Rinse the palak very well in running water. Tender stems are fine.

Boil 3 cups water in a pan. Add 1/4 tsp salt to the hot water and stir. When the water comes to a rolling boil,switch off the flame. Add the spinach leaves into the hot water. Let the palakleaves sit in the water for about 1 minute

After 1 minute, using a pasta tong,take the leaves

Immediately add the palak in a pan or bowl containing ice water.this method helps in preserving the green colour of the palak. Just add 8 to 10 ice cubes to 3 cups water to get cold water. Allow the spinach leaves to be in the cold water for a minute.

Then drain the ice cold water. Add the spinach in a blender with chopped ginger and garlic, green chillies

Make a smooth palak puree. No need to add water while making the puree

Heat oil or ghee in a pan. If using butter,melt it on a low flame making sure that the butter does not turn brown

Add the cumin and let them splutter

Then add the tej patta or bay leaf

Add the finely chopped onions. Saute till the onions become golden.

Then add finely chopped garlic. Saute till the raw aroma of garlic goes away. No need to make the garlic brown.

Add the chopped tomatoes. Stir and saute the tomatoes till they soften.

Once the tomatoes are softened and you see fat releasing from the sides of the mixture. Then add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder & asafoetida powder

Mix very well.

Then add the palak puree and mix well.

Add about 1/2 cup water or as needed. Mix again.

Simmer for 6 to 7 minutes or more till the palak is cooked. Season with salt. The gravy or sauce will also thicken by now.

Stir and addgaram masala powder

Stir again and then add the paneer cubes.

Mix well & switch off the heat.

Lastly, add 2 tbsp of low fat cream. If using heavy whipping cream, then add 1 tbsp of it. Stir gently again so that the cream gets incorporated in the gravy uniformly.

Pour the palak paneer in serving bowl.while serving you can top it with some butter or cream

You can also drizzle a few drops of lime juice in top along with ginger julienne on the palak paneer

Stir and serve palak paneer hot with some roti. It goes well with Indian breads like tandoori Roti, polka, paratha or naan.

Being a versatile dish, it also accompanies rice dishes from the indian cuisine like jeera rice, veg pulao, ghee rice or even steamed rice.