Description
Palak Paneer is a beloved North Indian dish featuring tender paneer cubes in a smooth, spiced spinach curry. This healthy, protein-rich recipe is simple to make and perfect for pairing with naan, roti, or rice. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the goodness of spinach while savoring the creamy, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Spinach Puree:
- 4 cups fresh spinach (palak), washed and trimmed
- 2 cups water (for blanching)
- Ice water (for cooling spinach)
For the Curry Base:
- 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1 medium tomato, pureed
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- A pinch of red chili powder (optional)
- Salt to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 200g paneer, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons fresh cream
- 1/4 cup water (to adjust consistency)
For Garnish:
- A drizzle of fresh cream
- A sprinkle of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach Puree
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and blanch spinach for 2-3 minutes.
- Immediately transfer spinach to ice water to lock in its green color.
- Blend the spinach into a smooth puree and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatic Base
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Sauté onions until golden brown. Add garlic, ginger, and green chilies, cooking until fragrant.
- Add Spices and Tomato
- Stir in the tomato puree, turmeric, coriander powder, and red chili powder.
- Cook until the oil separates from the masala.
- Combine Spinach Puree
- Mix in the spinach puree with the masala. Add water to adjust consistency and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Add Paneer and Cream
- Gently add paneer cubes and let them cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in fresh cream and garam masala. Adjust salt to taste.
- Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with a drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of kasuri methi. Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best color and flavor.
- To keep paneer soft, soak it in warm water before adding to the curry.
- Adjust the spices based on your heat preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: palak paneer recipe, spinach curry, vegetarian Indian dish, healthy paneer recipe, North Indian cuisine