Palak Paneer | Instant Pot and Stovetop

Turn the Instant Pot on saute mode in the normal setting.
Once the Instant Pot is hot, add oil.
Once the oil is hot, add onions and ginger-garlic paste and saute until the onions are translucent.
Add tomatoes, serrano pepper, and spices - coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt and mix well.
Add 2 tablespoon water and deglaze the pot.
Add rinsed spinach and turn the saute mode off by pressing cancel.
Close the Instant Pot lid and lock it with the pressure release valve in the sealing position.
Select the pressure/manual mode on high for 3 minutes.
Do a quick release by turning the release valve in the venting position until the silver pin drops.
With a hand blender, blend well into a smooth puree.
Add the garam masala powder and crushed fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi).
Add cubed paneer and mix well.

Heat a large pot on medium flame.
Once the pot is hot, add oil.
Once the oil is hot, add onions and ginger-garlic paste and saute until the onions are translucent.
Add tomatoes, serrano pepper, and spices - coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt and mix well.
Add 2 tablespoon water and deglaze the pot.
Add rinsed spinach and cover the pot with a lid.
Continue to cook for about 10 minutes until the spinach is well cooked.
Turn off the heat.
Remove the lid and using an immersion hand blender, blend into a smooth puree.
Add the garam masala powder and crushed fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi).
Add cubed paneer and mix well.

Substitutions

Vegan - use extra firm tofu if you want to make vegan palak paneer.
Spicy - add some more serrano pepper, red chili powder, or garam masala to make it spicy.
Spinach - fresh spinach, baby spinach, or frozen spinach can be used.

Variations

Saag paneer - substitute half of the spinach with other leafy greens like mustard greens, collard greens, and fenugreek leaves to make saag paneer.
Fried paneer - if you prefer fried paneer, you can fry it or shallow fry it in a pan by drizzling some oil and then adding it to the curry.
Jain diet - To make palak paneer with no onion and no garlic, or make it suitable for the Jain diet, skip the onions, ginger, and garlic and adjust the spices as per taste. Add about 10-12 soaked cashews for a thicker consistency.