This classic Italian meatball recipe makes tender, flavorful meatballs that are perfect for busy weeknight dinners, weekend meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Ready in about 40 minutes with simple ingredients, these meatballs can serve as a main dish on their own or be served over pasta. My family asks for these regularly because they’re […]

The post Classic Italian Meatballs appeared first on Simply Meat Smoking.

There’s nothing quite like the perfect queso dip to bring everyone together around the table. This beef queso combines everything I love about classic Mexican flavors – rich, melted cheese, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and just the right amount of heat. It’s the kind of dip that disappears fast at game day parties, holiday gatherings, […]

The post Easy Beef Queso appeared first on Simply Meat Smoking.

Palak Paneer is one of the most popular paneer dishes from North India and a favorite at Indian restaurants around the world. This creamy, flavorful dish features tender paneer cubes nestled in a rich spinach sauce, making it a perfect main course for any meal. 

With its vibrant green color and delicious combination of spinach and paneer, Palak Paneer pairs wonderfully with roti, naan, or paratha. This simplified version of the recipe uses just a few ingredients, allowing the natural flavors of the spinach and paneer to shine while remaining healthy and nutritious.

Cultural and Traditional Importance 

Paneer dishes are a staple in North Indian cuisine, and Palak Paneer is undoubtedly one of the most beloved. Traditionally prepared in Indian households and served during special occasions or family gatherings, this dish showcases the versatility of paneer and the use of leafy greens in Indian cooking. 

Palak Paneer is often served with flatbreads like naan or paratha, and its creamy texture and mildly spiced flavor make it a crowd-pleaser.

This simplified recipe doesn’t compromise on taste, while offering a more convenient way to prepare Palak Paneer at home. Blanching the spinach helps retain its bright green color, making the dish visually appealing as well as delicious.

Recipe Variations from Manjula’s Kitchen While Palak Paneer is a classic dish on its own, you can explore other paneer-based recipes and spinach variations from Manjula’s Kitchen:

Paneer Butter Masala: A rich and creamy tomato-based dish, perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter, milder flavor.

Aloo Palak (Potato Spinach): A delicious vegetarian dish combining spinach with tender potatoes, offering another way to enjoy spinach in your meals.

Paneer Saag: A similar dish that incorporates other leafy greens, like mustard greens, along with spinach for a different flavor profile.

Matar Paneer: A flavorful combination of paneer and green peas cooked in a spiced tomato sauce, offering a wonderful variation for paneer lovers.

Health Benefits and Dietary Considerations Palak Paneer is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Spinach is rich in iron, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants that promote overall health. 

The use of paneer adds a good amount of protein and calcium, making this dish a balanced meal that supports both muscle and bone health. 

For those looking to make a lighter version of Palak Paneer, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter cream or yogurt. The dish is also naturally gluten-free (ensure the flour you use is gluten-free or omit it), making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. If you’re vegan, tofu can be used in place of paneer to create a delicious Palak Tofu.

Serving Suggestions Palak Paneer can be served with a variety of Indian breads, such as roti, naan, or paratha. It also pairs well with rice dishes like Jeera Rice or Plain Basmati Rice for a more complete meal. For added texture and flavor, you can garnish the dish with freshly grated paneer or a drizzle of cream.

For a more elaborate meal, serve Palak Paneer alongside other classic Indian dishes such as Dal Tadka or Aloo Gobi to create a balanced vegetarian spread.

Conclusion Palak Paneer is a quintessential North Indian dish that brings together the creamy richness of paneer and the nutritious goodness of spinach. This simplified recipe ensures that you can prepare this dish quickly, without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a special meal, Palak Paneer is sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy one of India’s most loved dishes in the comfort of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I keep the spinach color bright in Palak Paneer?

Blanching the spinach is the key to retaining its vibrant green color. Boil the spinach for about a minute, then immediately transfer it to ice-cold water to stop the cooking process.

Can I make Palak Paneer vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the paneer with tofu and use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of dairy cream to make a vegan version of this dish.

What are some variations of Palak Paneer I can try?

You can try dishes like Saag Paneer, which uses a combination of leafy greens, or Aloo Palak, which pairs spinach with potatoes for a different take on the classic.

How do I serve Palak Paneer?

Palak Paneer pairs wonderfully with Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha. It can also be served with Jeera Rice or Plain Basmati Rice.

Can I prepare Palak Paneer in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the spinach puree and paneer in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, gently reheat and combine the two for a fresh and delicious meal.

