Ingredients & Measurements
Carefully curated and proportioned for authentic flavor balance. Adjust chillies and salt to your personal taste.
Main Ingredients
- Spinach leaves (पालक) - 500 gms - 700 gms
- Paneer (पनीर) - 100 gms
- Salt (नमक) - a large pinch
For Chilli Garlic Oil
- Garlic cloves (लहसुन) - 4 nos
- Oil (तेल) - 4 tbsp
- Kashmiri chilli powder (कश्मीरी मिर्च पाउडर) - 2 tsp
For Palak Paneer
- Oil (तेल) - 1 tbsp
- Butter (मखन) - 2½ tbsp
- Cumin (जीरा) - ½ tsp
- Garlic, chopped (लहसुन) - 1 tbsp
- Onion, chopped (प्याज़) - ¼ cup
- Green chilli, chopped (हरि मिर्च) - 1 no
- Ginger, chopped (अदरक) - ¾ tbsp
- Red Chilli powder (लाल मिर्च पाउडर) - 1 tsp
- Cumin powder (जीरा पाउडर) - ½ tsp
- Coriander powder (धनिया पाउडर) - 1 tsp
- Water (पानी) - a dash
- Salt (नमक) - to taste
- Chilli Garlic Oil (मिर्च लहसुन तेल) - 2 tsp
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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1
Preparing and cutting the spinach: Follow Chef Kunal's masterclass timestamp at [00:44] for exact visual guidance, heat control, and pan technique.
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2
The Ice Bath technique for bright green color: Follow Chef Kunal's masterclass timestamp at [01:40] for exact visual guidance, heat control, and pan technique.
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3
Cutting and marinating the paneer: Follow Chef Kunal's masterclass timestamp at [03:02] for exact visual guidance, heat control, and pan technique.
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4
Making the special Chili Garlic Oil (Rogan): Follow Chef Kunal's masterclass timestamp at [05:22] for exact visual guidance, heat control, and pan technique.
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5
Final garnish with Chili Garlic Oil: Follow Chef Kunal's masterclass timestamp at [10:30] for exact visual guidance, heat control, and pan technique.
Chef Kunal's Pro Secret Tip
Always soak fresh paneer cubes in warm, lightly salted water for 10 minutes before cooking. If pan-frying paneer, do so for no more than 60–90 seconds per side on medium-high heat to preserve its velvety, melt-in-the-mouth texture and prevent rubberiness.
Recipe FAQs & Expert Advice
How long can I store leftover ढ़ाबा स्टाइल लहसुनी पालक पनीर?
You can store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When reheating, warm on medium-low heat on the stovetop and add 2–3 tablespoons of warm water if the gravy has thickened in the fridge.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute paneer with extra-firm pressed tofu or roasted plant-based paneer alternatives. Replace dairy butter/ghee with mustard oil, coconut oil, or refined groundnut oil.
What is the key technique to get restaurant-style flavor in this dish?
Focus on blooming whole spices in hot oil first, patiently sautéing the onion-tomato masala until oil separates, and finishing with a pinch of crushed roasted kasoori methi and freshly ground garam masala right before serving.