To prepare this dish, start by boiling whole spinach and blending it into a smooth paste. Next, make a flavorful curry using Indian cottage cheese (paneer). The mild and gentle spinach base, combined with the aromatic flavors of garlic, ginger, and green chilies, creates a perfect harmony. This dish is ideal for those who want to enjoy a delicious meal while incorporating plenty of vegetables.
【Ingredients】
- Spinach: 2 bundles
- Paneer (bite-size): 250g
- ★ Bay Leaf: 4-5 pieces
- ★ Cumin Seeds: 1 teaspoon
- ★ Turmeric Powder: 1 teaspoon
- ★ Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- ★ Garlic (chopped): 1 tablespoon
- ★ Ginger (chopped): 1 tablespoon
- Green Chili (chopped): 1 tablespoon
- Garam Masala: 1 and 1/2 teaspoons
- Salt: To taste
- Salad Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Ice Water: As needed
- Fresh Cream: As needed (for garnish)
- Ginger (shredded): As needed (for garnish)
1. Start by trimming the roots off the spinach. Boil the spinach in a small amount of hot water. As it starts to wilt and reduce in volume, add a pinch of salt. Continue boiling until the spinach is fully cooked.
Once the spinach is boiled, immediately transfer it to ice water to cool. This step helps retain the spinach's vibrant green color.
2. Once it has cooled down sufficiently, drain the water and blend it into a smooth paste.
3. Heat a pot of water over medium heat and add the paneer, cut into bite-sized pieces. Bring the water to a boil, allowing the paneer to soften. Once softened, turn off the heat.
*While the paneer is cooking, you can proceed to step 4.
4. Add oil to another frying pan and gently fry the ★ ingredients over low heat until they become fragrant.
*It's important to keep the heat low. Whole spices can burn easily, so ensure the pan doesn't get too hot. The goal is for the spices to bubble slightly and move gently in the oil.
*Be sure not to use less oil than specified. The aroma of the spices infuses the oil, enhancing the flavor of the curry.
5. Add the onions and sauté until they turn a light golden brown.
6. Add the tomatoes and the ingredients marked with ★, and stir-fry while continuously stirring.
*Since spinach has a mild flavor, add the garlic, ginger, and green chili afterward to create a contrast in taste.
7. When step 6 is well mixed, add the spinach paste, salt, and MDH garam masala spice.
8. Add approximately 3 tablespoons of paneer along with its broth, and gently mix the ingredients.
9. Once the dish is boiled, transfer it to a plate and garnish with fresh cream and chopped ginger.
