Enjoy Palak Paneer: an Indian classic

Here is a basic recipe to prepare Palak Paneer at home. This recipe is designed to serve approximately 4 people.

Ingredients:

• 250 g fresh spinach (you can use frozen spinach too)
• 200 g paneer (fresh Indian cheese)
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for a richer flavor)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small piece of fresh ginger, chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup cream or yogurt (optional, for a creamier texture)

1. Prepare the Paneer:
   • Cut the paneer into small cubes. You can lightly fry them in a pan with a little oil until they are golden brown on all sides. Then, leave them in a bowl of hot water while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
2. Cooking Spinach:
   • Wash the spinach well and drain. If using fresh spinach, blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and plunge into ice water to preserve the bright green color. If using frozen spinach, simply defrost it.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until golden and caramelized.
   • Add the garlic, ginger and chopped green chillies, and cook for a few more minutes until the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
4. Add the Spices:
   • Add all the spices – cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and garam masala. Cook for another minute so that the spices mix well with the other ingredients.
5. Add the Tomatoes:
   • Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and break down, forming a thick, aromatic sauce.
6. Mix with Spinach:
   • Add the cooked spinach to the spice and tomato mixture. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to blend well.
7. Blend (optional):
   • If you prefer a smoother texture, you can transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.
8. Add Paneer and Cream:
   • Add the browned paneer cubes to the spinach sauce and mix gently. If you want a creamier texture, you can add cream or yogurt at this point.
9. Serve:
   • Cook for 2-3 more minutes, adjusting the consistency with a little water if necessary. Taste and adjust salt and spices to taste.
   • Serve hot with cooked basmati rice, naan or roti. You can garnish with a little cream or yoghurt and a sprinkle of garam masala before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Palak Paneer!