Cottage Cheese in Spinach Gravy Palak Paneer

Dive into the rich and creamy world of *Cottage Cheese in Spinach Gravy*, popularly known as *Palak Paneer*, a beloved North Indian classic brimming with vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness. This nutrient-rich recipe features tender cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) lovingly nestled in a velvety spinach gravy that's spiced with aromatic cumin, garam masala, and a hint of chili for an irresistible kick. A quick blanch and blend technique preserves the spinach’s bright green hue and nutrients, making this dish as visually appealing as it is healthful. Enhanced with a touch of cream for luxurious texture, this comforting vegetarian curry pairs perfectly with warm naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice for a satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this easy-to-make dish highlights Indian culinary artistry with every flavorful bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Spinach leaves (palak)
• 250 grams Paneer (cottage cheese)
• 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
• 1 medium, finely chopped Tomato
• 4 small, minced Garlic cloves
• 1 inch, grated Ginger
• 2 whole or adjusted to taste, chopped Green chilies
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Garam masala
• 1 teaspoon or to taste Salt
• 2 tablespoons Oil or ghee
• 2 tablespoons Heavy cream or fresh cream
• 1 cup, or as needed Water

Directions

Step 1

Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly in running water to remove any dirt or grit. Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes, then transfer it to a bowl of ice-cold water to preserve its vibrant green color.

Step 2

Drain the spinach and blend it into a smooth puree using a blender. Set aside.

Step 3

Cut the paneer into bite-sized cubes. Optionally, lightly pan-fry the paneer cubes in 1 teaspoon of oil or ghee until golden on the edges, then set aside.

Step 4

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a deep skillet or pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the chopped tomato and cook until the mixture becomes soft and mushy, about 5 minutes.

Step 8

Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 1 minute.

Step 9

Pour in the pureed spinach and mix thoroughly. Add water to adjust the consistency of the gravy if needed. Let the spinach gravy cook for 5 minutes on low heat.

Step 10

Stir in the garam masala and heavy cream. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 11

Finally, add the paneer cubes to the spinach gravy and gently stir to coat them. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 12

Turn off the heat and garnish with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of crushed fenugreek leaves (optional).

Step 13

Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1388.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1306.3

Total Fat 94.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 42.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 173.9mg	0%
Sodium 4013.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 66.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.1g	0%
Total Sugars 29.1g
Protein 66.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1166.9mg	0%
Iron 19.8mg	0%
Potassium 3938.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.5%

Protein: 19.3%

Carbs: 19.2%