Creamy Spinach Paneer Delight
Indulge in the rich and vibrant flavors of this Creamy Spinach Paneer Delight, a classic Indian dish that combines fresh spinach (palak) with soft, luscious paneer in a spiced, creamy sauce. Perfectly seasoned and beautifully garnished, this dish is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the depths of Indian cuisine. The combination of spices, herbs, and creamy curds adds a unique and aromatic touch to the dish, making it an ideal pairing with naan or basmati rice. Share this delightful dish with friends and family, and watch them be captivated by its deliciousness!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spinach (Palak)
4 bunches (Washed and chopped finely)
Paneer
Made from 1 litre milk (Soaked in water and cut into cubes)
Butter
2 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Onions
2 medium (Chopped into small pieces)
Dhania powder (Coriander powder)
1 1/2 tablespoons (For seasoning)
Red chili powder
1 1/2 tablespoons (For seasoning)
Jeera powder (Cumin powder)
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Cashews
10 (Ground into a paste)
Poppy seeds
2 teaspoons (Ground into a paste)
Tomatoes
2 (Cut into 2-inch cubes)
Turmeric powder
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Curds
1/2 cup (Whipped)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (For balancing flavors)
Cinnamon
to taste (For seasoning)
Clove
to taste (For seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the paneer in a bowl of water for at least 15-20 minutes to ensure it becomes soft. Drain the water and cut the paneer into bite-sized cubes. Set aside.
2
Thoroughly wash the spinach and chop it finely. This step ensures that the spinach integrates well into the dish.
3
Chop the onions into small pieces and set them aside. Also, cut the tomatoes into 2-inch cubes for later use.
4
In a pan, heat a small amount of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped spinach and sauté until it wilts and reduces in volume. Allow the cooked spinach to cool slightly, then grind it into a smooth paste using a blender or food processor.
5
In a separate bowl, grind the cashews and poppy seeds together into a smooth paste. This will add richness to the dish.
6
In a small pan, heat ghee (or oil) and sauté the mixed spices (dhaniya powder, jeera powder, red chili powder, turmeric) briefly until fragrant. This allows the flavors to bloom.
7
In a deep pan, heat the remaining butter with a touch of oil. Sauté the chopped onions until they turn crisp and golden brown.
8
Add the sautéed spice mixture and the chopped tomatoes to the onions. Stir everything together and cook for about a minute until the tomatoes soften.
9
Incorporate the whipped curds into the mixture and cook on a reduced flame, stirring occasionally until oil starts to float on the surface.
10
Season the mixture with salt and sugar, then add the ground spinach paste and cook for a few minutes to meld the flavors together.
11
Mix in the cashew-poppy seed paste along with just enough water to achieve your desired gravy consistency. Cook on medium heat until the gravy thickens.
12
Gently fold in the paneer cubes and allow them to heat through in the sauce.
13
Remove from heat and sprinkle with garam masala for an added burst of flavor.
14
Serve hot, garnished with finely chopped onions and lime wedges for some tang.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach Paneer Delight?
It is a classic Indian dish combining fresh spinach (palak) with soft paneer in a spiced, creamy sauce enriched with cashews and poppy seeds.
How do I make the paneer soft for this recipe?
Soak the paneer cubes in a bowl of water for 15-20 minutes before draining and adding them to the dish.
How much spinach is required?
The recipe calls for 4 bunches of fresh spinach, washed and chopped finely.
What is the secret to the creamy texture of the gravy?
The creaminess comes from a blend of ground cashews, poppy seeds, and whipped curds.
Do I need to cook the spinach before blending it?
Yes, sauté the chopped spinach in butter until it wilts, then allow it to cool before grinding it into a smooth paste.
What spices are used for the base seasoning?
The base seasoning includes dhania powder, red chili powder, jeera powder, and turmeric powder.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onions should be chopped into small pieces and sautéed until they are crisp and golden brown.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the recipe?
A small amount of sugar (1 teaspoon) is added to balance the flavors of the spinach and spices.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
While butter is recommended for sautéing the spinach and onions for richness, you can use ghee or oil as a substitute.
How do I prepare the cashew and poppy seed paste?
Grind 10 cashews and 2 teaspoons of poppy seeds together with a little water until they form a smooth paste.
When should I add the paneer cubes?
Gently fold in the paneer cubes at the end, after the gravy has thickened, and allow them to heat through.
What should I serve with Creamy Spinach Paneer Delight?
This dish pairs perfectly with naan or basmati rice.
How are the tomatoes used in this recipe?
Cut two tomatoes into 2-inch cubes and cook them with the sautéed onions and spices until they soften.
Is garam masala used in this recipe?
Yes, sprinkle garam masala over the dish after removing it from the heat for an added burst of flavor.
Should the curds be whipped before adding?
Yes, use 1/2 cup of whipped curds to ensure a smooth integration into the sauce.
How do I prevent the curds from curdling?
Incorporate the whipped curds into the mixture on a reduced flame and stir occasionally.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
Serve hot garnished with finely chopped onions and fresh lime wedges for tanginess.
Can I adjust the thickness of the gravy?
Yes, add just enough water when mixing in the cashew-poppy seed paste to achieve your desired consistency.
Does this recipe use whole spices?
The recipe includes cinnamon, clove, and black pepper to taste for seasoning the dish.
How much red chili powder should I use?
The recipe recommends 1 1/2 tablespoons of red chili powder, but you can adjust this to your spice preference.
What type of paneer is used?
You can use paneer made from 1 litre of milk, cut into bite-sized cubes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish as it uses paneer and fresh vegetables.
How long does it take for the oil to float on the surface?
After adding the curds, cook on a low flame until you see oil starting to float, which indicates the spices are well-cooked.
What does 'blooming' the spices mean?
It refers to sautéing the spice powders briefly in ghee or oil until fragrant to release their full flavor.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Key tags include palak, paneer, indian cuisine, vegetarian, healthy, and creamy.
Can I use cumin powder instead of jeera powder?
Yes, jeera powder is the same as cumin powder; 1/2 teaspoon is required.
Is coriander powder used?
Yes, it is listed as Dhania powder, and you need 1 1/2 tablespoons.
Why is it called 'Delight'?
It is named for its rich, vibrant flavors and the luscious combination of soft paneer and aromatic spinach sauce.
Should I wash the spinach?
Yes, thoroughly wash the spinach before chopping to ensure no grit remains in the dish.
How many cashews are needed for the paste?
The recipe requires exactly 10 cashews to be ground into the paste.