Punjabi Palak Paneer Recipe
🧑🍳 Punjabi Palak Paneer Recipe: A Creamy Spinach and Paneer Curry
Palak Paneer is a classic, healthy, and flavorful dish from Punjabi cuisine made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and palak (spinach), cooked together in a creamy, spiced gravy. This dish is a perfect combination of soft paneer cubes and rich spinach gravy, seasoned with aromatic spices. The result is a mouthwatering, nutritious curry that pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or rice. 🌱
In this blog, we will walk you through the authentic Punjabi Palak Paneer recipe, including all the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some useful tips to make this curry just like it’s made in Punjab! Let’s get cooking! 🍽️
🍽️ What is Punjabi Palak Paneer?
Palak Paneer is a beloved vegetarian curry made with spinach (palak) and paneer cooked in a smooth, flavorful gravy. The spinach is first blanched, then pureed, and combined with spices to create a rich, creamy curry. Paneer cubes are added to the gravy and cooked until they soak up all the flavors, making each bite soft and delicious.
This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious, packed with iron, fiber, and protein, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal. 🌶️
🍽️ Quick Facts About Punjabi Palak Paneer
| 🌿 Feature | 📋 Description |
|---|---|
| 🧀 Main Ingredient | Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and Spinach (Palak) |
| 🌶️ Flavor Profile | Creamy, savory, mildly spicy |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Method | Cooked in a creamy spinach gravy with spices |
| 🍽️ Best Served With | Roti, naan, rice, or paratha |
| 🌍 Origin | Punjab, India |
| 🌿 Key Spices | Cumin, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, chili powder |
| 🏡 Popular Occasion | Family dinners, festivals, special occasions |
🖤 Why is Punjabi Palak Paneer Special?
Here are some reasons why Punjabi Palak Paneer is so loved:
- 🧀 Soft and Creamy Paneer: The paneer cubes absorb all the flavors of the spinach gravy, making it extra delicious and creamy.
- 🌱 Healthy and Nutritious: The dish is packed with spinach, which is rich in iron, vitamins, and minerals, making it not only tasty but also healthy.
- 🌶️ Mildly Spicy and Flavorful: The use of spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric gives the dish a deep, flavorful taste without being overly spicy.
- 🍽️ Perfectly Creamy Gravy: The pureed spinach creates a smooth, velvety gravy that coats the paneer perfectly.
- 🧑🍳 Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish can be prepared in no time!
🍽️ Ingredients for Punjabi Palak Paneer
To make the perfect Punjabi Palak Paneer, you need fresh spinach, paneer, and a blend of spices. Here’s what you’ll need:
🍛 Main Ingredients:
| 🍛 Ingredient | 📋 Description |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Cottage Cheese) | 200–250 grams (cut into cubes) |
| Spinach (Palak) | 4 cups of fresh spinach (blanched) |
| Onions | 1 large (finely chopped) |
| Tomatoes | 2 medium (pureed or finely chopped) |
| Garlic | 4–5 cloves (minced or paste) |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece (grated or minced) |
| Green Chilies | 1–2 (chopped, optional) |
🧑🍳 For the Spice Mix:
| 🍛 Ingredient | 📋 Description |
|---|---|
| Cumin Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
🍛 For Cooking:
| 🍛 Ingredient | 📋 Description |
|---|---|
| Oil or Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | As needed for consistency of the gravy |
| Butter or Cream | 1 tablespoon (optional, for extra richness) |
🧑🍳 How to Make Punjabi Palak Paneer
Making Punjabi Palak Paneer involves cooking the spinach, preparing the spicy gravy, and then adding the paneer cubes to soak up all the flavors. Here’s how to make it:
✅ Step 1: Prepare the Spinach (Palak)
- Blanch the Spinach: Wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt. In a pot of boiling water, add the spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Cool and Puree: Drain the spinach and run it under cold water to cool it down. Then, blend the spinach into a smooth puree. Set aside.
✅ Step 2: Prepare the Gravy
- Heat Oil or Ghee: In a large pan or kadai, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee over medium heat.
- Temper the Cumin Seeds: Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds to the hot oil and let them splutter for a few seconds.
- Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Ginger: Add 1 chopped onion, 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste, and 1–2 chopped green chilies (optional) to the pan. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until the onions turn golden brown.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add 2 finely chopped tomatoes or tomato puree to the pan. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the oil separates from the masala.
- Add Ground Spices: Now, add the following ground spices:
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
Stir well and cook the mixture for 2–3 minutes to let the spices release their aroma.
✅ Step 3: Combine Spinach and Gravy
- Add the Spinach Puree: Add the pureed spinach to the pan and stir well to combine with the spicy gravy.
- Simmer: Add about 1/2–1 cup of water to get your desired consistency for the gravy. Bring the curry to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes. This allows the spices and spinach to blend together and develop the flavor.
✅ Step 4: Add the Paneer
- Add Paneer Cubes: Gently add the paneer cubes to the curry and mix carefully. Allow the paneer to absorb the flavors of the gravy by cooking for another 5–7 minutes.
- Add Butter or Cream (Optional): For an extra creamy texture, you can add 1 tablespoon of butter or cream at this stage.
✅ Step 5: Final Touches
- Garnish: Garnish your Punjabi Palak Paneer with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Serve: Serve your Palak Paneer hot with roti, naan, or rice. You can also enjoy it with makki di roti for an authentic touch. 🍽️
🌶️ Tips for Perfect Punjabi Palak Paneer
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach provides the best color and flavor for this curry. Make sure to wash it well before blanching.
- Roast the Paneer (Optional): If you prefer a richer taste, shallow fry the paneer cubes in a little ghee before adding them to the curry. This step adds extra flavor and texture to the paneer.
- Adjust Spice Levels: You can control the heat by adjusting the chili powder and green chilies according to your taste.
- Cook the Gravy Well: Let the onion-tomato gravy cook well until the oil starts separating from the masala. This ensures that the curry is flavorful and smooth.
- Blend the Spinach Well: For a smooth texture, make sure to blend the spinach into a fine puree. If you prefer a bit of texture, you can leave it slightly chunky.
🍽️ Serving Ideas for Punjabi Palak Paneer
Punjabi Palak Paneer is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some great serving ideas:
| 🌍 Occasion | 🍽️ Serving Idea |
|---|---|
| 🍽️ Family Dinner | Serve with naan, roti, or jeera rice |
| 🎉 Special Occasions | Serve with makki di roti and pickle |
| 🧑🍳 Barbecues | Pair with paratha and yogurt raita |
| 🍛 Casual Meals | Serve with steamed rice or quinoa |
📸 Photography Ideas for Punjabi Palak Paneer
Want to capture the beauty of your Punjabi Palak Paneer? Here are some photography tips:
- 📷 Close-Up Shots: Focus on the creamy texture of the spinach gravy and tender paneer cubes.
- 🌿 Garnishing: Add fresh cilantro and a lemon wedge for extra freshness and color.
- 🌞 Natural Light: Use natural light to enhance the rich color of the curry.
- 🍽️ Action Shots: Capture a shot of someone serving the curry with naan or roti.
🧑🍳 Final Thoughts
Punjabi Palak Paneer is a delicious, creamy, and nutritious curry that is perfect for any meal. With its rich spinach gravy and soft paneer, it’s a comforting dish that will win over anyone who loves Indian food. 🌶️
Whether you’re serving it for family dinners, special occasions, or a simple weekend meal, Palak Paneer is a dish that’s always a hit. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy a flavorful pot of Punjabi Palak Paneer today! 🍛
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