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The Origin of Palak Paneer- Most Popular Dish in Indian Cuisine
Do you have an affinity for love stories? Indulge in the culinary romance of spinach with cottage cheese and turn your ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast. Although Saag Paneer is a North Indian dish that hails from Punjab, its aromatic, unique flavour profile has successfully captured the hearts of foodies across the planet. The amalgamation of spinach puree with cottage cheese, along with aromatic spices, creates a culinary magic that is completely irresistible. Apart from its taste and flavour, a 200-gram serving of Palak Paneer offers 10g of protein, equivalent to that of 2 small eggs. Not only this, you also get 401.2 mg of calcium and 4.9 mg of iron from a serving of Palak Paneer, accounting for 67% and 23% of daily values, respectively.
Where did Palak Paneer originate?
It is believed that paneer has been an integral part of Indian culinary culture for centuries and its roots were established somewhere to date back to ancient India. Spinach, on the other hand, is a leafy green vegetable that has been cultivated in India for over 2,000 years. The marriage of these two ingredients is a relatively recent development in Indian cuisine that most likely occurred during the Mughal era.
Is Palak Paneer Vegan?
The traditional and original recipe for spinach paneer is not vegan-friendly but it can easily be modified according to your dietary needs & preferences. Due to the easy replacement of its non-vegan ingredients with vegan alternatives, this dish has captured the taste buds of vegans as well.
Use olive oil or peanut oil instead of ghee or clarified butter.
Use coconut milk or cashew nut milk instead of heavy cream.
Use tofu instead of cottage cheese (making the end product ‘Palak Tofu’)
At The Colonial British Indian restaurant, we offer Vegan Palak Paneer that comes with vegan paneer (tofu) and is a tasty, dairy-free and gluten-free version of this Indian vegan curry dish.
Are Palak Paneer and Saag Paneer different?
In Hindi, Palak means Spinach while Saag is a wider term that includes all green leafy vegetables. Consequently, in India, the terms ‘palak paneer’ and ‘saag paneer’. are not used interchangeably. On the contrary, in many other places, including Sydney, both terms are often used interchangeably with 'Saag Paneer' serving as a synonym for 'Palak Paneer'.
Where can I get the best authentic Palak Paneer near me?
At The Colonial Restaurants, we cook soft cottage cheese in baby spinach puree with mild spices and cream. The richness of soft cottage cheese and cream when merged with the aroma of fresh spinach and pure spices creates a culinary magic that is unbeatable. Make your reservations and visit us to experience the true authentic flavours of spinach and paneer curry, and learn why it holds a unique place in the hearts of foodies.
Conclusion
Whether you call it Palak Paneer Masala, Saag Paneer, Spinach Paneer, spinach and paneer curry, or any other name, this dish is not only flavour-packed but also power-packed. It's fair to call it a delightful combination of taste and health, isn't it?
