For Pan Fry Paneer

Step 1

• Cut the paneer into small cubes. Usually, I slice the block of paneer into about 1/3-inch slices. Then, I take each slice of paneer and cut it into smaller pieces.

Step 2

• Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of Oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half of the paneer pieces and pan fry until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.Flip the paneer after 2 minutes. Then, pan fry the other side until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer the fried paneer to a plate.

Step 3

• Add another 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet and repeat the pan frying step above. I’ve found that the second batch usually takes less time because the pan is quite hot at this point. Transfer the remaining fried paneer to the plate.

For Gravy

Step 1

• Fill a large saucepan with about 3 quarts of water and bring it to boil then add salt. Add the spinach to the boiling water. If all of it doesn’t fit into the saucepan, add half of the spinach first. Once the spinach starts wilting, add the remaining spinach. Cook for about a minute, until all the spinach wilts.

Step 2

• Use a spider spatula to remove the spinach from the saucepan or drain the spinach into a colander.

Step 3

• Transfer the spinach to a food processor. You don’t need to squeeze the excess liquid from the spinach beforehand. Blend the spinach for about 10 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and blend again for another 10 seconds. Leave the purée of spinach in the food processor.

Step 4

• Make a purée of tomatoes.

Step 5

• Make a paste of onion,garlic & green chilli.

Step 6

• Heat a large skillet with 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add onion,garlic & chilli paste and cook them for about 2 minutes, until they start to soften.Next,add tomato puree and cook for 2 minutes.Add all the spices except kasuri meethi & salt.Transfer the spinach paste into the skillet.

Step 7

• Add the pan-fried paneer to the spinach sauce. Turn off the heat.

Step 8

• Heat oil in a tempering pan add sliced garlic,green chilli,red chilli powder and cumin powder for few seconds, add over the palak paneer for garnish.Serve the palak paneer with tandoori roti.