Palak Paneer
This recipe brings back memories of cozy family dinners, where we would gather around the table to enjoy this hearty dish. The combination of spinach and paneer, with a smooth, creamy texture, always makes for a comforting meal. A dollop of cream at the end adds an extra layer of richness, which I love pairing with soft naan or fragrant basmati rice.
Ingredients:
500 gms spinach (palak), boiled and pureed
200 gms paneer, cubed
1-2 green chilies, chopped
2 onions, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped or pureed
2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
1 bay leaf
1-inch cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon cumin powder
2 teaspoons butter
1 teaspoon oil
¼ cup cream
Salt, to taste
Red chili powder, to taste
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
Instructions:

1.Prepare the Tempering:
In a pan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Add the bay leaf and cinnamon stick, frying them for a few seconds until fragrant.
2.Add Butter and Aromatics:
Add 2 teaspoons of butter to the pan. Once melted, add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3.Sauté the Onions:
Add the chopped onions to the pan and cook until they turn light brown.
4.Cook the Tomatoes:
Add the chopped or pureed tomatoes to the pan. Fry until the oil separates from the mixture. Add salt, red chili powder, and turmeric powder, mixing well.

5.Add Spinach:
Stir in the boiled and pureed spinach (palak). Cook for 5-8 minutes with the lid on, but avoid overcooking to retain the vibrant color and nutrients.
6.Finish with Paneer:
Switch off the flame and gently add the cubed paneer to the spinach mixture, folding it in carefully.
7.Add Cream:
Just before serving, stir in the cream for richness.

8.Serve:
Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving):
Calories: ~250-300 kcal
Protein: ~12 g
Fat: ~20 g
Carbohydrates: ~8 g
Fiber: ~2-3 g