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Palak Paneer Recipe

Palak Paneer is a classic Indian dish made with spinach and paneer in a spiced, creamy gravy. The spinach is blended into a smooth puree and combined with sautéed onions, tomatoes, and spices. It's served hot with naan or rice, making it a flavorful and nutritious vegetarian option!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course paneer
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 250 grams Paneer cubed
  • 4 Cup Spinach (Palak) washed and chopped
  • 1 Onions medium, finely chopped
  • 2 Tomatoes medium, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger-Garlic Paste
  • 2 Green Chilies slit
  • ½ teaspoon Cumin Seeds
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
  • ¼ Cup Cream (optional)
  • 2 tablespoon Oil
  •  Salt to taste
  • Fresh Coriander Leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

1. Prepare the Spinach

  • First, boil a large pot of water.
  • Then, add the chopped spinach to the boiling water and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it wilts. Meanwhile, prepare a bowl of ice water.
  • After cooking, transfer the spinach to the ice water to stop the cooking process, which helps keep its vibrant green color.
  • Once cooled, drain and blend the spinach into a smooth puree using a blender.

2. Saute the Base

  • Next, heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  • Add cumin seeds and let them splutter, releasing their flavor.
  • After that, add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
  • Then, mix in ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies, cooking until fragrant.

3. Cook the Tomato Mixture

  • Now, add chopped tomatoes along with turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder to the pan.
  • Cook this mixture until the tomatoes soften and the oil starts to separate, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
  • Additionally, stir in the spinach puree and mix well. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.

4. Add Paneer and Cream

  • After that, gently fold in the paneer cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the paneer to soak up the delicious flavors. To avoid overcooking, be gentle while stirring.
  • Then, stir in the cream (if you’re using it) and garam masala.
  • Finally, let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the gravy becomes creamy and well combined.

5. Garnish and Serve

  • To finish, garnish your dish with fresh coriander leaves.
  • At last, serve it hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice for a delicious meal!

Notes

Unique Twists and Variations

1. Vegan Palak Paneer: For a plant-based option, swap out paneer with tofu and use coconut cream instead of dairy cream. Not only will you still get that creamy texture, but you’ll also enjoy a rich, dairy-free experience! 
2. Healthy Version: To make it lighter, reduce the oil, opt for low-fat paneer, or skip the cream and go for yogurt or a splash of milk. It’ll still be delicious but a little healthier! 
3. Add More Veggies: Why not throw in peas, potatoes, or carrots to create a heartier, more colorful dish? These additions bring extra nutrition and a beautiful pop of color! 
4. Gravy vs. Dry Style : Whether you prefer the traditional gravy-filled Palak Paneer or the dry, semi-scrambled version, both are tasty! The dry style is thicker, almost like a stir-fry, making it a fun twist to try. Vote —which do you like better, the saucy or the dry version? 

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Palak Paneer

1. Paneer Tips: Firstly, soak paneer in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften it. Alternatively, lightly fry the cubes for a golden, crispy texture before adding to the curry.
2. Consistency of Gravy: If the gravy gets too thick, simply add water or stock. On the other hand, simmer longer if it’s too thin to thicken it up.
3. Balancing the Flavors: Remember, spinach can be slightly bitter. Add a pinch of sugar 🍬 or squeeze of lemon to balance the flavors and elevate the taste!
4. Avoid Overcooking Spinach: Lastly, don’t overcook spinach! Overcooking leads to a dull color and loss of nutrients. Keep it fresh and vibrant! 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Palak Paneer Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
290
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
20
g
31
%
Saturated Fat
 
10
g
63
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
7
g
Cholesterol
 
60
mg
20
%
Sodium
 
300
mg
13
%
Potassium
 
700
mg
20
%
Carbohydrates
 
16
g
5
%
Fiber
 
5
g
21
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Protein
 
18
g
36
%
Vitamin A
 
9000
IU
180
%
Vitamin B1
 
0.1
mg
7
%
Vitamin B2
 
0.4
mg
24
%
Vitamin B3
 
2
mg
10
%
Vitamin B5
 
0.5
mg
5
%
Vitamin B6
 
0.4
mg
20
%
Vitamin C
 
40
mg
48
%
Vitamin E
 
1
mg
7
%
Vitamin K
 
400
µg
381
%
Calcium
 
350
mg
35
%
Iron
 
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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