I Love Palak Paneer (Spinach and Cheese Curry)

Karen Elizabeth's Note:

This luscious spinach and cheese dish comes from Northern India, the home of paneer, a fresh cow-milk cheese similar to ricotta. It's sold near the feta and haloumi in supermarkets, either of these two cheeses can replace paneer here, but the results wont be exactly the same. When I made this, I did use a soft feta, which melted into the spinach and gave me the most creamy rich curry you can imagine. I also upped the amount of the garam masala, to give a hotter result, and I sauteed some shrimps in garlic and butter, and served them with the curry, we enjoyed an excellent meal! The recipe is taken from Australian Womens Weekly, New Curries UPDATED to add ( thank you Peggy :) ), that previously step 2 said to add half the spinach at that step, I've changed it to say, add all the spinach.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seed
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 large onion, chopped finely (200 gr)
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 500 g spinach, trimmed and chopped coarsely
• 180 ml cream
• 200 g paneer cheese, cut into 2 cm pieces

Directions:

1. Heat oil in large frying pan; cook spices, onion and garlic, stirring, until onion softens.
2. Add lemon juice and spinach: cook, stirring, until wilted.
3. Blend or process spinach mixture until smooth, return to pan, stir in cream.
4. Add in paneer, cook over low heat, uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes or until heated through.
5. Serve on steamed rice.

Reviews

[Dreamer in Ontario]

I've enjoyed palaak paneer when I've had it in a restaurant but I've never made it myself. This recipe doe not disappoint. It's delicious. Made for ZWT8

[omadarlin]

YUM! I made a double batch ... and good thing, too. Next time won't bother to chop the spinach and will serve it with something to add a little heat (for those who like heat). I made my own paneer using "Homemade Paneer" (#207389), also in a double batch. Thank you for the recipe!

[Dr. Jenny]

We liked this paneer recipe, but thought it needed a little more flavor, despite our increase of the garam masala. Adding salt and crushed red pepper flakes helped a little. Next time, I would add a chili pepper or two like another reviewer did. I liked that this recipe came together so easily, making it great for a weeknight meal. It was bright and colorful on the plate. Thanks!