PAALAK PANEER KOFTA- SPINACH WITH COTTAGE CHEESE!!!

 

Spinach/Paalak- This low calorie superfood loaded with nutrients  is a must include in your diet,It provides proteins,minerals,iron and vitamins.This green leafy vegetable originated in Persia and considered  very healthy.Since the days of the Popeye Spinach has been famous belonging to a family of Chard,Beets and quinoa.

Indian Cottage cheese/Paneer- This Indian cottage cheese is made fresh by the process of curdling by adding an acidic agent like vinegar,lemon juice,curd,etc.It is rich in calcium which is good for the bones and teeth.The term paneer comes from the word " peynir" which just means cheese in the Persian and Turkish languages. "Halloumi" cheese can be a substitute to it although the acidic content are contrasting and Paneer is unsalted the other cheeses are salted.Paneer can be called a cousin to Feta, Halloumi.”,etc.

This vegetarian recipe is the most favourite North Indian dish,simple to prepare and can be prepared in many ways .Serve it with Rice,Naaans,Roti,etc.

RECIPE CARD:

COOKING TIME:20-25 mins.

PREPARATION TIME:5-10 mins

SERVES: 4-5 persons

INGREDIENTS:

• Spinach/Paalak-4 big bunches.
• Cottage cheese/Paneer- 150 gms.
• Whole spice powder/garam masala -1/4 tsp.
• Cashew nuts/kaju10-12 no(soak in hot water)
• Onions- 2 medium sized (roughly chopped and soaked in hot water)
• Red chilli powder-1 1/2 tsp.
• Chick pea powder/Besan-2tbsp.
• Turmeric powder/Haldi-1tsp
• Whole Cumin seeds/Zeera- 1tsp
• Coriander powder- 1tsp
• Cornflour-for coating
• Oil-for shallow frying and cooking- 2tbsp

METHOD:

1. Crumble the paneer add salt and garam masala.keep aside.
2. Wash the spinach and chop roughly.
3. Now put the spinach in hot water for 2-3 minutes. 
4. Drain and keep aside.
5. Add 1/2tsp chilli powder,besan,pinch of turmeric and salt. 
6. Take a small portion of spinach ,flatten it and stuff with paneer,make nice round balls.
7. Coat the spinach balls in cornflour.
8. Fry the balls in oil.keep aside.
9. Make a fine paste of cashewnuts and onions.(the soaking will give a smooth creamy texture to the gravy)
10. Take oil in a deep pan put whole cumin seeds,let it crackle add the paste, chilli powder ,corriander powder and salt and cook the gravy till oil leaves the side.
    

    
11. Put the fried spinach balls ,cover and cook for a minute,alternatively you can cut the fried spinach balls and put the cooked gravy and serve.
12. Serve hot.