Description
Palak Paneer is a vegetarian dish made primarily of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and palak (spinach), both of which are simmered in a flavorful and spiced gravy. The spinach is pureed and cooked with various spices to create a smooth, fragrant sauce, while the paneer adds a delightful texture that absorbs the flavors of the gravy. The dish is often enjoyed with naan or rice, making it a comforting and filling meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For Spinach Purée
- 250g fresh spinach (palak), washed and stems removed
- 2 green chilies
- 1 inch ginger
- 2 garlic cloves
- Ice water (for blanching)
For Gravy
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 green cardamoms
- 1 clove
- ¾ cup finely chopped onions
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes
- ¾ tsp ginger garlic paste
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp cream (optional)
- 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- 250g paneer, cubed
Instructions
1. Blanch & Purée Spinach
- Boil water with a pinch of salt. Add spinach and blanch for 2 minutes.
- Transfer immediately to ice water to retain the green color.
- Drain and blend with green chilies, ginger, and garlic to a smooth purée.
2. Prepare the Masala Base
- Heat oil/ghee in a pan. Add cumin, bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamoms, and clove.
- Sauté onions until golden. Add ginger garlic paste and cook until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy.
- Stir in turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Cook until oil separates.
3. Simmer the Spinach Gravy
- Add spinach purée and mix well.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until it begins to bubble.
- Add garam masala, kasuri methi, and cream. Mix gently.
4. Add Paneer
- Add paneer cubes and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Avoid overcooking to keep paneer soft.
Notes
Pair Palak Paneer with warm roti, naan, or jeera rice, and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the fresh spinach flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Spinach Paneer, Creamy Palak Paneer, Indian Palak Paneer, Palak with Paneer