Namaste, foodies! My name is Yuvraj Nayak and I’m excited to share with you today my all-time favorite recipe: Paneer and Spinach Gnocchi in Spicy Masala Sauce. This dish is perfect for those who love spice and bold flavors! It brings together two vibrant cultures (Italian and Indian) in a way that is both delicious and comforting. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Yuvraj Nayak is a software engineer by profession and an avid food enthusiast. He enjoys trying out new recipes, experimenting with local ingredients and cooking for family and friends. Born and raised in Mumbai, his love for spices and bold flavors started early on with his mother’s cooking. He enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring new cultures.

Yuvraj Nayak currently resides in Canada and grew up in India.

I was born and raised in Mumbai, India, a city known for its vivid and colorful cuisine. My love for bold flavors and spices started at home, where my mother would cook the most aromatic dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Today, as an Indian living in Canada, I’ve learned to combine my roots with the flavors of my new home. This recipe is a tribute to that: a fusion of cultures and flavors that taste like home. The richness of the paneer, the nutrient-packed spinach, and the soft potato pillows will take you on a culinary journey that you’ll never forget.

Curious to know where this unique recipe comes from? The origin of Paneer and Spinach Gnocchi in Spicy Masala Sauce is actually a bit of a mystery! Some say it was invented by an Italian-Indian chef who wanted to create a dish that brought together the best of both worlds. Others believe it was a home cook who accidentally combined leftovers from her Indian and Italian cooking experiments. Whatever the true origin may be, we do know that the result is amazing! The aroma of the masala sauce, the richness of the paneer, the freshness of the spinach and the softness of the gnocchi are the perfect combination. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!

What you need

Looking to give my taste buds a little bit of spice, I’ve created an Italian-Indian fusion dish that has got me excited about cooking once again! Presenting my Paneer and Spinach Gnocchi in Spicy Masala Sauce – A dish that brings the best of both worlds! The soft potato pillows( gnocchi) combine with golden-brown paneer and nutrient-packed spinach in a spicy masala sauce that’s packed with flavor and spice. The best part is you don’t have to be a seasoned cook to whip up this dish; the recipe is simple to follow, with only five steps! First, boil your gnocchi and set it aside. Saute some paneer and spinach to an appetizing golden-brown colour and keep them aside as well. Then it’s time for the Masala sauce, sautéed onions, juicy tomatoes, garlic, ginger mix give the sauce a burst of flavour, and the addition of spices cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt added while cooking creates layers of deliciousness. Finally, finish the dish by throwing the gnocchi, paneer, and spinach back into the sauce, give it a gentle stir, add some finishing touches of chopped coriander and serve! You have a dish that not only looks great, is nutrient-packed and tastes delicious, but you’ll also be the talk of the town for days to come.

Ingredients:

• Paneer – Paneer is an Indian cheese made by curdling heated milk with lemon juice, vinegar, or some other food acid. It’s a common ingredient in Indian cuisine and is an excellent source of protein. Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for paneer in this recipe in case you can’t find it in your local grocery store.
• Spinach – Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that’s rich in vitamins and minerals. In this recipe, spinach adds a boost of nutrients as well as flavor to the gnocchi. You can substitute it with other greens such as kale or Swiss chard if you wish.
• Gnocchi – Gnocchi is a type of Italian pasta made with potatoes and flour. It’s light and fluffy and pairs well with a variety of sauces. You can use store-bought or homemade gnocchi in this recipe.
• Vegetable Oil – Vegetable oil is used to sauté the paneer and spinach until golden brown. You can use any other cooking oil such as olive oil or coconut oil as well.
• Onion – Onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the spicy masala sauce. You can use any type of onion such as red, white, or yellow.
• Tomatoes – Tomatoes add acidity to the spicy masala sauce in this recipe. You can use canned tomatoes in case fresh tomatoes are not available.
• Ginger – Ginger is a common ingredient in Indian cuisine and adds a spicy and pungent flavor to the sauce. It can be substituted with ginger powder if you don’t have fresh ginger.
• Garlic – Garlic adds a pungent flavor and aroma to the sauce. You can use garlic powder as a substitute in this recipe.
• Cumin Powder – Cumin is a common spice used in Indian cuisine and adds an earthy and warm flavor to the sauce. You can substitute it with ground coriander or garam masala if you wish.
• Coriander Powder – Coriander powder is used to add a warm and citrusy flavor to the sauce. You can substitute it with ground cumin or garam masala if you don’t have it.
• Turmeric Powder – Turmeric powder is a common spice used in Indian cuisine and adds a warm and earthy flavor to the sauce. It also gives the sauce its vibrant yellow color. You can substitute it with curry powder if you wish.
• Red Chili Powder – Red chili powder adds heat and spiciness to the sauce. You can adjust the amount to your preference or substitute it with paprika if you want a milder flavor.
• Salt – Salt is used to enhance the flavor of the sauce. Use it to taste.
• Water – Water is added to the sauce to thin it out and create a smoother consistency.
• Fresh Coriander Leaves – Fresh coriander leaves are added at the end of the cooking process to garnish the dish and add an extra pop of flavor. You can use parsley or basil as a substitute if you don’t have coriander leaves.

