Palak Paneer (Indian cottage cheese in a spinach based sauce)

Palak Paneer or cottage cheese in a creamy fresh spinach sauce is delicious green food. This healthy (spinach), wholesome (cheese!) indulgence leaves an indelible mark on flavours and food colors of North Indian cuisine.

Palak paneer is cooked in a tomato, onion spinach curry. A riot of Indian spices make this dish a special treat. The sauteed onions add a crunch to the dish, the tomato flirts on the tangy side, and garam masala spells it's magic! Try using pureed spinach.

Ingredients:
1. 1 can Spinach Puree
2. 3/4 onion, chopped
3. 1 tomato, chopped
4. Olive oil
5. 1 teaspoon garlic paste
6. 1 teaspoon ginger paste
7. 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
8. 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
9. 1 teaspoon garam masala
10. Salt to taste
11. 1 cup chopped and thawed Frozen Cottage cheese
12. Drops of lemon juice.
13. 1 teaspoon coriander powder

Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a saucepan
2. Ad onion and saute until tender
3. Add tomato and cover for 5-10 mins.
4. Add turmeric powder and cover again. Saute until the tomato onion paste leaves the oil that is now yellow because of the turmeric.
5. Add pureed spinach and let simmer for about 20 mins, stirring occasionally.
6. Add red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder and cover. Let simmer again for another 10 mins or until the water in the puree disappears.
7. Add lemon juice and mix well.
8. Add salt.
9 Add cottage cheese and cover again. Substitute cottage cheese with tofu for a guilt free indulgence ;-)

Serve hot with Paranthas.

Chef's tip: Add yogurt/milk/half and half/or ground cashew nut for a creamy texture.