Spinach with Indian Cottage Cheese is a traditional Indian dish with Indian spices transforming boring spinach into a vibrant vegetarian green dish. The Palak paneer is a nice Indian cottage cheese addition. But if you use tofu instead, you end up with a delicious, fulfilling vegan meal.
Spinach with Indian Cottage Cheese is a traditional Indian dish with Indian spices transforming boring spinach into a vibrant vegetarian green dish. The Palak paneer is a nice Indian cottage cheese addition. But if you use tofu instead, omit butter, you end up with a delicious, fulfilling vegan meal.
Wash and drain the spinach, cut off the stems. Dry the leaves in a kitchen towel. Chop them 2 inches wide. (Defrost frozen spinach, if using.)
Heat ½ TBSP oil and 1 TBSP butter in a 10-inch skillet. Sauté peppers, cashews and spinach for 3 to 4 mins until the leaves wilt off thoroughly. (If you using frozen spinach, skip sautéing.) Cool mix completely.
In a blender blend the spinach mix and ¼ cup water to a smooth puree.
Heat the other ½ TBSP oil and 1 TBSP butter in the same skillet. Once they melt, add cumin seeds, cardamoms and cinnamon.
When the spices begin to sizzle, add onions and fry till it turns transparent.
Next sauté grated ginger and minced garlic for 1 minute.
Add tomatoes. Sauté for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile cube the store bought paneer and immerse cubes in 2 cups hot water for 10 mins. Drain before using them.
Add garam masala to the tomato mix and sauté 2 minutes. Pour in the other ¼ cup water and cook covered for 3 minutes.
Lower the heat and mix in pureed spinach. Cook for another 5 minutes. (Adjust with water, if needed.)
Add drained paneer and mix well. Serve the dish I bowls over rice, or with Naan bread. (Optional: garnish with cream.)
Notes
*You can use frozen spinach, defrosted.*Leave the vines in the Jalapenos if you like spicy.
Former PhD chemist turned to chocolatier. Now in New Hampshire USA starting a food business in my 3rd country, after NZ and AU. I’m very committed to sustainability, defined as buying locally, shunning preservatives & artificial ingredients, and using only natural fruits and herbs and highest cocoa content possible for chocolates
