Palak Paneer Recipe

Palak Paneer  recipe is a type of fresh cheese commonly used in Indian cuisine. It’s a versatile ingredient that doesn’t melt like many other cheeses, making it ideal for cooking at higher temperatures. Paneer is a good source of protein and calcium and is a popular choice for vegetarians.

 

Here’s a simple recipe to make Palak paneer Recipe at home.

 

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF PALAK PANEER?

According to ancient tales, the inception of paneer is believed to have occurred unintentionally within saddlebags during the era of the Mongol Empire.

 

That paneer was invented during the Vedic era (Bronze Age India – around 1500-500 BCE),Still others claim that paneer was introduced to India by the Portuguese in the 17th century.

Palak Paneer recipe is a popular North Indian dish that has its roots in Indian cuisine. The term “Palak” refers to spinach, and “Paneer” refers to Indian cottage cheese. This vegetarian dish is known for its rich, creamy spinach-based gravy combined with cubes of paneer.

The exact origin of Palak Paneer recipe  is not precisely documented, but it is part of the broader tradition of Indian cuisine, which has a rich and diverse history. Paneer itself has been a staple in Indian cooking for centuries, and spinach is a nutritious leafy green widely used in various regional cuisines.

Indian cuisine is characterized by its regional diversity, with each region contributing unique dishes and flavors. Palak Paneer, like many other dishes, likely evolved over time through the culinary traditions of North India, where spinach is abundantly available, and paneer is a popular protein source for vegetarians.

Homemade Paneer Recipe:       

Ingredients:

1. 1 liter of whole milk
2. 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar

Instructions:

1.Boil the Milk:

Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking or burning.

2.Add Acidic Agent:

Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low. Add the lemon juice or vinegar slowly, stirring gently. The milk will start to curdle.

 

3.Separate Curds and Whey:

Continue to stir until you see the whey (greenish liquid) separating from the curds. This signifies the conclusion of the coagulation process.

4.Strain the Curds:

Line a colander with a clean muslin cloth or cheesecloth. Position the colander atop a bowl to gather the whey. Transfer the coagulated milk into the colander, letting the whey separate. Palak Paneer, a well-loved Indian delicacy, combines spinach (palak) and paneer (Indian cottage cheese). This vegetarian dish is both nutritious and bursting with flavor. Below is an uncomplicated recipe for you to experiment with.

How To Make Palak Paneer Recipe

Ingredients:

1. 250g paneer, cubed
2. 1 tablespoon oil for frying paneer

Other Ingredients:

1. 2 Tablespoons oil or ghee
2. 1 Teaspoon cumin seeds
3. 1 large onion, finely chopped
4. 1 Cup tomato puree
5. 1 Teaspoon turmeric powder
6. 1 Teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
7. 1 Teaspoon coriander powder
8. 1/2 Teaspoon garam masala
9. Salt to taste
10. 1/2 Cup fresh cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blanching the Spinach:

 

• Boil water in a large pot. Add chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes.
•  Drain the water and immediately transfer the spinach to cold water to retain its green color.
•  Once cooled, blend the spinach, onion, green chilies, ginger, and garlic to a smooth puree.

 

2. Frying Paneer:

• Warm up a pan with 1 tablespoon of oil.
•   Fry the paneer cubes until they turn golden brown on all sides.
• Remove the fried paneer and set aside.

 

3 .Preparing the Gravy:

• In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee.
•  Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
•  Incorporate finely diced onions and sauté until they achieve a golden brown hue.

4. Adding Spices:

• Incorporate turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder into the mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
•  Pour the tomato puree and cook until the masala separates from the oil.

5. Adding Spinach Puree:

• Incorporate the spinach puree and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring intermittently.
•  Add salt and garam masala. Mix well.

 

6. Adding Paneer:

Add the fried paneer cubes to the spinach gravy. Mix gently.

7.Finishing Touch:

If you like, you can add fresh cream to the dish for a creamier texture.Blend thoroughly and allow it to simmer for a few minutes.

8. Serve:

Palak Paneer Recipe is ready to be served. Garnish with a dollop of fresh cream and serve it with naan, roti, or rice.