The post Palak Paneer appeared first on Manjula's Kitchen.

💾

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Matar paneer is the classic Indian delicacy which you will find in every Indian restaurant across the globe.  In this Masala, Paneer is cooked with Peas and tomato sauce.  This is a very simple curry, yet the flavors that are in play work well with each other so well that you will keep wanting more! The tangy tomato sauce mixed in with the spices gets absorbed by the paneer and the green peas does more than just making the curry more appealing. There are many variations we can bring in and this is one of the method. A perfect vegetarian gravy for Roti / Chapati / Naan!

Most of the Paneer dishes tastes so awesome with any Indian Bread. Paneer is very special to many kids and even for many adults. Whenever we go to a  restaurant, most of us order atleast one Paneer gravy as an accompaniment for roti / naan or even for Pulao. I personally love Malai Paneer, thought it tastes a little sweet than spicy. In restaurants, Paneer Butter Masala is sometimes too creamy. This Matar Paneer is perfect in spice and less creamy and it would make a perfect accompaniment even for Pulao / Biriyani etc.

Tips for making Matar Paneer:

1. If you plan to use homemade Paneer, you don’t need to soak the paneer in hot water.
2. Store bought paneer should be soaked in  hot water and then cubed.
3. We can fry the paneer cubes in butter till its golden on all sides and then add it to the gravy.
4. Cook the onion-tomato-cashew gravy in butter to get rich taste and flavor.
5. Allow the onion-tomato-cashew gravy to cool off completely before grinding to ensure its not spilling out of the mixer jar.
6. Kashmiri red chili powder gives a natural color to the gravy and also doesn’t make the gravy spicer.
7. After adding fresh cream do not boil the gravy.

If you like this Matar Paneer , then you can also try other Gravy recipes

• Kadai Paneer Gravy – Kadai Paneer is one of the popular Paneer variety that is served in most of the Indian Restaurants and also in our kitchen. This Paneer Gravy is enhanced with freshly ground Kadai Masala along with the richness of colored Bell Peppers.
• Veg Makhanwala – Vegetable Makhanwala, is a rich and tasty vegetarian gravy. A perfect side dish for Indian Breads like Roti/ Chapati / Naan etc. Vegetable rich gravy with the richness of cream makes this a mouth-watering dish.
• Methi Paneer – Methi Paneer, a gravy made with fresh Methi leaves cooked with creamy onion-tomato gravy along with Indian spices.

Recipe card for Matar Paneer:

INSTRUCTIONS WITH STEP BY STEP PICTURES:

PREPARING MASALA

• I used store bought paneer cubes which I refrigerated and so I took it fridge an soaked the paneer cubes in warm water for 10 minutes. My paneer cubes are soft by that time.
• Let’s prepare our masala now. Heat oil /butte in pan. Add cashew nuts and fry for 30 seconds.

• Next, Add chopped onions, garlic and ginger along with pinch of salt and saute them till the onions turn light brown color.

COOKING TOMATOES

• Add turmeric, green chillies and saute it for 10 seconds. Then add chopped tomatoes.

• Saute them in medium flame till the tomatoes are cooked and become mushy.

GRINDING ONION-TOMATO MASALA

• When the tomatoes are mushy, switch off the flame and allow it to cool off. Take this tomato mixture in a mixer. Grind it to a smooth paste.

TEMPERING PROCESS

• Heat oil in a pan, add oil and when the oil is hot, add the whole garam masalas such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and saute them for 10 seconds. Then add cumin seeds.

COOK MASALA & SPICE IT UP

• When the cumin seeds starts to sputter, add ground tomato mixture along with salt and also add 1/2 cup of water and keep the flame in low and allow the sauce to boil in low flame atleast for 15 minutes.

• Also add crushed kassori methi, coriander powder, cumin powder and red chilli powder and mix well.

TIME TO ADD PANEER

• When the sauce is ready, add peas and mix well and allow it to boil for a minute.

• Then add paneer cubes along with salt and mix well. Again allow the mutter paneer to boil for 2 minutes.

GARNISHING TIME

• Finally add chopped coriander leaves and before switching off the flame.

• Add fresh cream and remove from flame.

SLURP!!!

• The yummy, creamy Mutter Paneer is now ready to serve with hot Chapati / Roti / Naan

The post Matar Paneer | Paneer Matar Masala appeared first on Subbus Kitchen.