Spinach And Cheese Curry (Palak Paneer)
A classic Indian vegetarian curry that is timeless, easy to prepare and has a rich rustic flavour.
Preparation Time – 20 Minutes
Cooking Time – 30 Minutes
Makes – To Serve 4 to 6
Ingredients
700g frozen or fresh spinach leaves
2 spanish (red onions)
1/2 inch piece of ginger
1 small green chili
1 large bay leaf
1 inch piece of cinnamon
8 to 10 peppercorns
1 cup water
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
salt to taste
400g paneer (cottage cheese) cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup fresh cream (optional)
1/2 teaspoon chaat masala (optional)
Method
If you are using fresh spinach leaves, blanch. To blanch the spinach, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Drop spinach leaves in the pot and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and drain the water.
If you are using frozen spinach leaves, steam. To steam the spinach, bring a large pot of water to boil. Put frozen spinach in a colander or steamer and place inside the pot. Cover and steam for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a blender, combine onion, ginger, chili and half of the spinach with 1/2 cup of water. Blend to a smooth paste.
Heat oil in a deep, heavy bottomed saucepan on medium. Add bay leaf, cinnamon and peppercorns. When the spices start sizzling, add the onion-spinach paste. Sauté and cook for two minutes until the mixture starts becoming richer and darker in colour. Reduce heat to low.
Blend the remaining spinach with 1/2 cup of water to a smooth paste. Add this to the saucepan. Add cumin, salt and nutmeg. Add the paneer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring every now and then to make sure the curry doesn’t stick. Feel free to add a bit of water if you think the curry is becoming too thick.
Adjust seasoning, add cream and chaat masala (if using) and cook for 5 more minutes. Remove from heat and serve hot with naan bread or rice.
My Notes –
Indian restaurants usually deep fry the paneer cubes before adding to the curry. This tastes sensational and must be tried at least once. If you would like the smokey flavour of the paneer but want a healthier option, grill the paneer on a griddle or hot plate before adding to your curry.
This dish is also great as a chunky dip served with poppadums at an Indian banquet. Source