Palak Paneer

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and chopped
• 200g paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
3. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chili (if using). Sauté for another minute.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
5. Stir in turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
6. Add chopped spinach leaves to the pan. Mix well and cook until the spinach wilts down.
7. Once the spinach is cooked, remove the mixture from heat and let it cool down a bit.
8. Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend it into a smooth puree. You can add a little water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
9. Pour the pureed mixture back into the pan. Place it over medium heat.
10. Add the paneer cubes and garam masala to the pureed spinach mixture. Stir gently to combine.
11. Let the palak paneer simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
12. If using heavy cream, add it now and stir well. Let it simmer for another minute.
13. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
14. Once done, turn off the heat and transfer the palak paneer to a serving dish.
15. Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.