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 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp. ginger-garlic paste
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tsp. roasted cumin powder
• 1 tsp. roasted coriander powder
• 1 tsp. garam masala powder
• 1 tsp. red chili powder
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1/2 cup green peas (I used frozen peas)
• 1//4 cup fresh cream
• 1-2 tbsp. butter

          Boil the spinach for 3-4 minutes. Refresh under running water and allow it to drain. Then grind into 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 add the onion. Sauté till light brown. 

          Now add the ginger-garlic paste and all the dry spices mixed with some water.
Fry till the oil separates. 

          Add the pureed spinach and green chilies. Simmer on low flame for 2 minutes.

          Add the green peas and give it a mix. Simmer till the gravy slightly thickens.  

           Now add the fried paneer, cream and butter. Give it a stir and switch off the flame. 

          Garnish with fresh cream and serve hot with naan or tandoori roti.

                     Boil the spinach for 3-4 minutes. 

                     Refresh under running water.

          Allow it to drain. Then grind into a smooth paste. Keep aside. 

        Heat 1 tbsp. oil & sauté the paneer cubes till light brown. Keep aside.

                 Heat remaining oil & sauté the onion till light brown. 

Add the ginger-garlic paste & all the dry spices mixed with some water. Fry till the oil separates. 

Add the pureed spinach & green chilies. Simmer on a low flame for 2 minutes.

Add the green peas & give it a mix. Simmer till the gravy slightly thickens.  

Add the fried paneer, cream & butter. Give it a stir & switch off the flame. 

      Garnish with fresh cream & serve hot with naan or tandoori roti.