Palak Paneer

Ingredients:

For Palak puree -

• Palak(Spinach)                  - 250 gms
• Green chilli                       - 3-4(chopped)
• Garlic                               - 5-6 cloves
• Ginger                              - ½ inch

For the curry-

• Paneer                         - 250 gms
• Onion                           - 1 large(chopped)
• Tomato                        - 1 medium(chopped)
• Turmeric powder          - ½ tsp
• Red chilli powder          - ½ tsp
• Whole Cumin                - ½ tsp
• Bay leaf                        - 2
• Cinnamon                     - 1 inch stick
• Green Cardamom          - 3
• Cloves                          - 8
• Black peppercorn          - 10
• Whip Cream                  - 2 Tbsp
• Oil(or ghee)                  - 3 Tbsp
• Salt                              - to taste

Method:

1. Blanch the spinach in hot water for few(2-3) minutes. Remove from the hot water and put in ice cold water for 5 minutes.
2. Add blanched spinach, garlic, ginger and green chilli in a blender and make a smooth paste.
(If needed add half cup water)

3. Cut paneer into 1" sized cubes. Mix with a pinch of salt and turmeric.

4. Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a pan. Add the paneer pieces and fry them till golden brown in color.

5. Remove from pan and keep aside.

6. Add remaining oil in the pan. When hot temper with cumin seeds.
7. Add bay leaves, green cardamom, cinnamon stick, cloves, black pepper corns.
8. When aroma of whole spices come out add chopped onions and sauté till onions turn translucent.

 9. Add chopped tomatoes. Keep cooking till tomatoes are cooked and turn mushy.

10. Add turmeric powder and chilli powder. Stir well and cook for a minute.
11. Add palak puree and half cup water and salt. Mix well.

12. Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes.
13. Add the paneer pieces. Give a good stir. Cover and cook for few more minutes.
14. Add cream and mix well. Remove from stove.

15. Serve hot with Naan or roti or jeera rice.