Creamy Spinach and Cottage Cheese Curry

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves
• 200g (7 oz) paneer (cottage cheese), cubed 200g (7 oz) paneer (cottage cheese), cubed
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or vegetable oil 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 4g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Blanch the spinach leaves in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water. Drain again and blend into a smooth puree.
2. 2.
   Heat ghee or vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. 3.
   Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. 4.
   Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for another minute.
5. 5.
   Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
6. 6.
   Stir in turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Cook for a minute to toast the spices.
7. 7.
   Add the spinach puree and mix well. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Gently add the paneer cubes and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
9. 9.
   Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt to taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
10. 10.
    Remove from heat and serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Ensure that the spinach leaves are fresh and vibrant green for the best flavor and color in the curry.
• Paneer — To enhance the texture of paneer, lightly pan-fry the cubes before adding them to the curry. This step adds a slight crispiness to the paneer while keeping it soft and creamy inside.
• Ghee — If you prefer a richer flavor, use ghee instead of vegetable oil. Ghee adds a nutty aroma and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of red chili powder.
• To make the dish healthier, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the onion and tomato mixture before adding the spinach puree.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to enhance the tanginess of the curry.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Spinach and Cottage Cheese Curry hot with steamed basmati rice or freshly baked naan bread. Garnish with a drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Creamy Spinach and Cottage Cheese Curry in a vibrant green bowl or on a colorful plate to highlight the beautiful hues of the dish. Serve with a side of basmati rice or naan bread, and garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for an appealing presentation.