Palak Paneer(पालक पनीर)

Palak Paneer is one of the popular Punjabi dish. It is very popular in my home. So courtesy to my mother, I am sharing her recipe on the blog.

Ingredients:
(1). 2 packet frozen chopped spinach or 2 fresh bunch of spinach chopped
(2). 4 finely chopped green chillies
(3). 3.5 tablespoon oil
(4).1 small chopped tomato(half medium size)
(5).1 big chopped onion
(6).1 cup cubed cut paneer(10-12pieces)
(7).salt to taste
(8).half teaspoon turmeric(optional)
(9). half teaspoon garam Marsala
(10). 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
(11).1 small cup heavy cream or full fat milk
(12). 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
(13). 1 teaspoon asafoetida
(14). 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic

Recipe:
If you are using frozen spinach then cook spinach in pressure cooker and let cooker whistle for 4-5 times.Because frozen spinach some hard stems which takes long time to cook.If you are using fresh spinach just boil the chopped spinach in open big vessel, this way the curry color will be green. Using colander remove water from boiled spinach and make fine paste using mixture.

In the nonstick pan take 1 table spoon oil and add paneer cubes and fry each side for 4-5 minutes until each side turn golden brown. Remove fried paneer in plate covered with paper napkin to remove extra oil.

Now in the same nonstick pan take 2 table spoon of oil and add cumin seeds. When seeds starts cracking, add asafoetida , onion and pinch of salt. Saute onion till it turns golden brown then add chopped garlic, green chillies,tomatoes, turmeric, garam masala and black pepper powder in it.Let it cook for 4-5 minutes on medium flame.Take this gravy and make fine puree using blender.

In finale, in pan take half table spoon oil, slowly add gravy and add paneer puree in it and mix everything well and let it cook for 5-7 minutes to remove extra water. Switch of the stove, let the curry cool for 5 minutes , now add cream in it and stir it well to mix properly. Lastly immerse fried paneer cubes in curry. Serve with partha , vegetable pilaf or jeera rice.

Pureed Spinach

Fried Paneer

Palak Paneer

Spicy Tofu Fry(टोफू फ्राय)

Ingredients:

(1). 1 packet Extra Firm Organic Tofu
(2). 1 table spoon peanut oil
(3).1 table spoon sesame chilly oil/ sesame oil for flavor(Optional)
(4).2 cut red bell peppers
(5).2 teaspoon soy sauce
(6).salt to taste
(7).1 table spoon peanut butter
Recipe:
Add little warm water in 1 table spoon of peanut butter so it will become like sauce.Drain tofu and remove excess water by pressing in between two paper towel. Cut the tofu in 1 inch cube. In non-stick pan add peanut oil, sesame chilly oil and add cut tofu. Fry the tofu for 3-4 minute on each side until tofu starts becoming dark in color. Once all the sides of tofu becomes dark in color then add soy sauce, peanut butter sauce, salt to taste and cut bell peppers. Cook for another 5 minutes and remove the pan from stove.

Serve Tofu fry with cooked plain rice or fried rice.

Tofu Fry

You can use this tofu fry to make vegetarian tacos.Heat soft corn tortillas according to the direction.You can use cruncy tortillas too. Fill the tortillas with fried tofu,guacamole,and lettuce.
Guacamole :-2 fresh avocados cut into small pieces. 1 diced tomato.1/2 diced onion. salt to taste. 1 tsp lime juice. 1tsp Balsamic vinegar. Freshly chopped cilantro. In medium size bowl mash together avocados,salt, lime juice, balsamic vinegar. Mix in tomato, onion and cilantro.

Tip:-If you are allergic to peanut butter you can use brown sugar , regular sugar or 1 teaspoon of honey.
For more healthy version you can first bake the tofu on lightly greased baking pan in 400F for 10-15 minutes , by occasionally changing the side. You can use olive oil also, but in asian cooking peanut oil/sesame oil brings more flavor.