Baked Palak Paneer

Baked Palak Paneer is a delightful vegan twist on the classic Indian dish, featuring tender spinach and protein-rich tofu baked in a fragrant, spiced tomato sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting meal while still being health-conscious.

Ingredients

• Fresh spinach - 300 grams
• Firm tofu - 200 grams
• Tomato puree - 150 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 inch, grated
• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Garam masala - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Nutritional yeast - 2 tablespoons (optional)
• Fresh coriander - for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the spinach for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Drain and immerse in cold water to stop cooking. Squeeze out excess water and chop finely.
3. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and sauté until they begin to crackle.
4. Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger; sauté until the onions are translucent.
5. Stir in tomato puree, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
6. Add the chopped spinach and mix well. Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
7. In a separate bowl, crumble the tofu and mix with lemon juice and nutritional yeast (if using).
8. In a baking dish, layer half of the spinach mixture, followed by the crumbled tofu, then top with the remaining spinach mixture. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until slightly golden on top.
10. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 28 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in iron and calcium from spinach and tofu.
• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• High in plant-based protein, supporting muscle health.

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