How to Make the Perfect Palak Paneer
Indian · Easy · 40 min · 4 servings
Palak paneer is a vibrant North Indian dish featuring cubes of fresh cottage cheese nestled in a smooth, spiced spinach gravy. It is a nutritional powerhouse that proves vegetarian Indian cooking can be deeply satisfying and full of complex flavor.
Why this recipe works
This Palak Paneer recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 300 g paneer cut into 1 inch cubes
- 500 g fresh baby spinach washed
- 2 medium tomatoes roughly chopped
- 1 large yellow onion finely diced
- 2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp ground coriander
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Blanch the Spinach
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the spinach for exactly 2 minutes until wilted and bright green. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking and preserve the color. Drain well and blend to a smooth puree. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Base
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter for 30 seconds. Add diced onion and cook for 8 minutes until golden. Add tomatoes and ground coriander and cook for another 6 minutes until the tomatoes break down completely.
Step 3: Combine Spinach and Spices
Pour the spinach puree into the tomato onion base and stir well. Add salt and a pinch of garam masala. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the gravy is fragrant and has a unified, smooth consistency.
Step 4: Add Paneer and Serve
Gently fold in the paneer cubes and simmer for 3 minutes just enough to warm the cheese through without breaking it apart. Finish with a swirl of cream if desired and serve immediately with warm naan or steamed basmati rice.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- paneer → firm tofu pressed and dried for a vegan option
- fresh spinach → frozen chopped spinach thawed and drained to save time
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the spinach which turns it from bright green to a dull army green color
- Frying paneer too long before adding it to the gravy which makes it rubbery and tough
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 18g protein, 12g carbs, 28g fat, 5g fiber.
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