Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
Prepare the Spinach
- Clean the spinach by soaking it in water to remove dust. Use soft stems and discard thick ones.
- Blanch: Boil 1 liter of water. Add spinach, green chillies, and salt. Boil for exactly 30-40 seconds.
- Shock: Immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice-cold water.
- Puree: Once cold, squeeze out excess water and blend into a thick, smooth paste without adding extra water.
The Special Masala & Paneer
- Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin, and peppercorns on low flame until aromatic.
- Coarsely grind them in a mortar and pestle.
- In a pan, lightly fry paneer cubes in 1 tbsp oil until golden. Pro-tip: Immediately soak fried paneer in a bowl of water to keep it soft.
Cooking the Gravy
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil. Add 1 tsp cumin and 2 dried red chillies.
- Add half of the chopped garlic. Sauté until light golden.
- Pour in the spinach puree. Cook on medium-low flame for 8-10 minutes without a lid.
- Add the chopped tomato and cook until soft.
- Add 2 tsp of the roasted spice mix and the pinch of sugar.
- Slowly add the paneer cubes. Stir gently and cook for 2-3 minutes.
The Final "Lasooni" Tadka
- Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a small tempering pan.
- Add the remaining chopped garlic and sauté until golden brown. Add a dried red chili.
- Pour this sizzling garlic tadka over the Palak Paneer.
- Garnish with a swirl of fresh cream or malai.
Notes
Serve hot with Garlic Naan, Roti, or Jeera Rice!