Elevate Your Palate With This Palak Paneer Recipe

Hey there foodies! Today, we’re going to share with you one of our all-time favorite curry recipes – Palak Paneer!

If you haven’t tried this dish yet, you’re in for a treat. It’s a creamy & flavorful dish made with spinach (aka palak) & chunks of soft paneer cheese. Trust us, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked! The best part is, it’s super easy to make at home, so you don’t have to go out to your favorite Indian restaurant to enjoy it. So, put on your apron, grab your ingredients, & let’s get cooking!

The History of Palak Paneer Recipe

Well, before we cook it, let’s look at the origins of this delicious recipe. Palak Paneer is a classic dish that hails from the northern region of India, particularly Punjab. It’s believed to have originated during the Mughal era, where it was a popular dish among the royals.

Legend has it that the Mughal Emperor Akbar was a big fan of saag, a dish made with leafy greens, & he requested his royal chefs to come up with a version that included paneer, a type of Indian cheese. & thus, Palak Paneer was born! Over time, the recipe has evolved & become a beloved staple in Indian cuisine. It’s now enjoyed all over the world, & for good reason. The combination of the creamy paneer & flavorful spinach is a match made in heaven!

Palak Paneer – Healthy Or Unhealthy!

Palak Paneer can be a healthy dish if made with the right ingredients & in moderation. It contains a good amount of spinach, which is rich in nutrients such as vitamins A & C, iron, & calcium. Paneer, the Indian cheese used in the dish, is a good source of protein & calcium.

Benefits Of Spinach

Spinach is a highly nutritious leafy green vegetable that offers a wide range of health benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of spinach:

• Rich in nutrients: Spinach is loaded with vitamins & minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, calcium, & folate.
• Good for digestion: Spinach is rich in fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion & prevents constipation.
• Promotes heart health: The nutrients in spinach, including potassium & magnesium, can help lower blood pressure & improve overall heart health.
• May help prevent cancer: Some studies suggest that the antioxidants & other compounds in spinach may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast & prostate cancer.
• Supports eye health: Spinach is rich in lutein & zeaxanthin, which are antioxidants that help protect the eyes from damage & may help prevent age-related macular degeneration.
• May help regulate blood sugar: The fiber & other nutrients in spinach may help regulate blood sugar levels & reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Overall, spinach is a highly nutritious & versatile vegetable that can be easily incorporated into a healthy diet. Wanna know what else can be made using this nutritious vegetable? Do read our blog titled ‘6 Delicious Ways to Eat Spinach’ & skyrocket your health!

Benefits Of Paneer

Paneer, a type of Indian cheese, is a good source of protein & calcium & it offers several health benefits when consumed in moderation. Here are some of the key health benefits of paneer:

• Good for bone health: Paneer is a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones & teeth.
• Helps build muscle: Paneer is a rich source of protein, which is essential for building & repairing muscle tissue.
• Promotes weight loss: Paneer is high in protein & low in carbohydrates, which can help promote satiety & reduce overall calorie intake, leading to weight loss.
• May lower the risk of heart disease: Paneer is a good source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of fatty acid that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels & reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Supports digestion: Paneer contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut microbiome & promote healthy digestion.
• Boosts immunity: Paneer is rich in zinc & vitamin B12, which are essential nutrients that play a key role in maintaining a healthy immune system.

The Best Palak Paneer Recipe

Let’s make the creamiest, most delicious Palak Paneer that you can cook & enjoy with your loved ones! As always, we have all the ingredients you need, waiting to be delivered to your doorstep by 7 AM through our  Milkbasket App’s silent doorstep delivery!

Ingredients:

• 450g spinach, washed & chopped
• 1 cup (200g) paneer, cut into small cubes
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• 2 green chillies, finely chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp oil
• Water as needed

Instructions:

• In a pot, bring water to a boil & blanch the spinach for 2-3 minutes. Drain & run the spinach under cold water to stop the cooking process.
• In a blender or food processor, blend the spinach until it forms a smooth puree. Set aside.
• In a pan, heat the oil & add cumin seeds. When the seeds start to splutter, add onion, ginger paste, garlic paste & green chillies. Saute until the onion turns golden brown.
• Add chopped tomatoes & cook until the tomatoes are soft & mushy.
• Add the coriander powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, & salt. Stir well.
• Add the paneer cubes & mix until they are coated in the spice mixture.
• Add the spinach puree & stir well. Add water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
• Cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the paneer is cooked through & the flavors have blended together.
• Serve hot with rice or naan.

Enjoy!

We hope you found this recipe helpful & easy to follow. If you tried making this dish, we’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below. & don’t forget to check out our other recipe blogs for more delicious & healthy dishes! 

As always, the Milkbasket App is always at your service to deliver you fresh ingredients everyday for all your master recipes & more!