Ingredients For Spinach Paste:
- Fresh spinach-250 gm (about 2 cups)
- Ginger - 1 inch
- Garlic-2 cloves
- Green chili-3
- Lemon juice - 1 tablespoons
- Water - 5 cups
Other Ingredients:
- Cottage cheese cubes - 10 to 12
- Onion paste- 1 cup
- Tomato puree - 1⁄2 cup
- Salt-To taste
- Ghee (Clarified butter)/butter - 2 tablespoons
- Groundnut oil - 2 tablespoons
- Red chili powder 1 teaspoon or as per taste
- Grated ginger - 1 tablespoon
- Chopped garlic - 2 tablespoons
- Garam masala - 1 tablespoon
- Clove-2
- Bay leaf-1
- Water-1/4 cup, if required
Method
1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the fresh spinach, submerge them in the water. Add a pinch of salt and lemon juice.
2. Blanch until the spinach leaves are no longer rigid (about 1 mins) and then drain the spinach and dump into a bowl of cold water to prevent it from losing its dark green color. Leave it for 5 min.
3. Take out the spinach.
4. Take blanched spinach, ginger, garlic, and green chili and blend to smooth paste without adding any water. Keep this paste aside.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan and stir fry cottage cheese until golden brown.
6. Remove the cottage cheese. Add another tablespoon of oil and add cumin, when it splutters, add bay leaf and cloves.
7. When it starts to crackle add ginger, garlic and cook till it turns a
little brown.
8. Add onion paste. Cook about 5-7 mins on medium flame till it
leaves oil.
9. Add tomato puree and cook for another 5 mins.
10. Add garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for 3 mins on
medium flame.
11. Add prepared spinach paste and cook for 5 minutes. Don't overcook; spinach will be decolorized.
12. Now add cottage cheese cubes to the mix and simmer till they
absorb flavor.
13. Turn off the flame and add 2 tbsp of hot ghee or butter whichever is available with you, mix well and serve hot.
14. Eat palak paneer with chapatti, naan or brown rice.
Nutrition facts
1. Spinach: Spinach is rich in iron, beta-carotene, calcium, vitamin B9, and C and fiber. These nutrients help nourish your scalp and hair, ensuring healthy hair growth. Regular consumption of spinach can prevent anemia and increase the supply of oxygen to the hair follicles, ensuring that they stay in top condition with all the right nutrients in them.2. Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is rich in protein. Inadequate protein intake can cause hair to fall. Protein provides strength to the hair shaft and reduces the chances of hair fall by breaking and splitting. Also, cottage cheese is an excellent source of vitamin B12 that prevent premature graying and hair fall.
3. Mushroom: Mushroom contains selenium that is vital for healthy hair. Selenium compounds can kill Malassezia, a fungus present on the scalp and are responsible for causing dandruff. Mushrooms also contain high levels of iron and copper. Iron prevents anemia, and copper facilitates the absorption of iron from food, promoting strong and healthy hair.
4. Onion: Onion contains sulfur that helps reduce breakage and thinning of hair. Sulfur is essential for regeneration of hair follicles. The onion improves blood circulation in the scalp, promoting hair growth.
5. Tomato: Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamin C which promote hair growth. Additionally, tomatoes contain Vitamin A, B, and E, which help prevent hair loss, give natural silk and shine and help treat dandruff.
6. Spices: Herbs and spices are not only good for hair but also for overall health. Spices increase blood flow to the hair follicle, and the blood delivers essential nutrients for faster and healthier hair growth.
