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Baked paneer and spinach in tomato gravy

Fried paneer layered with creamy spiced spinach and tomato gravy

Golden fried paneer cubes layered with a creamy, nutmeg-scented spinach sauce and a garlicky tomato gravy, then baked under cheese. Serve hot with naan or bread.

Prep
25 min
Cook
45 min
Difficulty
Medium
Serves
8
Per serving
330 kcal
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Ingredients

Serves8
  • 1 ⅛ lb paneercut in 3.5 cm cubes
  • 4 tbsp oilfor shallow frying

For the spinach

For the tomato gravy

  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 onionchopped
  • 1 tsp garlic paste
  • 1 ⅛ lb tomatoeschopped
  • ½ tsp red chilli powder
  • ¾ tsp saltor to taste
  • 1 tsp sugaror to taste

For the topping

  • 4 tbsp cheesegrated

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Method

0/11 done
  1. Step 1: Heat 4 tbsp oil in a frying pan and shallow fry 1 ⅛ lb paneer, turning, for 4–5 minutes until light brown. Keep aside.

    5 min
  2. Step 2: Cook 7 oz spinach in an open pan, without water, with 1 pinch bicarbonate of soda for 3–4 minutes until wilted. Leaving the lid off keeps it bright green. Blend to a puree.

    4 min
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp ghee and sauté 1 onion for 1 minute. Add 2 tsp plain flour and cook for 1 minute.

    2 min
  4. Step 4: Add the spinach puree, 2 tbsp fresh cream, 3 green chillies and ½ tsp salt and cook for 3 minutes. Sprinkle with ¼ tsp ground nutmeg.

    3 min
  5. Step 5: For the tomato gravy, heat 1 tbsp oil and sauté 1 onion and 1 tsp garlic paste for 2 minutes.

    2 min
  6. Step 6: Add 1 ⅛ lb tomatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender.

    10 min
  7. Step 7: Blend, return to the pan with ½ tsp red chilli powder, ¾ tsp salt and 1 tsp sugar, and cook for 3 minutes.

    3 min
  8. Step 8: Heat the oven to 400°F. Spread half of the paneer in a greased baking dish and spread half of the spinach on top.

  9. Step 9: Make another layer with the rest of the paneer and spinach.

  10. Step 10: Top with the tomato gravy and sprinkle 4 tbsp cheese over it.

  11. Step 11: Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbling. Serve hot with naan or bread.

    18 min

Nutrition per serving

Calories
330 kcal
Protein
17 g
Carbs
9 g
Fat
25 g

Nutrition values are estimates.

K
Recipe by

KrazyBadal

All recipes by this chef →

Good to know

How long does baked paneer and spinach in tomato gravy take?
About 70 minutes in total: 25 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook.
How many people does it serve?
8 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
Is it vegetarian?
Yes. It has no meat or fish.
What can I use instead of paneer?
Firm tofu, pressed and cubed (vegan; season it well).
What can I use instead of bicarbonate of soda?
Baking powder, three times the amount (the bake may taste slightly different).

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