If you’re craving a comforting bowl of palak paneer but don’t have much time, this quick preparation method will have your dish ready in no time. With fresh spinach and basic spices, you can whip up a flavorful meal that pairs perfectly with roti, homemade white butter, mango pickle, and a side of onions and green chilies. Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Fresh spinach (palak) – 500g
• Paneer – 200g (cut into cubes)
• Onion – 1 large, finely chopped
• Tomato – 2 medium, chopped
• Ginger – 1-inch piece, grated
• Garlic (optional) – 4-5 cloves, finely chopped
• Oil – 1 tbsp
• Jeera (cumin seeds) – 1 tsp
• Turmeric – a pinch
• Coriander powder – 1 tsp
• Red chili powder – as per taste
• Garam masala – 1 tsp
• Salt – to taste
• Water – as needed for gravy consistency
• A pinch of hing (asafoetida), if skipping garlic

Preparation Steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

1. Wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt.
2. Roughly chop the spinach and put it in a pressure cooker with a little water. Cook for 2 whistles on high flame and 2 whistles on low flame.
3. Once done, let the spinach cool down.

Step 2: Prepare the Masala Base

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add 1 teaspoon jeera and let it crackle.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
3. Toss in the chopped tomatoes, add a little salt, and cook until the oil separates from the tomato mixture. Stir occasionally.
4. Add grated ginger, a pinch of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, and spices of your choice, such as garam masala and red chili powder. Cook until the oil separates again.

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Optional: If you like the flavor of garlic, add it along with the onions. If not, you can add a pinch of hing for a different aroma.

Step 3: Blend the Spinach

1. While the masala is cooking, use a hand blender to crush the boiled spinach into a smooth paste.
2. Pro Tip: Invest in a steel hand blender that can handle hot items like soups or sautéed greens right in the pan for easy cooking.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

1. Add the blended spinach to the prepared masala mixture. Mix everything well and adjust the thickness of the gravy with water as needed.
2. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes. Add the paneer cubes and simmer for another minute.
3. Taste and adjust salt or spices as per your preference.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your delicious palak paneer with warm roti or paratha. For the perfect meal, add a dollop of homemade white butter on top and enjoy it with mango pickle, sliced onions, and green chilies on the side.

This quick and easy palak paneer is perfect for busy days when you want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. Try it out and let us know how it turns out!