Paalak Paneer

Paalak Paneer_North Indian Signature Vegetarian Dish with Homemade Cottage Cheese

Dish Category: Side Dish, Entree

Accompaniment: Indian flat bread, Puri, Steam rice, Paratha, choices are endless

Possible Variations: Tofu, Chicken, Potato

What I like about this dish: Very traditional, favourite at all festivities, great use of greens

Ingredients:

1. Spinach - 1 lb baby spinach, blanched and pureed
2. Paneer/Cottage Cheese- 7 oz or 200 g
3. Oil – 3 tbsp
4. Onions – 2 medium, finely minced
5. Ginger – 1″ pc, minced
6. Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
7. Warm Water – 1/2 cup
8. Tomatoes – 2 large pureed
9. Garam Masala - 2 tsp
10. Cumin Powder – 1 tsp
11. Coriander Powder – 2 tsp
12. Red Chili Powder – to taste
13. Salt - to taste
14. Turmeric Powder – 1/4 tsp
15. Heavy Whipping Cream – 8 tbsp (optional)
16. Milk – to taste (optional)

Steps:

1. Heat 2 tbsp Oil in a medium non-stick pan on high heat
2. Once Oil is hot, add in the minced Onions, stir, cover and let it cook until onions are translucent
3. Add in the Ginger and Garlic and mix. Cook till aromatic
4. Add in the Tomates, cover and cook till the oil separates from the mixture
5. Keep stirring frequently as the Masala (Onion, Tomato, Ginger & Garlic mixture) tends to burn very fast. Add a little water if needed
6. While the Masala is cooking, cube the paneer to desired size…1/2″ cubes work well
7. In a non-stick frying pan, heat the remaining 1 tbsp Oil
8. Once Oil is hot, add in the paneer cubes and let them cook till they are golden brown on all sides
9. Remove from the pan into a plate with paper towel to soak the excess oil
10. In a couple of minutes, pour the Paneer into a bowl of cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes
11. Meanwhile, once the Masala is prepared, add in the pureed Spinach
12. Mix and add the Garam Masala, Cumin Powder, Coriander Powder, Salt, Chili Powder & Turmeric Powder
13. Mix well and cook for 3-5 minutes to bring a slight boil
14. Add in the desired amount of Cream and /or Milk. Mix and cook for another few minutes
15. Gently squeeze the water out of the Paneer and put the Paneer in the Spinach
16. Mix gently and simmer for 3 - 5 mins.