Palak Paneer is a flavorful and healthy Indian dish made with spinach and Indian cottage cheese (paneer). This dish is a perfect balance of taste and nutrition, packed with vitamins from spinach and protein from paneer. It’s easy to make and loved by many. Whether served with naan, roti, or rice, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal!
What is Palak Paneer?
Palak means spinach, and paneer is Indian cottage cheese. In this dish, spinach is cooked into a smooth curry, and cubes of soft paneer are added to create a creamy, comforting dish. The spinach provides a fresh, green base, and the paneer adds a rich, soft texture. It’s a classic combination that has been a staple in many Indian households for generations.
Ingredients Needed:
- 350 grams fresh spinach
- 1 medium tomato
- 5 garlic cloves (3 whole, 2 finely chopped)
- 1-inch piece of ginger
- 1 green chili (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or avocado oil works well)
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- ½ cup water (to adjust consistency)
- ¾ to 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust as per your taste)
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (optional for richness)
- 225 grams paneer (cut into cubes)
- ½ tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Lemon juice to taste
Simple Steps to Make Palak Paneer:
- Blanch the Spinach: Start by boiling some water in a pot. Add a pinch of salt and then drop in the spinach leaves. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes until the leaves are wilted. Once done, immediately transfer the spinach to ice-cold water. This helps keep the spinach green and vibrant.
- Puree the Spinach: Take the cooled spinach and blend it with the tomato, garlic, ginger, and green chili into a smooth paste. Set it aside for later.
- Cook the Base: In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the remaining chopped garlic and sauté for a minute or two until it starts to brown. Then, add the chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent.
- Prepare the Curry: Add the spinach puree to the pan, mixing it well with the onions and garlic. Pour in about ½ cup of water to help the curry cook smoothly. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Spices and Cream: Once the spinach has cooked, add garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the curry. Mix well and let it cook for another minute. Add the cream to give the curry a rich texture and to balance the bitterness of the spinach.
- Add Paneer: Now, gently stir in the paneer cubes and let the curry simmer for 3-4 minutes. This allows the paneer to absorb all the flavors of the spinach.
- Finish with Flavors: Turn off the heat and squeeze in some fresh lemon juice. Add kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for that authentic flavor and mix everything well.
Vegan Option:
If you prefer a vegan version of this dish, you can replace the paneer with tofu (extra-firm) and use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream.
How to Serve Palak Paneer:
Palak Paneer is best enjoyed hot. It pairs wonderfully with roti, naan, or jeera rice. You can also serve it with a simple bowl of steamed rice for a wholesome meal.
Make-Ahead Tips:
You can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, just reheat the curry and add a little water or milk if needed to adjust the consistency.
This simple Palak Paneer recipe is a nutritious, comforting, and delicious addition to your meal. Whether you are a fan of Indian food or trying it for the first time, this dish is sure to become a favorite. It’s packed with flavors and will make any meal special!
Enjoy this healthy spinach and paneer dish with your loved ones, and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite bread or rice!