Utensils:

• Large pot – for boiling gnocchi
• Strainer – to drain the gnocchi after boiling
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Paneer – The Cheese That Steals the Show

As an Indian, I cannot imagine my life without paneer. It’s a soft and crumbly cheese that’s entirely vegetarian and popular in Indian dishes. The best thing about paneer is that it soaks up all the flavors of the dish and adds a creamy, rich texture. It’s also an excellent source of protein and is low in calories, making it an excellent addition to this recipe. Paneer can be substituted with tofu or cottage cheese, but nothing can beat the unique taste and texture of paneer. Trust me; it’s worth a try!

Spinach – Popeye’s Secret to Strength

Spinach is a versatile and nutrient-packed leafy green vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, iron, calcium, and fiber, making it an excellent addition to any diet. I love adding spinach to my dishes because it doesn’t have a strong taste, and it’s easy to incorporate into almost any recipe. In this recipe, spinach not only adds a boost of nutrients but also contributes to the dish’s vibrant green color. You can substitute spinach with other greens, but why would you? Spinach is easy to find, affordable, and a delicious addition to this Paneer and Spinach Gnocchi in Spicy Masala Sauce recipe.

What to serve it with?

If there’s one side dish I love to pair with my Paneer and Spinach Gnocchi in Spicy Masala Sauce, it’s a side of garlic naan. The warm, buttery bread is the perfect addition to soak up every bit of the spicy masala sauce. As an Indian, naan has always been a part of our culture and has been a staple at most family gatherings for me. Given that the Paneer and Spinach Gnocchi in Spicy Masala Sauce pays tribute to my roots and my love for bold flavors, it’s only natural that I pair it with the iconic garlic naan. I love to make my own naan, and it’s easier than you think! All you need is some flour, yeast, yogurt, and garlic. The only downside is that it’s so delicious you might eat more of it than the actual dish itself!

Summary

Well, there you have it! My take on the Paneer and Spinach Gnocchi in Spicy Masala Sauce is a dish that I truly believe you’ll enjoy. It’s packed with flavor, spice, and comfort that’ll make your taste buds dance. But I want to hear from you – what did you think of my take on the recipe? Do you have any suggestions for variations or ingredients that you would add? I encourage you to try it out for yourself, and don’t forget to let me know in the comments! As always, keep cooking, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep having fun in the kitchen!

Here’s the recipe:

Paneer and Spinach Gnocchi in Spicy Masala Sauce Recipe

Yuvraj Nayak

A delicious combination of Italian and Indian cuisines, this Paneer and Spinach Gnocchi in Spicy Masala Sauce is packed with flavor and spice, giving you the best of both worlds.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian, Italian

Servings 4

Equipment

• large pot
• Strainer
• Large Skillet
• wooden spoon
• Knife
• cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Paneer
• 1 cup Spinach
• 500 grams Gnocchi
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
• 1 large, diced Onion
• 3 medium, chopped Tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon, grated Ginger
• 4 cloves, minced Garlic
• 2 teaspoons Cumin Powder
• 2 teaspoons Coriander Powder
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
• 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
• to taste Salt
• 1/2 cup Water
• 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh Coriander Leaves

Instructions

 

• Boil gnocchi - Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add gnocchi to boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start floating. Drain the gnocchi using a strainer and keep it aside. - Do not overcook the gnocchi, as they will become mushy and lose their shape.
• Saute paneer and spinach - Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the paneer and spinach and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and keep it aside. - Make sure the paneer and spinach are completely dry before adding them to the skillet to ensure they sauté evenly. Use a non-stick pan or coat the skillet with cooking spray to prevent the paneer from sticking to the pan.
• Make the spicy masala sauce - In the same skillet, add diced onions and sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Add chopped tomatoes, ginger, and garlic to the onions and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Add cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a minute. Add water to thin out the sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. - Use fresh ginger and garlic as they add a lot of flavor to the sauce. Adjust the amount of red chili powder to your liking if you prefer less spicy food.
• Add gnocchi and paneer and spinach - Add the boiled gnocchi and sautéed paneer and spinach to the spicy masala sauce. Mix gently and cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
• Garnish and serve - Garnish the dish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot. - Serve the Paneer and Spinach Gnocchi in Spicy Masala Sauce with garlic naan or rice for a complete Indian meal experience. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the dish for a twist on the traditional recipe.