Palak Paneer

Creamy, vibrant, and packed with nutrition, Palak Paneer is a classic North Indian vegetarian dish that pairs tender cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with a luscious spinach-based gravy. This nutrient-rich recipe is made by blending fresh spinach with aromatic spices like cumin, garlic, ginger, and garam masala, creating a velvety sauce that perfectly complements the mild paneer. The use of blanched spinach ensures a bright green color, while optional heavy cream adds indulgent creaminess. Serve this comforting and wholesome dish with warm naan, buttery roti, or fragrant basmati rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you're a fan of Indian cuisine or exploring it for the first time, Palak Paneer is a flavorful delight that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Spinach leaves (palak)
• 200 grams Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
• 1 medium Onion
• 1 medium Tomato
• 1 small Green chili
• 4 pieces Garlic cloves
• 1 inch piece Ginger
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Garam masala
• 2 tablespoons Heavy cream (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 to taste Salt
• 0.5 cup Water

Directions

Step 1

Thoroughly wash the spinach leaves in cold water to remove any dirt. Blanch the spinach by boiling it in water for 2-3 minutes until wilted, then immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Cut the paneer into bite-sized cubes. Optionally, lightly fry them in 1 tablespoon of oil until golden and set aside.

Step 3

Blend the blanched spinach with green chili, garlic, and ginger into a smooth puree. Add a few tablespoons of water if necessary for blending.

Step 4

Finely chop the onion and tomato.

Step 5

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

Step 6

Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the chopped tomato and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and add the spinach puree. Mix thoroughly and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Add water if the consistency is too thick.

Step 9

Gently fold in the paneer cubes and let them cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.

Step 10

Stir in garam masala and optional heavy cream for a richer texture. Cook for another 1-2 minutes and turn off the heat.

Step 11

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

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1197.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1160.7

Total Fat 84.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 39.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 146mg	0%
Sodium 4005.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 58.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.6g	0%
Total Sugars 20.9g
Protein 57.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1053.0mg	0%
Iron 19.4mg	0%
Potassium 3794.7mg	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: 62.3%

Protein: 18.7%

Carbs: 19.1%