Palak Paneer with a Twist

This Palak Paneer recipe maintains the traditional essence of the beloved Indian dish while incorporating a twist of creativity with roasted garlic and a hint of nutmeg. The creamy paneer is enveloped in a vibrant spinach sauce, offering a rich and comforting dish that's not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for vegetarians, this recipe respects traditional culinary principles while adding a modern touch.

Ingredients:

• 250g paneer, cubed
• 500g fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, roasted
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates, about 5-7 minutes.
5. In the meantime, blanch the chopped spinach in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and immediately transfer to ice water to preserve the color.
6. Blend the blanched spinach with roasted garlic and nutmeg powder until smooth.
7. Add the spinach mixture to the tomato-onion base and mix well. Season with salt and garam masala.
8. Gently fold in the paneer cubes and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
9. If desired, stir in heavy cream for added richness. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.