Spinach Paneer Curry Recipe: Creamy and Delicious

Imagine you're in your kitchen, crafting Spinach Paneer Curry, just like Chef Sanjeev Kapoor. Start by blanching spinach into a vibrant paste and frying paneer to a golden brown.

Infuse the dish with sautéed garlic for an irresistible aroma. Achieving the perfect balance of spices and creaminess is key to mastering this classic dish.

Key Takeaways

• Use fresh spinach and paneer for a vibrant, nutrient-rich curry.
• Blanch and shock spinach to retain its color and flavor.
• Blend spinach into a smooth paste for the curry base.
• Fry paneer cubes until golden for added texture.
• Sauté garlic before adding spinach paste for aromatic depth.

Recipe

Spinach Paneer Curry is a delightful fusion of creamy paneer and nutrient-rich spinach, making it a favorite among vegetarian dishes. This simplified version focuses on a few key ingredients, allowing the savory flavors to shine through without the complexity of numerous spices. The dish is both comforting and healthy, offering a perfect balance of flavors that can be enjoyed with rice or flatbread.

The preparation involves blanching fresh spinach, blending it into a smooth paste, and combining it with perfectly pan-fried paneer cubes. The addition of garlic and cream enhances the flavor profile, while a hint of salt ties everything together. With just five ingredients, this dish is both accessible and satisfying, ensuring you can enjoy a homemade taste of India with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• Fresh spinach leaves (2 bunches)
• Paneer (400g)
• Heavy cream (1 cup)
• Garlic cloves (6-8)
• Salt (to taste)

To make Spinach Paneer Curry, start by blanching the spinach in boiling water for two minutes, then transfer it to ice water to retain its vibrant color. Drain and blend the spinach into a smooth paste.

Cut the paneer into cubes and pan-fry until golden brown. In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the spinach paste and cook for five minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and salt, mixing well before adding the paneer cubes. Allow the curry to simmer for about ten minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

To ensure the best results, use fresh spinach instead of frozen to achieve better texture and flavor. If you prefer firmer paneer, soak it in hot water for five minutes before cooking.

In case the curry becomes too thick, add a splash of water or cream to adjust the consistency. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, reheating gently to prevent the cream from splitting.

Cooking Steps

Get ready to create a mouthwatering Spinach Paneer Curry by starting with fresh spinach, blanching it in boiling water for a quick two minutes, and then swiftly transferring it to ice water to lock in that vibrant green color.

Once chilled, blend the spinach into a smooth paste that will be the heart of your curry.

As you cube and fry the paneer to a golden perfection, you'll also sauté garlic until it's fragrant, before adding the spinach paste to bring everything together in a delicious harmony.

Step 1. Blanch Spinach in Boiling Water

To start preparing your Spinach Paneer Curry, you'll want to blanch the spinach to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients.

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rapid boil, ensuring there's enough water to fully submerge the spinach. While the water heats, rinse your fresh spinach leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt.

Once the water boils, carefully add the spinach. Let it cook for just 2 minutes—this quick process locks in that beautiful green hue and ensures the spinach remains tender.

As you watch the leaves turn a bright, vivid green, you'll be filled with anticipation for the delicious curry ahead. Remember, timing is crucial, so keep an eye on the clock to avoid overcooking.

Step 2. Transfer Spinach to Ice Water

With the spinach blanched, it's crucial to halt the cooking process immediately.

Quickly transfer the spinach to a bowl filled with ice water. This step, known as shocking, locks in the vibrant green color and ensures the spinach retains its nutrients and texture.

You'll love watching the leaves cool instantly, preserving their beautiful shade and fresh flavor. Use a slotted spoon to gently scoop the spinach from the boiling water, and immerse it completely in the icy bath.

Let the spinach sit for a couple of minutes, making sure it's fully cooled. This process might seem simple, but it makes a world of difference.

Once cooled, drain the spinach thoroughly, preparing it for the next flavorful steps in your curry journey.

Step 3. Blend Spinach Into Paste

The spinach's vibrant green hue is your cue to blend it into a smooth paste.

After blanching and shocking the spinach in ice water, drain it thoroughly to ensure no excess water remains, which could dilute your curry.

