Palak Paneer is a popular Indian vegetarian dish made with soft cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a creamy spinach gravy. Here’s a recipe for Palak Paneer Masala:

Ingredients:

For Blanched Spinach:

• 500 grams fresh spinach leaves (palak)
• Water for boiling
• Ice water (for ice bath)

For the Paneer:

• 250 grams paneer (cottage cheese), cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying (optional)

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil or ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated or minced
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 cup tomato puree (from about 2-3 tomatoes or canned tomato puree)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or cashew cream (blend soaked cashews with water to make a smooth paste)
• 1/2 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed (optional)
• Fresh cream for garnish (optional)