Palak Paneer

Nandita, this recipe is for you. I know you already have it – but it brings back fond memories of the party at your house and the wonderful reunion we all had!

Ingredients:
2 medium-large bunches spinach (loosely chopped)
1 large onion (sliced)
2 medium tomatoes (chopped)
10-12 pieces paneer (cubed)
4-6 cloves garlic (minced)
½ inch ginger (minced)
1 tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp asafetida (heeng)
1tbsp ghee/butter/oil
2 c milk
Salt to taste

Garnish(Tadka):
1tbsp ghee/butter
1 tsp cumin seeds
4-6 red chili peppers

Directions:
1. In a wok, heat the ghee (alternatively, butter or oil) on high heat. Add cumin seeds, followed by the asafetida.
2. When the cumin seeds start sizzling, add ginger and garlic. Lower the heat to medium and stir till the mixture becomes golden-brown. Now add the onions and stir occasionally till they start to brown.
3. Add the chopped spinach to the wok. At this point I usually add salt - it releases the flavor and water from the spinach. Cover and let the mixture simmer on low heat, till the spinach looks wilted. Add the tomatoes to the mix. Replace the cover and simmer for 5-8 minutes. Turn the heat off and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
4. Using a blender, puree the spinach mix to a smooth consistency. Return the puree to the wok. Stir in the milk and simmer on low.
5. Add the paneer pieces and continue to simmer for 5-10 minutes.
6. Garnish: In a tiny saucepan melt ghee/butter. Add the cumin seeds followed by the chili peppers. Turn off the heat when the peppers start to crackle and appear deep red.
7. Add the garnish (in hindi this mixture is called “tadka”) to the palak paneer. And voila, it’s ready!!

Notes:
I have posted the recipe to make your own paneer from milk. Paneer is also readily available at most Indian grocery stores. In my experience using ghee (clarified butter) for cooking gives it the best flavor. Ghee is also available at the Indian grocers and the Whole Foods marketplace. Use of asafetida/heeng is optional (the recipe is almost as good in flavor without it).