Transfer the spinach to a blender or food processor. Add a splash of water if needed to help it blend smoothly, but don't overdo it—you're aiming for a thick, rich texture.

With a few quick pulses, watch as the leaves transform into a luscious, velvety paste.

This step unlocks the spinach's earthy flavor and sets the stage for a delicious curry.

Feel the excitement as your kitchen fills with the fresh aroma, knowing you're one step closer to a creamy, irresistible dish.

Step 4. Cube and Fry Paneer

Once your spinach paste is ready, it's time to focus on the paneer, the star of this dish.

Begin by cutting the paneer into bite-sized cubes. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat, and once hot, carefully add the paneer cubes. Let them sizzle and transform into golden, crispy delights. Stir occasionally, ensuring each side gets that irresistible golden hue.

This step is crucial, adding texture and a delightful contrast to the creamy spinach sauce. As you fry the paneer, you'll notice how it becomes even more enticingly aromatic.

Once fried to perfection, remove the paneer from the pan, setting it aside for later. You're one step closer to savoring this delicious curry!

Step 5. Sauté Garlic, Add Spinach

After setting the golden paneer cubes aside, it's time to infuse your kitchen with the aromatic scent of garlic.

Heat a bit of oil in the same pan, keeping that delicious paneer essence. Toss in the minced garlic cloves, stirring them quickly as they sizzle and release their rich, inviting aroma. It's a simple step, but it sets the stage for a truly flavorful dish.

Once the garlic turns golden and fragrant, add the blended spinach paste to the pan.

The vibrant green color is a feast for the eyes and hints at the nutritional goodness within. Stir the mixture well, letting the flavors meld together. Cook for about five minutes, ensuring the spinach absorbs the garlic's essence, creating a delicious foundation for your curry.

Final Thoughts

As you conclude your culinary journey with Spinach Paneer Curry, savor the balance of flavors and simplicity that this recipe offers.

This dish brings together the creamy richness of paneer with the earthy goodness of spinach, creating a comforting meal that delights the senses.

You've crafted a dish that's not only delicious but also nourishing, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on a cozy night at home.

Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own. Adjust the creaminess or add a pinch of your favorite spice for an extra kick.

Remember, cooking is about experimenting and finding what tastes best to you.

Serve it with rice or flatbread, and watch as it becomes a staple in your kitchen.

Enjoy every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?

You can definitely use frozen spinach instead of fresh! Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before blending.

While fresh spinach offers a vibrant flavor and texture, frozen spinach is a convenient alternative that still delivers the dish's essence.

With frozen, you save time on washing and blanching, making this delicious curry even easier to whip up.

Give it a try, and enjoy!

How Do I Prevent the Cream From Curdling?

Think of your cream as a delicate dance partner—it needs gentle handling!

To prevent curdling, ensure the cream is at room temperature before adding it to the curry. Gradually incorporate it, stirring continuously with love and care.

Keep your heat low to medium, as high temperatures can cause curdling. If you notice any signs of separation, whisk vigorously to bring it back together.

Now, go ahead, create that deliciously creamy curry!

What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?

You can easily substitute heavy cream with a few options!

Try using coconut milk for a dairy-free twist that adds a subtle sweetness, or opt for Greek yogurt to keep it creamy while adding a tangy kick.

If you prefer something lighter, use half-and-half or whole milk, though it may be less rich.

Whichever you choose, you'll still achieve a delicious, creamy texture in your dish.

Dive in and experiment!

Is There a Vegan Alternative to Paneer?

Absolutely, there's a fantastic vegan alternative to paneer that you can try—it's tofu!

Tofu has a similar texture and absorbs the flavors beautifully, making it perfect for your curry. Choose firm or extra-firm tofu, and press it to remove excess moisture.

Then, cube and pan-fry it just like paneer. You'll love how it brings a delightful twist to the dish, keeping it creamy and satisfying.

Give it a try!

How Can I Make the Dish Spicier?

To spice up your dish, add some chopped green chili or a pinch of red chili powder when you sauté the garlic.

You could even toss in some cumin seeds or garam masala for an extra kick!

Adjust the amount to your taste, and remember, it's all about experimenting.

You'll love how these flavors transform the dish into a bold, exciting meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds!