Palak Paneer (Paneer Cubes in Spinach Gravy)

Preparation - Cube 250 gms of Paneer, lightly fry in a tsp of Ghee and keep aside. Wash a big bunch of Spinach, discarding the thicker stems and blanch in hot water for 2 minutes, make paste and keep aside. Wash, blanch 2 large Tomatoes in hot water, peel, puree and keep aside. Dry roast and grind 2 Cloves, 1 Cardamom and 1” Cinnamon Stick and keep aside.

Gravy - Heat 1½-2 tbsp of Ghee in a pan and saute 1 tsp of Cumin Seeds till they splutter. Add 2 finely chopped Onions, 3 Green Chillies, slit lengthwise and saute till golden brown. Add 1 tsp of Ginger Garlic Paste and saute for 3 minutes. Add 1 tsp of Red Chilli Powder, 1 tbsp of Coriander Powder and mix well. Add the tomato paste and cook for 5-6 minutes on medium heat.  Add the spinach paste and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Add the fried paneer cubes, mix and cover-cook for 3 minutes. Add 1 cup of water (can use the water in which the spinach was blanched), Salt to taste and cook on medium heat for 10-12 minutes Add 1 tbsp of Cream or Milk, ½ tsp of Garam Masala Powder, ¼ tsp kasuri methi (optional) and combine. Remove for heat, cover and stand it for 2 minutes.

Serve hot with rotis or steamed rice.