Chaana Kaju Palak (Fresh Cheese Dumplings In Cashew And Spinach)

Ingredients

• 3.3 oz/100 g baby spinach
• pinch of baking soda
• 1 1/4 cup fresh chaana/chena
• 1/4 cup cashew
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon grated garlic
• 1/2 tablespoon grated ginger
• pinch of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh crème
• 1 teaspoon butter

Instructions

1. 1

   Place a heavy bottom saucepan on high heat. Pour enough water to boil the spinach. Once the water comes to a boil, drop the spinach along with the baking soda and let it boil for 2 minutes. Drain the spinach using a colander and keep it aside to used later.

2. 2

   Knead the fresh chaana/chena for 7 minutes or until the texture becomes smooth and your hand feels a little oily.

3. 3

   Using a coffee grinder, grind the cashew and poppy seeds.

4. 4

   Take half of the cashew and poppy seed powder and mix it with the fresh cheese. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of salt and knead it once again for about a minute. Make 8 to 9 dumplings from the mixture.

5. 5

   Place a heavy bottom pan on medium heat and pour 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil heats up, place the dumplings carefully and fry for 1 to 2 minutes on each side till it looks golden brown. Once done, keep the dumplings aside.

6. 6

   To the same pan or a separate one, pour rest of the oil and sprinkle the cumin seeds and fennel seeds. Let it sizzle for a few seconds and then, drop the garlic, ginger and onion. Sprinkle a pinch of sugar and cook for 3 minutes.

7. 7

   Add the chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder and fennel powder. Stir and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Next, puree the boiled spinach and add it to the pan. Sprinkle the remaining cashew and poppy seed powder. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Cover the pan as the spinach will bubble up and start to splatter.

9. 9

   Finally, pour the cream and add the fried cheese dumplings. Drop the butter into the pan and cook for 2 more minutes.

10. 10

    Serve warm.