Palak Paneer

A creamy, garlicky spinach with seared cubes of paneer — the kind of dish you build a whole meal around, even though it's deeply unfussy. The trick is blanching the spinach so the green stays bright and grassy, and not skipping the kasuri methi at the end. It does something.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (about 450g) spinach, stems removed
• 8 oz (about 225g) paneer, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons ghee or neutral oil, plus more for searing
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 green chile, sliced (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or full-fat yogurt
• 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), crushed in your palm
• Kosher salt
• Hot water, as needed

Method

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the spinach for 30 seconds, then scoop it out into a bowl of ice water. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can — really get in there. Transfer to a blender with a small splash of water and blitz to a smooth puree.
2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon ghee in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the paneer cubes until lightly browned on two sides, about 3 minutes total. Move to a plate.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining ghee. Cook the onion until soft and just starting to brown at the edges, 6 to 8 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and green chile and cook another minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Let them toast for 30 seconds, then pour in the spinach puree. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup hot water to loosen things up. Season aggressively with salt.
5. Simmer 5 minutes for the flavors to come together. Stir in the cream, garam masala, and kasuri methi. Slide the paneer back in to warm through. Taste, adjust salt.
6. Serve hot with roti, naan, or basmati rice.

A note: If you don't have paneer, firm tofu works — sear it the same way. The kasuri methi is non-negotiable; it gives this its signature flavor. You can find it at any Indian grocery or online.