Palak Matar Paneer (Cottage Cheese & Green Peas in Spinach Gravy - Punjabi Cuisine)

 

          Palak Paneer is a very popular dish on a North Indian Platter. This yummy dish has its origins from the state of Punjab. It is a wholesome and a nutritious preparation of cottage cheese and green peas in a spinach based gravy. So it is a very healthy choice with the goodness of iron, calcium and proteins. 

          This is a very common item prepared in every Punjabi household and is a main dish in any Dhabas you visit, where it is usually served with a dollop of cream or butter on the top. 

          You can enjoy Palak Matar Paneer with hot steamed rice, jeera rice or any Indian bread like butter naan or tandoori roti. A very simple and a rustic recipe, it is everyone's favorite recipe. So check out the step by step pictorial recipe to prepare this regional delicacy.

          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 

          Boil the spinach for 3-4 minutes. Refresh it and grind to a smooth paste. Keep aside. Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a non-stick pan and sauté the paneer cubes till light brown. Keep aside.

          Heat the remaining oil and temper with cumin seeds and asafoetida. Add the chopped garlic and sauté till it changes colour.

          Add the onion and continue to sauté till light brown. Now add the ginger-garlic paste, tomato paste, turmeric powder, coriander-cumin powder, red chili powder and garam masala powder mixed with 2-3 tbsp. water.

          Fry till the oil separates. Add the pureed spinach, salt and kasuri methi. Simmer on low flame for 2 minutes.

          Add the butter and the fried paneer. Continue to simmer till the gravy thickens (4-5 min.). Add lime juice and take off the flame. Garnish with grated paneer and serve hot with naan or tandoori roti.