Palak Paneer vs Kashmir Paneer: Everything You Need to Know

Palak paneer vs Kashmir paneer is something that most cottage cheese enthusiasts ask about. Both delicacies are famous in India, especially in the northern region. The differences and similarities between the two dishes are significant. That is why we will look through both Indian cottage cheese dishes.

More About these Indian Delicacies

Indian food culture dictates that it is mandatory to include a recipe made with Indian cottage cheese in the food menu of a festival. Cottage cheese is a delicious ingredient with a lovely texture. You can either buy it from a shop or make it on your own.

Palak paneer is a prevalent Indian curry that uses cottage cheese cubes and fresh spinach leaves. The flavorful spinach puree is the reason for its vibrant green color. Your tastebuds will keep demanding more once you eat it. Also, you can give a try to paneer tikka vs palak paneer.

The next dish comes from the beautiful state of Kashmir, where it utilizes the local spice powders to bring the best of cottage cheese. Furthermore, you will see a mix of ingredients such as ground ginger, tomatoes, fennel, etc.

The Similarities Between Palak Paneer vs Kashmir Paneer 

Are there any similarities between Palak paneer vs Kashmir Paneer? Yes, in fact, there are quite a few similar things between them.

The most self-explanatory similarity between the two is the use of cottage cheese. Without it, you can’t make those curries. If you feel like the cheese you make at home is hard, here is a guide to help you learn how to keep paneer soft.

People assume that making these recipes would require different seasonings. However, this is not true. Many common spices are used in both dishes, such as cumin seeds, black pepper, cinnamon, etc. Chefs often add garam masala to the cuisines to enrich their tastes.

Another similarity between these two delicacies is their origin. Both of them originated from the North Indian states.

The Differences Between Palak Paneer vs Kashmir Paneer

By looking at the dishes, you will find many distinguishable characteristics between Palak paneer vs Kashmir paneer. Let us look at each of them one by one.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens make a big difference in Palak paneer vs Kashmir paneer. While there is an abundance of spinach in the former, the latter lacks any hint of greens. 

However, a variation of the Kashmir dish exists that uses spinach as one of its ingredients, which most people refer to it as the Kashmiri style Palak paneer.

Color

The second observable difference between the two is their color. Since the former dish uses spinach leaves, its color is inclined towards the green side. On the contrary, the latter resembles a red color. For the same reason, it is also known as “laal paneer.”

However, if you consider the Kashmiri dish, you will find both red and green colors. The pureed spinach gives off a green color, whereas its masala indicates a reddish-orange color. The color of paneer makhani vs kadai paneer might also interest you.

Preparation Process

There is not much difference in their preparation process. However, you will need to prepare spinach puree for the palak dish. Conversely, tomato puree is employed in the Kashmiri recipes.

If you find preparing the palak paneer recipe difficult, click below to see a step-by-step video tutorial.

While preparing the spinach variant, you will have to follow the blanching step. It will help stop any action of enzymes on the fresh spinach leaves. No such process is required for the Kashmiri dish. You can also broaden your horizons in cooking by checking the paneer lababdar vs paneer butter masala.

Popularity

Popularity is a vital factor when distinguishing between two dishes. It tells about how often a cuisine is prepared in a household.

Kashmir paneer is not as popular as its counterpart. As a matter of fact, it is the dish that helped bring the states of Punjab and Haryana to the world map.

Contrarily, you won’t find many households making the Kashmiri variant as often as the palak variant.

Kashmiri Palak Paneer: A Beautiful Blend

When the Kashmiri chili powder combines with the delicious vegetable curry of palak paneer, we get the ultimate blend of Kashmiri spinach paneer.

This dish combines the health benefits and authentic taste of spinach leaves and Kashmiri spices, making it an ideal option for a vegetarian dinner.

How to Make It

Kashmir spinach paneer recipe is an easy dish to make if instructions are followed carefully. However, if you still find it challenging, refer to the video tutorial below.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound baby spinach (454 grams)
  • 360 gms cottage cheese cubes
  • 6 tablespoons oil (any type will work)
  • 1/2 tsp ground fennel
  • 1/2 tbsp asafoetida
  • 1/2 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tsp Kashmiri chili powder
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 serrano peppers, whole (Hari Mirch, optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Here is a detailed breakdown of the instant pot recipe for this Indian cuisine.

Prep

  • Start by rinsing the baby spinach in cold water. You will not have to chop it as a blender will be used for the same. Alternatively, you can employ regular spinach. If you don’t have access to a blender, chop the leaves.
  • Take a block of cottage cheese and cut it into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes.

Cook

  • Take an Instant pot and choose to saute in it. Now, add oil and asafoetida into the mix.
  • After a half minute, drop the spinach into the pot and stir well at medium heat. Let the mix saute for about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Subsequently, add spices like Kashmiri chili powder, ground ginger, fennel, ground cumin, salt, and a half cup of water.
  • Stop the sauteing and cover the pot with a lid. Now, select manual/high pressure for a minute. Quickly turn off when the clock ticks a minute.
  • Using an immersion blender, blend the spinach leaves. Make sure to not blend it too fine. Alternatively, a potato masher can also get used.
  • Finally, add serrano peppers and cubes of cottage cheese to the pot. Mix them well but do not be harsh as it can break the cubed pieces.
  • Close the lid and pressure cook the blend for about 2 minutes.

And your delicious Kashmir spinach paneer recipe is done. Combine it with jeera rice, roti, or naan. You will love it.

Check out this article if you want to learn more about paneer: Everything You Need To Know About Paneer.

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