Matar Palak Paneer

          Palak Paneer is a very popular dish on a North Indian Platter. It is a wholesome and a nutritious preparation of cottage cheese and spinach. But in this recipe, I added some green peas too, for a healthier version and it turned out real yummy. Please note that this is a no onion - no garlic recipe. You may add them if preferred. It can be enjoyed with hot steamed rice, jeera rice or any Indian flat bread. So check out the step by step pictorial recipe to prepare it.

          Greens in general are loaded with iron, fiber, vitamins and calcium. They are healthy and essential for a well balanced diet. 

          Green Peas are a rich source of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. They are also low in carbs and calories.

          On the other hand, Paneer also contains few health benefits as it is high in calcium, protein and folate. It also improves digestion and is good for the heart. 

          So this recipe is a combination of three super foods. So go ahead and give it a try and serve them to your family for a well balanced meal. 

• 2-3 bunches of spinach, washed, drained and chopped
• 2 tbsp. mustard oil
• 100 gms. paneer cubes
• 1 tsp. nigella seeds (kalonji)
• 2 green chilies
• 1/4 tsp. asafoetida
• 1 tsp. ginger, finely chopped
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tsp. roasted cumin powder
• 1 tsp. roasted coriander powder
• 1/2 cup green peas (I used frozen peas)
• 1 tsp. dry roasted sesame seeds 

          Heat oil in a pan and sauté the paneer cubes slightly. Drain and keep aside. Temper the same oil with green chilies and nigella seeds. Sauté for a few seconds.

          Add the ginger and asafoetida. Sauté till it slightly turns brown. Then add the greens and combine everything well.

          Now add all the dry spices and give it a stir.  Cook for 2-3 minutes. Then add the green peas and continue to sauté till all the moisture has evaporated. 

          When done, add the paneer and give it a toss. Switch off the flame and sprinkle the sesame seeds. Serve as a side dish with any form of rice or Indian bread for a nice healthy meal. 

                                  Heat oil & sauté paneer cubes slightly. Drain & keep aside. 

                 Temper same oil with green chilies & nigella seeds. Sauté for a few seconds.

                                  Add ginger & asafoetida. Sauté till it slightly turns brown. 

                                 Then add greens & combine everything well.

                                 Add all dry spices & give it a stir.  Cook for 2-3 minutes. 

                                 Add green peas & sauté till all the moisture has evaporated. 

                                 When done, add paneer & give it a toss. 

                                 Switch off the flame & sprinkle roasted sesame seeds. 

                         Serve with any form of rice or Indian bread for a nice healthy meal.