palak paneer

It's one of my favorite dishes to have at an Indian restaurant. Palak Paneer is basically creamed spinach cooked in a creamy onion/tomato-based masala and paneer (Indian cheese) mixed in. When I tried this recipe, it didn't taste as good as I had hoped. But I let it sit for a bit as I waited for my husband to get back from work. And I tried it then again with rice - It turned out delicious!!! Just like it tastes in the restaurant!

Ingredients

• Paneer - 7 oz or 200 g, cut up into cubes
• Oil - 2 tbsp for sauteeing paneer + another 2 tbsp for the gravy (I used coconut oil for a relatively healthier version)
• Salt - to taste
• Red chilli powder - a few pinches for paneer + 1 tsp for gravy
• Turmeric - 1/2 tsp
• Coriander powder - 1.5 tsp
• Cumin seeds
• Onions - 1/2 cup chopped
• Garlic - 1 tbsp minced
• Green chili - 1 chopped
• Tomato paste - 2 tbsps
• Cashew paste - about 3 tbsp cashews soaked in hot water for 10-15 minutes and pureed into a smooth paste (It's okay if it's a little runny!)
• Spinach - About 3/4 pack of frozen or ~363 grams
• Cream - 1/4 cup
• Dried fenugreek leaves - 2-3 tbsps crushed
• Garam masala - 1 tbsp
• Sugar - 2 tsps

Steps

1. First, in a non-stick pan, sautee paneer cubes in about 2 tbsp oil with some salt and red chilli powder and keep aside.
2. Next in about 2 tbsps of oil, in the same pan if you like, add in cumin seeds. When they nearly begin to change color, add in onions and sautee for about 4-5 minutes and throw in the minced garlic and cut up chili and sautee some more.
3. When the onions have turned brown, add in tomato paste, red chilli powder, turmeric, and coriander powder and mix until the tomato paste has been spiced well and cooked through a bit.
4. Next add in the cashew paste and mix until the mixture comes together and does not stick to your pan.
5. Throw in the pureed spinach and salt at this point to your liking. If needed, add a little bit of water and cook for 9-10 minutes, or however long it takes for the spinach to get cooked through. Taste to ensure that there is no bitter taste.
6. When it's cooked, add in the cream, garam masala, sugar, crushed dried fenugreek leaves, and paneer, and cook for maybe another 2-3 minutes until everything has come together.
7. Serve next to soft whole wheat rotis or with a 1/2 cup of steamed rice!