Palak Paneer

This palak paneer is rich and flavorful, and it tastes just like the Indian restaurant. A vegetarian curry that everyone will love.

Prep: 10

Cook: 35

Total: 45

Yield:6 servings

Steam spinach and wring out excess water. Transfer to a food processor or blender and process until puréed. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon ghee or neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed paneer and fry until golden brown on a couple of sides, about 3-5 minutes. Homemade paneer will need a little less time, whereas store-bought can handle 5 minutes. Transfer paneer to a plate.
Return skillet to medium-low heat. Heat remaining 3 tablespoons ghee. Add onions, ginger, garlic, and serrano chiles. Cook slowly, stirring regularly, until the mixture becomes a rich medium brown color. Don't skip this part! Add a little water, 1 tablespoon at a time, as needed, if the mixture is burning or drying out.
Add the garam masala, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Sprinkle with a little water to moisten. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spices are fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the spinach to the skillet and stir well. Add 1 teaspoon salt, half and half, yogurt, and fenugreek leaves. Stir to combine well, then add the paneer and stir gently. Cook about 5 minutes then taste and add more salt as needed.
Serve over steamed basmati rice and top with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve with warmed naan brushed with more ghee.

I highly recommend making your own paneer. Follow my How to Make Paneer Step by Step Guide to do this easily.
If you are not using homemade paneer, you can find paneer at Indian groceries and some well-stocked convention grocery stores.
Spice Levels: For mild, use 1 serrano chili and deseed it before mincing. For medium, use 1 serrano chili and leave seeds intact. For hot, use 2 serrano chilis and leave seeds intact.
Fenugreek leaves: I highly recommend you stock your pantry with dried fenugreek leaves if you make Indian recipes. This ingredient will make all the difference between an “at-home” flavor vs. a restaurant-style flavor. You can order them off Amazon or find at Indian grocery stores.