RESTURANT STYLE PALAK PANEER

Palak is one of the favourite leafy vegetable in Indian households. Soft paneer cubes are simmered in smooth, vibrant green, medium spicy spinach gravy. The recipe does not require much dry spice powders. Addition of cashews will give rich and creamy flavour to the gravy.

INGREDIENTS:

   

For Spinach Paste –

1 Medium Bunch of Spinach [ Palak]

5 - 6 cups Water

4-5 Green Chillies

For Curry –

200 grams Paneer[see notes]

1 tablespoon Ginger – Garlic finely chopped / Paste

1 Tomato chopped

1 Onion sliced
1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder

2 tsp Garam Masala

Salt to taste
1 Bay Leaf
1/2 teaspoon Kasoori Methi

1/2 teaspoon Cumin-mustard seeds each
5-6 Cahsews [optional] [see notes]

2 tablespoon Cream [optional for garnishing]

2 tablespoon Oil

METHOD:

 

STEP 1 - Blanch spinach in boiling salt-water for 5 minutes; drain it under running cold tap water to keep its bright green colour.

STEP 2 -  After cooling, add green chillies in it and make a smooth paste in mixer-grinder. Keep it aside.

STEP 3 - Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat. Add bay leaf, cumin-mustard seeds and let them crackle. 
 STEP 4 - Now add sliced onion, ginger-garlic paste to it and sauté it for a minute. Add chopped tomato and

add turmeric powder, mix it and cook for another minute.

STEP 5 - Add spinach paste; if the gravy is thick add water as per your liking consistency.

 Now add garam masala and salt.

STEP 6 - Simmer it for 2 minutes and add paneer cubes to it and cook for another 2-3 minutes.  Add crushed kasoori methi in it and mix it well.    

             Your Palak Paneer is ready serve. You may enjoy it with paratha / chapatti /rice. Garnish it with cream while serving.

              Serve hot with Naan, Paratha, Chapati or steamed or Jeera Rice and enjoy.....

NOTES:*Heat oil in a pan and fry the paneer cubes. Remove and keep them aside. Or you can use paneer without frying.

           * Soak Cashews in water for 15 -20 minutes and make a paste in mixer.  You may add this paste to the curry while adding the spices.