Paalak Paneer /Spinach Cottage cheese gravy

Paneer is cottage cheese which is made by curdling the milk, draining the liquid and then let the cheese set by putting weight on it for 3-4 hours.

Ingredients:

1. 400 grams of spinach
2. 1 medium tomato
3. 5 garlic cloves, divided, 3 whole and 2 finely chopped
4. 1-inch ginger
5. 1 green chilli
6. 1 tablespoon oil
7. 1 large onion, finely chopped
8. 1/2 cup water, or as needed
9. 3/4-1 teaspoon garam masala
10. 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
11. 1/4 teaspoon red chilli powder, or to taste
12. salt, to taste
13. 2 tablespoons heavy cream, or use milk
14. 225 grams paneer(Slightly fried )
15. 1/2 tablespoon Kasuri methi, crushed
16. lemon juice, to taste

 Method:

1. Start with puree the spinach leaves in a blender along with tomato, 3 cloves of garlic, ginger and green chilly. Set aside.
2. In a wok/pan, heat oil on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the remaining 2 cloves of chopped garlic and saute for few minutes until it starts turning golden brown in colour.
3. Then add the chopped onions. Fry the onions until translucent and the raw smell goes away.
4. Add garam masala, turmeric powder, red chilli powder and salt. Mix and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add in the spinach paste and mix. Add water according to how thick or thin you want the sauce to be.
6. Cover the pan and cook the spinach puree for 10 minutes on medium flame. Stir at regular intervals to avoid sticking at the bottom.
7. Once the spinach is cooked, add the heavy cream and paneer and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
8. Switch off the flame. Add lemon juice, Kasuri methi.
9. Serve palak paneer hot with naan, roti or rice.

Note:

1. You may also use milk or yoghurt in place of cream.

2. Frying the paneer slightly to avoid breaking of the cottage cheese.

Health Benefits of Spinach

Spinach/Paalak

Eating spinach may benefit eye health, reduce oxidative stress, help prevent cancer, and reduce blood pressure levels.
Spinach is an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, including
Vitamin A. Spinach is high in carotenoids, which your body can turn into vitamin A.
Vitamin C. This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that promotes skin health and immune function.
Vitamin K1. This vitamin is essential for blood clotting. Notably, one spinach leaf contains over half of your daily needs.
Folic acid. Also known as folate or vitamin B9, this compound is vital for pregnant women and essential for normal cellular function and tissue growth.
Iron. Spinach is an excellent source of this essential mineral. Iron helps create haemoglobin, which brings oxygen to your body’s tissues.
Calcium. This mineral is essential for bone health and a crucial signalling molecule for your nervous system, heart, and muscles.
Spinach also contains several other vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6, B9, and E.
SUMMARYSpinach is an extremely nutrient-rich vegetable. It packs high amounts of carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, iron, and calcium.

Health Benefits of Paneer 

Cottage Cheese/Paneer

Here are the health benefits of paneer (cottage cheese) that will make you add more of the creamy wonder to your diet.
1. Rich In Protein
2. Cottage Cheese Strengthen Bones And Teeth
3. Maintains Blood Sugar Levels
4. Good For Heart Health
5. Improves Digestion
6. Rich Source Of Folate
7. Boosts Weight Loss