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Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer made with creamy spinach base, cooked with spices and simmer with cubed cheese. Serve with fresh naan or steamed basmati rice.
Print Recipe
Cook Time 20 minutes
Pressure Cook 3 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot
  • Hand Blender or Regular Blender

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Bundles spinach washed and stems removed
  • 3 tbsp oil or 2 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 diced medium-sized onion
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp ginger (diced)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 serrano pepper (diced) adjust according to your spice level
  • 2 tomatoes (diced)
  • 3/4 tsp red chili powder adjust according to your spice level
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 3/4 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/4 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp fenugreek leaves
  • 1 cup paneer or Indian cottage cheese

Instructions
 

  • Press saute and add 3 tbsp of oil. You may also add butter.
  • Add 1 diced onion and saute until translucent.
  • Add 1 tsp of cumin and cook for a minute.
  • Add ginger, garlic and serrano pepper. Saute until fragrant.
  • Add tomatoes, salt, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder and garam masala.
  • Cook spices for 3-5 mins or until tomatoes are soft. (add 1 tbsp of water if necessary)
  • Add 1/2 cup of water, spinach and cover the lid.
  • Seal the pot. Pressure cook for 3 minutes and then quick release.
  • When the pin drops open the lid and quick it a quick mix.
  • Blend spinach and spices with a hand blender. You may also pour out contents in a regular blender.
  • Add 2 tbsp of heavy cream and 1 tsp of fenugreek leaves. Give a quick mix.
  • Add Paneer. Mix and let it simmer for 5 mins.
  • Serve Palak Paneer with naan or white rice.

Video

Notes

  • You will find spices and paneer (Indian cottage cheese) at your local Indian grocery store. 
  • I used store bought, packaged paneer (cheese) in this recipe. 
  • Paneer can be lightly toasted or fried. In a separate pan, add 1 tsp of oil and lightly fry the paneer for a few mins. (complete preference)
  • Spice level can be adjusted to your liking. Add more or less. 
  • If you don't have a hand blender, you may pour out contents in a regular blender. 
    • Be sure to dice up tomatoes and onions... its easier to blend it with a hand blender later on. 
    • I recommned coarsly blending the spinach base so there is a bit of a texture. 
  • If your spinach has a bitter taste, you may add a bit of sugar or lemon juice. Be sure to remove the stems of the spinach.
Keyword Palak Paneer, Spinach