Palak paneer, spiced spinach with Indian cottage cheese

Method

1. Put the spinach in a colander. Pour over boiling water to wilt the leaves. Drain and refresh in cold water. Drain well and purée in a food processor.

2. Heat oil for deep frying in a heavy-based pan to 190°C or until a cube of bread browns in 30 seconds. Deep fry the paneer for 2-3 minutes, until brown on the edges (use a metal spoon to stop it sticking to the pan). Set aside on kitchen paper to drain.

3. In another saucepan, heat the 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over a medium heat and add the cumin seeds. When they crackle, add the tomatoes, ginger, garlic, green chilli and balti paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add the spinach and stir well. Bring to a simmer, then mix in the paneer.

4. Put in a serving dish and sprinkle with the garam masala and coriander. Serve with chapattis.