Hayden Quinn

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PALAK PANEER

Hayden Quinn Palak Paneer Recipe

I love Palak Paneer, Saag Paneer, however it comes really - my goto order when it comes to Indian food but also a favourite of mine to make at home ‘cause it is pretty simple, doesnt take long and PACKS in the flavour. My recipe below…

Ingredients
200g paneer, cut into cubes
2 tbs ghee
1 tbs whole cumin seeds
2 red onions, finely slices (reserve some for serving)
5cm thumb ginger, finely dices
6 cloves garlic, crushed and finely chopped
2 green chili, finely sliced
2 tbs ground cumin
1 tbs ground coriander
2 tsp chili powder (add as much or as little as you like)
1/2 tbs turmeric powder
2 bunches, washed english spinach
1 bunch fresh coriander
3 tbs plain yoghurt

Method
Step 1.
Using a medium heat, fry off the paneer cubes in a little ghee until golden brown on all sides. Remove from pan and set aside until needed.
Step 2. Next using the remaining ghee, fry off cumin seeds along with onion until onion softens. Next add in your ginger, garlic and chili, fry off until aromatic and follow with the spices, combining well and gently toasting. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3. Add spinach to pot of boiling water and blanch quickly until vibrant and green, strain in a colander and along with coriander add to ice water to stop the cooking process.
Step 4. Blend spinach and coriander with a little water until smooth, add half the onion mix and blend again, finally add yoghurt and blend for a final time until silky.
Step 5. Add the paneer back to the pan with the onions, pour over the spinach mix and warm through. Serve with rice and breads.

CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP

I DIDNT HAVE A PHOTO OF THE FINISHED DISH, SO HERE ARE THE VIDEOS 🥲😂

6 portabello mushrooms, stalks removed
4 cloves garlic, crushed
½ tbs dried thyme leaves
6 cubes butter (approx. 1/2 tbs each)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup (~50g) dried mixed mushrooms*
1L water
250ml pouring cream
Finely chopped chives, to garnish

Step 1. Roast the Mushrooms. Preheat oven to 220°C
Arrange portabello mushrooms on a baking tray. Scatter over garlic and add butter cube to each of the mushrooms. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil. Roast for 25–30 minutes, or until mushrooms are softened completely.

Step 2. Make a mushroom stock. Add dried mushrooms to a small pot with 1 litre of water, cover and gently simmer.

Step 3. Blend together. Transfer the roasted mushrooms and garlic (along with any juices) into a blender or large pot. Add strained mushroom stock and cream and blend until smooth. (If using a pot, use an immersion blender.)

Step 4. Gently simmer the Soup: Pour the blended mixture into a large saucepan if not already using one. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5. Serve. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with finely chopped chives.
Serve with crusty bread or a swirl of cream for an extra touch.

* you don't need to make your own mushroom stock, you can use vegetable stock as an option.

SOME MORE COSY WINTER DISHES HERE