Palak Paneer -My way / Indian Cheese in Spinach Gravy

Tried my best to take an attractive click of this dish...asked Soccer man his opinion regarding this picture and he commented
                     " wwoooww super !!! looks like something in clay "

:(

But I have to post this , as the dish tasted good and also because I don't want to waste my effort in taking pictures....

 This recipe is not the traditional way of making it in North India , as its little time consuming , with the making of tomato Puree and also with the blanching of spinach ,drain and then blending it ,
it then drains away the nutrients too hence decided to make it my way.
 An easy way too.

Ingredients 

Palak/ Spinach - 1 bunch
Paneer/Indian Cheese - cubed 3/4 cup
Kasuri Methi / Dry fenugreek leaves - 1 Tbsp
Green Chili's - 2 to 3 no's slit
Ginger and Garlic chopped - 1 tsp each
Onion - 1 medium (Optional)
Tomato's - 2 medium
Cumin seeds - 2 tsp
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp
Red chili Powder - 1/2 tsp (optional)
Hing/ Asafoetida - a pinch
Cream - 2 Tb sp(Optional)
Oil - 3 Tb sp (I used Vegetable Oil)
Salt to taste

Method 

*Wash and drain Palak/Spinach , Keep aside.

* Heat Oil in a pan , add Cumin seeds , followed by ginger , garlic and green chili's , saute for a few seconds in medium heat.

*Add onion add fry till golden brown and add sliced tomatoes , saute for atleast 5 to 7 minutes in medium heat and add the palak/Spinach.

*Cook for another 5 minutes in medium heat and then add turmeric Powder and chili Powder (if using) saute for a few seconds more and switch off the heat. Allow to cool and then blend this mixture to a smooth gravy.

*Pour this mixture to pan again and heat in medium.

* Add in the cubed Paneer/ Cheese , Kasuri Methi/Dry fenugreek leaves(if using)  and salt , allow to boil and thicken up a bit , about 7 minutes in medium to low heat.
    (May fry paneer / Cheese before adding'em to the gravy)

* Add the hing/Asafoetida and switch off the heat , transfer to a serving bowl and pour the cream (if using)  to the middle of the gravy in a circular manner.

 Serve Hot with Chapathi / Indian Bread or else Plain white Rice.

Cheers

TN