ByAre you craving a rich and creamy vegetarian dish that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients? Look no further than Shahi Palak Paneer!
Hello, dear readers! I’m Anjali, the co-founder and article writer of this website. As a passionate food enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share with you one of my favorite recipes, Shahi Palak Paneer.
This dish holds a special place in my heart, as it perfectly combines the flavors of my Indian heritage and my love for wholesome, vegetarian meals.
In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of preparing Shahi Palak Paneer, along with its health benefits and variations to suit different tastes. So let’s dive into the world of culinary delight and discover the secrets behind this mouthwatering dish.
The Origins of Shahi Palak Paneer
Shahi Palak Paneer, also known as “Royal Spinach Cottage Cheese,” is a classic dish originating from the culinary heritage of North India.
This regal vegetarian delight showcases the perfect blend of Mughlai and Punjabi influences, resulting in a harmonious symphony of flavors.
Traditionally prepared for special occasions, Shahi Palak Paneer has now become a popular choice for food enthusiasts around the world.
Health Benefits of Shahi Palak Paneer Recipe
Not only is Shahi Palak Paneer a treat for your taste buds, but it also offers several health benefits.
Spinach, the star ingredient of this dish, is an excellent source of iron, calcium, vitamins A, C, and K, and dietary fiber. Paneer provides a rich source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health.
Moreover, the aromatic spices used in this recipe, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. With Shahi Palak Paneer, you can relish a delectable meal while nourishing your body.
Table of Contents
Shahi Palak Paneer Recipe: A Delicious and Nutritious Dish
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Pan
- 1 Kadhai or Cauldron
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Khunti or Long Spatula
- 1 Knife
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 500 grams Fresh spinach leaves
- 200 grams Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
- 2 medium Onions
- 2 Tomatoes
- 4-5 Garlic cloves
- 1 inch Ginger
- 2 slit Green chilies
- 1/2 cup Fresh cream
- 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Red chili powder
- 1 tsp Garam masala
- 1/2 tsp Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp Ghee (clarified butter) or oil
Instructions
Blanching the Spinach
- Boil water in a large pot and add the spinach leaves.Let them cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.Drain the spinach and transfer it to a bowl of ice-cold water.This helps in retaining the vibrant green color.Drain the spinach once again and blend it into a smooth puree.
Sautéing the Paneer
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.Add the paneer cubes and lightly fry them until golden brown.Remove the paneer from the pan and set it aside.
Preparing the Gravy
- In the same pan, add cumin seeds and let them splutter.Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chilies.Sauté for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.Now add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala.Mix well and cook for another minute.
Adding Spinach and Paneer
- Add the spinach puree to the pan and mix it with the spices.Season with salt and kasuri methi.Cook for 5 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.Gently stir in the fried paneer cubes.Simmer for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the paneer is well-coated with the spinach gravy.
Garnishing and Serving
- Drizzle fresh cream over the Shahi Palak Paneer.Give it a gentle stir, ensuring the cream is evenly distributed.Remove from heat and transfer to a serving bowl.Shahi Palak Paneer pairs wonderfully with hot rotis, naan, or steamed rice.Garnish with a sprinkle of kasuri methi and serve hot.
Video
Notes
- Use fresh spinach leaves for the best flavor and vibrant green color.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences.
- Do not overcook the paneer as it can become tough and rubbery.
- Garnish with fresh cream and kasuri methi for an enhanced aroma.
- Allow the flavors to meld by simmering the dish on low heat.
Ingredients Required to Make Shahi Palak Paneer
To prepare Shahi Palak Paneer, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500 grams fresh spinach leaves
- 200 grams paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cubed
- 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1/2 cup fresh cream
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Shahi Palak Paneer Recipe
Now let’s dive into the process of preparing Shahi Palak Paneer:
Step 1: Blanching the Spinach
- Boil water in a large pot and add the spinach leaves.
- Let them cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Drain the spinach and transfer it to a bowl of ice-cold water.
- This helps in retaining the vibrant green color.
- Drain the spinach once again and blend it into a smooth puree.
Step 2: Sautéing the Paneer
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the paneer cubes and lightly fry them until golden brown.
- Remove the paneer from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Preparing the Gravy
- In the same pan, add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chilies.
- Sauté for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
- Now add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala.
- Mix well and cook for another minute.
Step 4: Adding Spinach and Paneer
- Add the spinach puree to the pan and mix it with the spices.
- Season with salt and kasuri methi.
- Cook for 5 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Gently stir in the fried paneer cubes.
- Simmer for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the paneer is well-coated with the spinach gravy.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
- Drizzle fresh cream over the Shahi Palak Paneer.
- Give it a gentle stir, ensuring the cream is evenly distributed.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving bowl.
- Shahi Palak Paneer pairs wonderfully with hot rotis, naan, or steamed rice.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of kasuri methi and serve hot.
Variations and Substitutions of Shahi Palak Paneer
While the traditional recipe of Shahi Palak Paneer is undeniably delicious, there are various ways to customize it according to your preferences. Here are some popular variations:
- Palak Paneer with Cashews: For an added richness, you can blend a handful of cashews with the spinach to create a creamy texture.
- Spicy Palak Paneer: If you prefer a spicier version, increase the quantity of green chilies or add a pinch of red chili flakes.
- Palak Paneer with Tofu: Replace paneer with tofu for a vegan alternative without compromising on taste and texture.
Feel free to experiment and add your own twist to this classic recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Shahi Palak Paneer makes for a delightful main course dish, especially when served with any of the following:
- Butter naan
- Roti or chapati
- Jeera rice (cumin rice)
- Pulao rice
You can also pair it with a refreshing cucumber and mint raita to balance the richness of the dish.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shahi Palak Paneer Recipe
To ensure your Shahi Palak Paneer turns out perfectly every time, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use fresh spinach leaves for the best flavor and vibrant green color.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences.
- Do not overcook the paneer as it can become tough and rubbery.
- Garnish with fresh cream and kasuri methi for an enhanced aroma.
- Allow the flavors to meld by simmering the dish on low heat.
By following these tips, you can achieve a restaurant-style Shahi Palak Paneer in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is Shahi Palak Paneer a healthy dish?
- Yes, Shahi Palak Paneer is a healthy dish as it combines the nutritional benefits of spinach and paneer. It is rich in iron, calcium, vitamins, and dietary fiber.
- Can I freeze Shahi Palak Paneer?
- It is not recommended to freeze Shahi Palak Paneer, as the texture of the spinach and paneer may change upon thawing.
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
- While fresh spinach is preferred, you can use frozen spinach as a substitute. Thaw it before blending and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- What is the shelf life of Shahi Palak Paneer?
- Shahi Palak Paneer can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it before serving.
- Can I use tofu instead of paneer?
- Yes, you can replace paneer with tofu to make a vegan version of Shahi Palak Paneer.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed diving into the world of Shahi Palak Paneer with me. Cooking this dish brings me immense joy, and I hope it brought the same to your kitchen.
The vibrant green spinach, the creamy paneer, and the aromatic spices create a symphony of flavors that is hard to resist.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, Shahi Palak Paneer is a recipe that can be mastered with ease. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your culinary skills, and savor the royal flavors of this delightful dish.
Until next time, happy cooking!
Author: By Anjali, Co-Founder, and Article Writer
