Palak Paneer (Spinach and Indian Cheese) Curry

Palak Paneer is a traditional North Indian delicacy and is an integral part of the Punjabi cuisine. It is also one of my favorite dishes, because I love both palak and paneer.

Ingredients :-

1. 250 grams paneer
2. 2 bunches of palak
3. 3 medium sized onions (finely chopped)
4. 2 medium size tomatoes (finely chopped) OR tomato puree.
5. 2 green chillies (slit into half)
6. ½ tsp turmeric powder
7. ½ ginger paste
8. ½ garlic paste
9. 1 tsp cumin seeds
10. 1 tsp garam masala
11. 1 tbsp oil
12. Salt to taste
13. 2 bay leaves
14. 2 cloves

Method :- 

1. Boil the palak (spinach) in cooker for about 1 whistle and let it simmer on a low flame for about 2 mins.Let it cool, then grind it into a paste.
2. Cut the paneer into small cubes and deep fry in oil till light golden brown.
3. Heat the oil in a Kadhai/non-stick pan and add the cumin seeds. Wait till it crackles and ensure that it does not burn.
4. Add the ginger garlic paste and chilli,cloves and bay leaves,sauté for another min,Then add onions and saute for 2 - 3 minutes.
5. Add the tomatoes/tomato puree and stir till the oil separates.Add turmeric powder and coriander powder to this mixture.
6. Add the palak paste to this mixture along with 1 cup water.(You can use the water used for cooking the spinach)
7. Add the paneer, garam masala and salt and cook till you start to see the gravy bubbling. 
8. If the gravy seems a bit dry, you can add some more water.
9. Palak Paneer is ready to be relished.