Rinse the spinach well under running water to remove any dust or pesticides. Soak it in salt water for 5 min and drain the water. Grind the spinach along with green chillies and keep it aside.
Take oil in a heavy bottomed vessel. Once the oil is heated, add jeera and let it sizzle. Then add the chopped garlic. Sauté till nice aroma.
Now add the pureed palak and stir. Add salt and check for seasoning. If needed add some more water and cook on a medium flame for about 10 mins with the lid closed.
Add the paneer cubes and cook for 2 mins. Some people prefer to deep fry the paneer cubes. You can do it as well. But, as I already said, I make the fresh paneer whenever I want to use it, I do not fry it.
After the paneer cubes become soft and tender, add dry mango powder or lemon juice and mix well and cook for 2 more minutes.
Switch off the flame and add the cream. Mix it well and transfer to a serving bowl.
Notes
* Do not cook after adding the cream, as this may curdle it and the richness of the cream will not be retained in the dish.** If you want to use the frozen paneer, keep it in warm water for 10 mins to soften it.
Keyword dhaba style recipes, north indian, palak paneer, Punjabi recipes