل کریں): Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Then add pureed tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the oil separates from the masala. (کٹا ہوا لہسن، کدوکش کیا ہوا ادرک اور ہری مرچیں ڈالیں۔ خوشبو آنے تک مزید 2 منٹ پکائیں۔ پھر ٹماٹر کی پیوری، ہلدی پاؤڈر، سرخ مرچ پاؤڈر، دھنیا پاؤڈر، اور نمک ڈالیں۔ تیل مصالحے سے الگ ہونے تک پکائیں۔)
5. Combine Spinach Puree and Paneer (پالک کی پیوری اور پنیر ملا دیں): Add the spinach puree to the pan and mix well. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Then, add the paneer cubes and garam masala, and cook for another 5 minutes. (پالک کی پیوری پین میں ڈالیں اور اچھی طرح مکس کریں۔ 5-7 منٹ تک ابالیں۔ پھر پنیر کے ٹکڑے اور گرم مصالحہ ڈالیں اور مزید 5 منٹ پکائیں۔)
6. Finish with Cream (کریم کے ساتھ ختم کریں): Stir in the cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot with naan or rice. (کریم ڈال کر مزید 2 منٹ پکائیں۔ ضرورت کے مطابق نمک مرچ چیک کریں۔ گرم نان یا چاول کے ساتھ پیش کریں۔)

About Palak Paneer Recipe

Where it’s Cooked

Palak Paneer is a staple dish in North Indian cuisine, particularly popular in the Punjab region. It is commonly prepared in households, restaurants, and dhabas (roadside eateries) across India. This dish is also gaining popularity in Indian restaurants worldwide, where it is served as a vegetarian main course.

History and Origins of this Recipe

Palak Paneer traces its roots back to the rich culinary traditions of Punjab, India. Historically, the dish was prepared during the winter months when fresh spinach was abundantly available. Paneer, a fresh cheese commonly made in Indian homes, was combined with spinach to create a nutritious and delicious meal. Over time, Palak Paneer became a beloved dish across India, celebrated for its unique flavor and health benefits.

Where People Like it Most

Palak Paneer is particularly loved in Northern India, where it is often enjoyed with warm naan or roti. It is a popular choice during family gatherings, festivals, and special occasions. The dish’s appeal has transcended Indian borders, making it a favorite in Indian restaurants globally. Many people appreciate Palak Paneer for its rich, creamy texture and the perfect balance of spices.

The Benefits of Ingredients on Health

Palak Paneer is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Spinach is rich in iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, which help in boosting immunity and maintaining healthy skin. Paneer is an excellent source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health. The spices used in Palak Paneer, such as turmeric and ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties that promote overall wellness. This combination makes Palak Paneer a nutritious and wholesome meal option.