Palak Paneer

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Here is a recipe for Palak Paneer, a popular Indian vegetarian dish made with paneer (Indian cheese) in a smooth, creamy and delicious spinach gravy. 

Instead of paneer I often use fried tofu.

It's also possible to use any green leafy vegetable instead of spinach.

There are many variations of the recipe, but here is a simple one:

Ingredients:

- 2 bunches of spinach, washed and chopped

- 1 onion, chopped

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste

- 1 tsp cumin seeds

- 1 tsp coriander powder

- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

- 1/4 tsp red chili powder 

- 2 tsp garam masala powder

- 1/2 cup heavy cream OR yoghurt (or leave it dairy-free)

- 1 tbsp butter

- 1/2 tbsp oil

- Salt to taste

- Paneer cubes/fried tofu

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and half tablespoon oil in a pan.

2. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds.

3. When the spices begin to sizzle, add 1 chopped onion and fry till they turn transparent to golden.

4. Next, saute 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste for 1 to 2 minutes.

5. Then add 2 chopped tomatoes with salt. Saute until they break down and turn mushy.

6. Add 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 tspn turmeric powder, 1/4 tspn red chili powder, and 2 tspn garam masala powder. Mix well and saute for a minute.

7. Add 2 bunches of chopped spinach to some boiling water till it wilts a bit.

8. Keep the water for later, remove the spinach and blend till its liquid.

9. Pour the spinach blend into the pan with the onions and spices.

10. Add the spinach water if needed to adjust the consistency.

11. Avoid overcooking. Add paneer/fried tofu cubes and mix well.

12. Add your cream or yoghurt.

13. Turn off and remove to a serving bowl.

Serve this Palak Paneer with Paratha, roti, Butter naan, Jeera rice, Ghee rice or even with plain basmati rice. Enjoy!