Palak Paneer | பாலக் பனீர்

Palak Paneer is one of the most popular North-Indian gravy. It is an absolutely wonderful accompaniment with pulao or Indian bread varieties(Naan & Chapathi). There are so many methods of preparing this. I have altered the recipe to suit our palates. 

Ingredients :-
--------------------

Indian Spinach	1 large bunch
Paneer (cubed)	1 cup
Onions (finely chopped)	1
Tomatoes (finely chopped)	2
Turmeric powder	¼ tsp
Coriander powder	1 tsp
Chilli powder	1 tsp
Cumin powder	½  tsp
Garam masala	1 tsp
Green Chillies	3
Milk	¼ cup
Kasoori Methi	generous pinch
Butter	2 tbsp
Salt	to taste

Method :-
--------------
1). Clean the spinach. Boil water in a pan and dunk the spinach leaves. Let it simmer till it reduces in volume. Puree to a smooth paste along with green chillies and keep it aside.

2). Boil water and add the cubed paneer pieces. Switch off the stove and keep covered till use. This makes the paneer softer and prevents rubbery texture. Avoid this step, if you are using fresh homemade paneer.  

3). Heat the ghee or oil in a pan, add the chopped onions along with salt and  saute until golden brown. Then add the turmeric powder and coriander powder and fry for few seconds in a low flame.

4). Add the tomatoes and kasoori methi, saute till it turns mushy. Then add the ground Palak paste along with cumin powder, chilli powder and fry in low flame till the raw smell disappears and oil separates.  

5). Drain the paneer pieces and add it to the palak gravy. Finally add milk and mix carefully without breaking the paneer pieces. Cook covered for about 6-8 minutes until the spinach is completely cooked and spices have blended well into the gravy. 

 6). Finally add the powdered garam masala and mix well. Done! Transfer to the serving bowl. 

Lip smacking Palak Paneer is now ready. Serve with hot roti or naan.

Notes :-
---------- 
# Do not over cook the palak. Try to retain the green color of the Palak. Add a pinch of sugar while boiling.
# Top it with fresh cream and make the gravy rich ! I  prefer to keep it simple, so I didnot add. 
# You can substitute Paneer with Tofu for vegan version. 
# Green chillies were less hot so I have also added chilli powder. Adjust the spicy level to suit your taste.

If you enjoy reading my blog, Join my page on Facebook | follow me on Twitter  | add me on Google+

Related Posts :-
---------------------
Click here for more :- Bread Accompaniments
Click here for more :- Paneer Recipes
Click here for more :- Spinach Recipes 

      Cheers,