Description
If you’re craving a dish that’s nourishing, comforting, and bursting with bold flavors, Palak Paneer is your answer. This North Indian classic features creamy spinach and tender paneer cubes in a spiced, vibrant green curry. It’s a beautiful balance of hearty and wholesome—ideal for a quick dinner, healthy lunch, or even an impressive vegetarian dinner party. This easy recipe is rich in protein and iron, and fits right into your list of weeknight dinner ideas or satisfying food ideas. Great for gluten-free, meatless meals too!
Ingredients
500g spinach
200g paneer
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, grated
2 green chilies, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon garam masala
2 tablespoons cooking oil or ghee
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Salt to taste
Water for blanching
Instructions
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the spinach for 1-2 minutes. Immediately transfer to ice water, then blend into a smooth puree.
2. Cut paneer into cubes and lightly fry until golden on all sides. Set aside on paper towels.
3. In a pan, heat oil or ghee. Sauté chopped onions until golden.
4. Add garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in tomatoes. Cook until soft and paste-like.
6. Add cumin seeds and garam masala. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes.
7. Pour in the spinach puree. Simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat.
8. Add the fried paneer and cream. Cook another 2-3 minutes.
9. Season with salt to taste. Serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
For extra richness, replace water with a splash of milk when blending spinach.
To keep paneer soft, soak fried cubes in warm water for 5 minutes before adding.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: palak paneer, easy recipe, vegetarian curry, spinach paneer, Indian food ideas