Slow cooker palak paneer (Cottage cheese cubes in spinach sauce)

Paneer is an important dish for the vegetarians in India, It is a must in weddings or any occasion for a vegetarian.

Today was one of those days when you have too much work, a fussy baby, and a desire to cook a good meal. I was working on my sewing project for a long time and wanted to finish it today but still wanted to eat a good meal so I made the preparation, put the palak paneer in the slow cooker, and sat to finish my project.





Some may wonder that this seems easy on a stove top too but the total time spent in preparation for slow cooker palak paneer is less than 10 minutes compared to 45 minutes preparation and cooking time if you do it on stove top.

HISTORY :
In India Saag made of Mustard greens with Yak's milk goes back at least 2000 BC during the Mohenjodaro and Harappa Civilization but the Paneer was introduced during Emperor Akbar's period late 15 century.

Paneer was invented by Mongols riding their horses carrying milk in Mushki (Bags made of raw-hyde). The heat of desserts and the rennet in the leather turned the milk into Paneer.

Palak Paneer is a Spinach Leaves based curry dish eaten in India and Pakistan with bread. The difference between Palak Paneer and Saag Paneer is, in some cases, consistency. Palak is watery compared to a more solid saag/ Mustard green.

INGREDIENTS

1 bunch fresh spinach, washed thoroughly
2 large yellow or red onions, peeled and roughly chopped
3 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 piece ginger (4 inches) peeled and roughly chopped
1 garlic head, peeled and chopped or 2 tbsp garlic paste
5 green, Thai, Serrano or cayenne chilies  stemmed
4 tbsp. ground cumin1 heaping tbsp. garam masala
2 tsp. turmeric powder
Fresh cream 1tbsp
1 tbsp. salt



DIRECTION

Microwave the spinach with 1 cup of water for 6 minutes. In the meantime put the onion and garlic in a blender and make a paste.
Blend the spinach until smooth in a blender or transfer to a blender and do the same. 

Put every ingredient in the slow cooker except fresh cream and Paneer. Stir it well and set the slow cooker for 2hrs on high. After 1 and 1/2 hrs put the paneer. I prefer to put fried paneers instead of fresh ones. If you want to fry the paneer, saute cubed paneer in a skillet with 2tbsp oil over medium heat for 2 minutes.
Garnish it with cream.
Serve it with Indian bread or plain rice.