Paneer-Indian Spinach Curry/Bachali Aaku Paneer/ Basale soppu Paneer curry

We all are familiar with Palak Paneer, it is one of the best combination of Paneer with leafy vegetable. But this Paneer with Indian Spinach/malabar Spinach is also a good combination. We do cook Palak/Spinach in many ways like in curries,snacks,biryani etc., but we don't usually try different  recipes with  Indian Spinach, we usually cook curry with it,with combination of Kanda/Yum  (kanda Bachali/Indian Spinach& yum). We all know that Spinach is rich in Vitamins and minerals, but this malabar Spinach/Indian Spinach contain high amounts of Vitamin A,C,Iron and Calcium and the main advantage of this is, it is low in calories and high in proteins and it also contains soluble fibre. This Leafy vegetable is used widely used in Chinese Cuisine in preparation of Soups and Stir frys. As this leafy vegetable contains less calories and Paneer contains high calories,the combination works perfectly giving the dish moderate calories. Those who are on diet can replace Paneer with Soy Paneer/Tofu which contains less calories compared to milk  paneer. Also check my other popular paneer recipes, Shahi paneer curry,paneer masala curry, paneer burji,  and paneer 65

 

Preparation Time :  15 mins

Cooking time : 25-30 Mins

 

Ingredients :

Paneer : 200 gms

Indian Spinach/bachali aaku/Basale Soppu : 1-2bunches

Ginger Garlic Paste : 1 tbsp

Green chillies : 5-6 medium length

Onion pieces : 1cup

Cumin seeds/Jeera/jirige : 1tsp

mustard seeds/Aavalu/sasive :1tsp

Turmeric Powder : pinch

Curry leaves/karivepaku/karibevina Soppu : few

Red chilli powder : 2-3tbsps

Garam masala Powder : 1 tsp

Coriander leaves/Kothmir/kottumbari elegalannu : few

Salt : to taste

Oil : 3 tbsps

water : 1/2cup

lemon juice :1-2tsps

 

Method Of Preparation :

1. First clean the Indian Spinach and separate the leaves and keep aside.Soak or dip those leaves in hot water for 1-2 mins and let it cool for some time. (so that the raw smell goes off).After they get cooled down, grind it into paste in a mixer and keep aside.


2. Take the Paneer and just dip it in hot water for few seconds and remove it. Then gently press it so that the water comes out. Then cut it into pieces(this makes paneer more soft and also this method allows paneer to absorb the gravy well).


3. Heat a pan/kadai and put oil into it and heat it.Then add mustard seeds and fry them till they pop out.Then add cumin seeds and fry for few seconds.Now add onion pieces and fry till they turn golden brown.Then add ginger garlic paste and fry till the raw smell goes off.


4. Then add green chilies,curry leaves and coriander leaves and fry for a minute.Now add the Indian Spinach paste which we have prepared earlier and cook for 5-7 mins.Then add paneer pieces and stirr well.Add salt,redchilli powder and water and mix well, close the kadai with lid and cook for 5 more minutes.Then add  Garam masala powder and coriander leaves, stir well and Dish out.


5. Just before serving add lemon juice and mix it well and then Serve.Tasty and Healthy Indian Spinach with Paneer Curry is .ready.

[caption id="attachment_9" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Indian Spinach-paneer curry[/caption]