If you love Indian food, this palak paneer recipe is one you will make again and again. Soft cubes of paneer sit in a smooth, lightly spiced spinach gravy. It tastes like restaurant food, but it is simple enough for a weeknight dinner at home.
On TasteNest Recipe, we keep things easy, so this easy palak paneer recipe uses everyday ingredients and takes about 35 minutes.
Why You Will Love This Palak Paneer Recipe
- Creamy without being heavy. The spinach puree gives a natural creaminess, and you only need a little cream.
- Healthy and high in protein. Paneer gives you protein and calcium, and spinach adds iron and fiber.
- Simple and beginner friendly. There are no complicated steps. If you can boil and blend, you can make this.
- Great for meal prep. The gravy stays fresh in the fridge for 3 days.
What Is Palak Paneer?
Palak means spinach and paneer is Indian cottage cheese. Together they make one of the most popular vegetarian curries in North India. This healthy palak paneer recipe keeps the traditional taste and uses less oil and cream than most restaurant versions.
Ingredients
For the spinach puree
- 500 g fresh spinach (palak), about 2 large bunches
- 1 green chili
- 1 small piece of ginger
For the gravy
- 250 g paneer, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cream (optional)
- Salt to taste
How to Make Palak Paneer (Step by Step)
Step 1: Blanch the spinach. Boil water, add the spinach and cook for 2 minutes. Move it straight into cold water. This keeps the palak paneer a bright green color.
Step 2: Make the puree. Blend the spinach with the green chili and ginger into a smooth paste. Set it aside.
Step 3: Lightly fry the paneer (optional). Pan-fry the paneer cubes in a little oil until golden on the edges. Then soak them in warm water for 10 minutes so they stay soft.
Step 4: Start the masala. Heat oil in a pan and add the cumin seeds. When they sizzle, add the onion and cook until golden. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 5: Add the tomatoes and spices. Add the tomatoes, turmeric, coriander powder, chili powder and salt. Cook until the tomatoes turn soft and the oil separates.
Step 6: Add the spinach puree. Pour in the puree and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes. Add a splash of water if it is too thick.
Step 7: Add the paneer. Put in the paneer cubes, garam masala and kasuri methi. Simmer for 3 more minutes.
Step 8: Finish with cream. Stir in the cream, turn off the heat, and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Palak Paneer Recipe
- Do not overcook the spinach. Too much cooking turns it dull and brown.
- Use fresh paneer. Homemade or good-quality paneer gives the softest texture.
- Use cashew paste for extra creaminess. Blend 6 to 8 soaked cashews and add them instead of cream.
- Add a pinch of sugar. It balances the taste of the spinach.
What to Serve with Palak Paneer
This creamy palak paneer recipe goes well with:
- Soft roti, chapati or naan
- Jeera rice or plain basmati rice
- A side of onion salad and lemon wedges
Storage and Reheating
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water. You can freeze the gravy without the paneer for up to 1 month.
Nutrition (Approximate, per serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 280 kcal | 14 g | 12 g | 20 g |
Serves 3 to 4. Values change with the oil and cream you use.
FAQs
Why does my palak paneer turn brown?
The spinach was overcooked or was not cooled in cold water after boiling.
Can I make this palak paneer recipe vegan?
Yes. Use tofu instead of paneer, oil instead of ghee, and cashew paste instead of cream.
Is palak paneer good for weight loss?
It can be, in moderate portions. Use less oil and skip the cream to make it lighter.
Final Thoughts
This palak paneer recipe is creamy, healthy and simple, and it works for both beginners and experienced cooks. Try it once and it will probably become a regular in your kitchen. If you make it, leave a comment and tell us how it turned out.
For more easy vegetarian dinners, keep exploring TasteNest Recipe.
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