Perfect Palak Paneer

Palak paneer is an Indian dish that combines fresh spinach with a fresh cheese called paneer in a creamy curry. It is wonderfull served with naan or basmati rice.  The key to this dish is all of the amazing spices.

Palak Paneer served with roti

Ingredients:

6 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger root
2 red chili peppers
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground turmeric
3/4 cup sour cream
3 lbs fresh spinach
1 large tomato, quartered
8 ounces of paneer
Sea salt to taste

Directions

1.  In a large saucepan heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and saute garlic, 1/2 tablespoon of ginger, red chilies and onion until brown.  Mix in teh cumin, coriander, turmeric and sour cream (more or less to achieve desired creaminess.) Add the spinach, handfuls at a time until it is cooked down, about 15 mins in total.  Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

2. Pour spinach mixture into a blender or food processor and add the tomato, the remaining 1/2 tbsp of ginger and cilantro (more or less according to taste).  Blend for 15 to 30 seconds, or until the spinach is finely chopped.  Pour back into the saucepan and keep warm over low heat.

 

3.  In a medium frying pan heat 3 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat and fry cheese until browned; drain and add to spinach. Cook for 10 mins on low heat.  Season with salt to taste.

Enjoy on top of steamed basmati rice or fresh naan and roti!