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Saturday, June 25, 2011

Spinach and Indian Cottage Cheese "Palak Paneer"

Day3 of Blogging Marathon: While this dish may seem similar to the "Saag Paneer" post I did sometime last year, its not! There are some new ingredients involved in making this one and this is slightly more rich(ie: packed with calories) than the previous version what with using heavy cream and butter!Obviously, my hubby said he likes this version better. Well, what can I say? Heavy cream and butter makes everything better!
For those of you wondering what the difference is between Saag Paneer and Palak Paneer here is a brief explanation(clearing the air of doubt, if you will)-
Saag means "Greens", Palak means "Spinach"(a subset of Saag), Paneer means "Cottage Cheese" in Hindi. While Saag Paneer can be made with "any" greens(including Spinach), Palak Paneer can be made with ONLY Spinach. Hope this helps!
 
I know there are plenty of Paneer freaks(like me)..ahem, Paneer fans out there. So here are some Paneer dishes I have posted before: 
Paneer Butter Masala, Skillet Paneer and Peas(Muttar Paneer), Paneer and Collard stuffed Mushrooms, Paneer and Vegetable Pilaf, Microwave Malai Kofta

Ingredients:
  • 14 oz Nanak brand Paneer
  • 6 handfuls of finely chopped Spinach
  • 1-1/2 tsp Cumin seeds
  • 1-1/2 tbsp Coriander powder
  • 1 Tsp Chili Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 Medium Roma Tomato, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp Oil + 3 Tbsp Butter
  • 1/3 Cup Heavy Cream
  • Salt as needed
  • 2-3 Tbsp Olive Oil for frying the Paneer
For Grinding:
  • 1 Medium Yellow Onion
  • 3 Garlic Cloves, peeled and chopped
  • 1" Ginger, peeled and chopped
  • 5-6 Hot green chili
  • 1/4 Cup Cashew
  • 2 Medium Roma Tomatoes
  • 1-1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil
Procedure:
  • Cut the Paneer in cubes and shallow fry them in batches until they are "lightly" browned. I feel non-stick pan is better for this purpose. Paneer sticks in steel pan.
    • Fry the ingredients under " For grinding" in the given order in 1-1/2 Tbsp of Oil. First add onions, garlic, ginger and green chilies.Once the onions are browned add the cashew and fry till they are slightly browned.
    • Add the chopped tomatoes and fry till they are raw no more.Cool this mixture.
    • In another pan, add a tbsp of oil and 2-3 Tbsp of butter. Add all the powder and cumin seeds. Reduce the flame and fry until it starts emitting aroma(for a minute or so).
    • Add the chopped tomatoes and give it a toss.
    • Add the chopped Spinach and stir gently until its coated with spices.
    • Grind the cooled onion-cashew mixture to a fine paste.
    • Add the paste along with heavy cream and salt to the pan and gently combine.
    • Throw in the fried paneer and let it cook for about 5-8 minutes.
    • The resulting mixture should be in the form of a thick gravy. Switch off the stove and add a dab of butter on top(optional).
    • Serve this warm and decadent dish with choice of flat-bread or steaming white rice.
    Enjoy!

    33 comments:

    1. Been ages i prepared palak paneer, seriously am drooling over the addictive and irresistible dish..lovely clicks..

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    2. Lovely presentation and very yummy curry. I'm simply drooling...!

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    3. I love this combo.We all here are into this paneer so much.All are welcome.Thanks for the recipe.

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    4. Palak Paneer is something that i love way too much. Loved your recipe.

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    5. gr8 and different recipe love ur version of palak paneer

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    6. Absolutely delicious paneer dish. Looks awesome.

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    7. Absolutely delicious paneer dish. Looks awesome.

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    8. Palak paneer looks creamy and delicious :)

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    9. O man! I am just imagining at how well the flavors must have blended!!

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    10. eventhough i dont eat paalak paneer..i have fallen in love with this version..believe me it looks abs yum..lovely presentation too...

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    11. Tasty looking paalak paneer,appreciate the illustrative clicks.

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    12. I love this version better than the spinach grinding one. Your curry bowl looks so appetizing. :)

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    13. Treat for paneer lovers .. looks absolutely delicious. Can you send this to the "Dish it Out" event?

      Vardhini
      Event: Dish it Out - Spinach and Garlic
      Event: Healthy Lunchbox Ideas - Broccoli

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    14. My fav. Looks so tempting and the clicks are fantastic.

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    15. CL was planning to make this today for lunch having seen these snaps i can't wait to get on with it....:)...loving the pics...

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    16. one of my favs...i like how u havent pureed the spinach..

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    17. Looks very creamy and mouthwatering pics...

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    18. Mmm I really do love paneer. What a great dish!

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    19. Love this variation of grinding onion, cashews et all and adding it to chopped spinach. Looks yumm.

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    20. Absolutely delicious paneer dish. Looks awesome.

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    21. Wow the curry looks delicious!! I love the container you have served it in!! it is just perfect for your curry!

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    22. Yum, yum, yum, love your twist of making it rich :)

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    23. Love anything paneer!..we normally puree the palak..will try this method next time..

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    24. Using the chopped spinach gives it a saag paneer look. perfect and easy way to cook.

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    Thanks a bunch for your valuable comments and continued support.They are very much appreciated. Yes,like "Rain on Dry Land" and like "Oasis in Desert Sand".
    XoXo, Cool Lassi(e)