Nava K's Palak Paneer & Spinach Tofu Variations

Paneer, made from milk, is more of an occasional treat for me. Unlike in India (CHENNAI DISCOVERY & NEW DELHI REVELATION), where paneer is very popular, tofu, made from soybeans, is my go-to as a Malaysian Indian. It's a favorite in my house, no matter what dish it’s used in. In India, as far as I know, people make paneer at home. I did try making paneer once, but considering the time involved, why bother when you can buy paneer from Indian grocers? We can debate until the cows come home about whether store-bought or homemade paneer is better. You do you! For me, cooking is about saving time, not impressing others.

Know anyone who loves to show off their cooking skills? Or are you one of them? Go ahead and impress others, but for people like Ms. Nava, it’s all about a home-cooked meal (CHINESE CHILLI CASHEW VEGGIE STIR FRY).

Alongside the recipe for Palak Paneer, let me also give you the option for Palak/Spinach Tofu and the recipe for Palak/Spinach Tofu Stir Fry.

Nava’s Palak Paneer
Ingredients
For the Spinach
1 bunch spinach (roots removed, leaves plucked with a bit of stem), blended into a thick paste with water

Other Ingredients
1 packet paneer, cut into cubes
Yogurt, as needed (whisked)
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp garlic paste
2 bay leaves
6 shallots, sliced
Ghee, as needed
Salt, to taste

Method
Cook the spinach paste briefly to remove any raw taste, then set it aside.
In another pan, heat ghee over medium heat. Add sliced shallots, ginger paste, garlic paste, and paneer cubes. 
Fry gently, taking care not to break the paneer.

Add bay leaves to the mix and stir gently.
Combine the cooked paneer mixture with the spinach paste. 
Season with salt and turn off the heat.
Tip in the yogurt and stir well.

Palak/Spinach Tofu Curry
Ingredients
For the Spinach:
1 bunch spinach, sliced
4 shallots, cut in half
5 garlic cloves, cut in half
2 cups water 
(Simmer and mash these ingredients together)

Other Ingredients
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 block tofu, cut into pieces
1 tbsp yogurt, whisked
Salt

For Tempering
Some curry leaves
Some dried chilies
Some chopped shallots
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tbsp oil

Method
Into the mashed spinach, add turmeric powder, tofu, and salt.
Stir and turn off the heat.
Add yogurt and stir well.
Temper the tempering ingredients and tip into the spinach mixture.
Stir to combine.

Palak/Spinach Tofu Stir Fry
Ingredients (as needed)
Spinach
Chopped garlic
Oil
Salt

Method
Heat oil, sauté garlic.
Add spinach and salt.

Stir-fry until the spinach is softened.