Ingredients
- A quarter cup of vegetable oil
- One chopped onion
- A tablespoon of minced garlic
- Three whole cloves
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- Half a teaspoon of ground black pepper
- A quarter teaspoon of garlic powder
- A quarter teaspoon of cumin seeds
- A quarter teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- A quarter teaspoon of red chile powder
- A quarter teaspoon of onion powder
- A quarter teaspoon of ground ginger
- Half a cup of water
- Half a teaspoon of tomato paste
- Two packages of baby spinach (5 ounces each)
- One and a half cups of cubed paneer (Indian cheese curd)
- A quarter cup of heavy whipping cream
Step 1
Begin by heating a generous amount of oil in a large pot on medium heat. Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing them to sizzle and caramelize for roughly 8 minutes until they turn a lovely golden hue. Lower the heat to medium-low and sprinkle in a blend of warm spices like cloves, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin seeds, cinnamon, red chile powder, onion powder, and ground ginger. Let the aromas mingle and intensify for about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 2
Next, introduce a mix of water and tomato paste into the pot, creating a fragrant base. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle boil before lowering the heat to a gentle simmer for approximately 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Toss in fresh spinach leaves, covering the pot to coax them into a tender wilt over the course of 10 minutes. Uncover and let the liquid reduce until it thickens, and the oil starts to separate, taking around 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 3
Carefully transfer this vibrant spinach medley to a blender, ensuring it's cool enough to handle. Secure the lid with a kitchen towel and blitz until velvety smooth. Return the luscious green puree to the pot, folding in chunks of paneer cheese and a splash of heavy cream. Cover and let it gently simmer over medium heat until the paneer is heated through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to harmonize beautifully.
Extra Tips & Suggestions
- 1. Utilize transparent airtight containers to store fresh spinach leaves, keeping them crisp and vibrant for longer periods.
- 2. For optimal freshness, wrap paneer in a damp cloth before storing it in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out.






