Description
Craving a hearty, flavorful Indian meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress guests? This Palak Paneer is just what you need. Creamy spinach purée spiced to perfection cradles golden, pan-fried cubes of paneer in this delicious, gluten-free dish. It’s rich in nutrients, quick to prepare, and can be made vegetarian or vegan with simple swaps. Ideal for easy dinner nights, lunch leftovers, or healthy food ideas that don’t compromise on flavor, this classic recipe belongs in your regular rotation of dinner ideas and easy recipes.
Ingredients
1 bunch fresh spinach
200g paneer, cubed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, minced
2 green chilies, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp cream or yogurt (optional)
2 tbsp oil or ghee
1/4 cup water (for blending)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add spinach and blanch for 30-40 seconds. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to preserve the green color. Drain and set aside.
2. Blend the blanched spinach with green chilies and a little water until smooth.
3. Heat 1 tbsp oil or ghee in a non-stick pan and fry paneer cubes until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
4. In the same pan, add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Add onions and cook until golden.
5. Stir in garlic and ginger, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and oil begins to separate.
7. Add turmeric, salt, and garam masala. Cook for another minute.
8. Pour in the spinach purée and mix well. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, adjusting consistency with water.
9. Gently add the paneer cubes and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
10. Stir in cream or yogurt if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
Always blanch spinach and shock in ice water to preserve its vibrant green color.
Soak fried paneer in warm water for 10 minutes to make it extra soft.
You can prepare the spinach base in advance and refrigerate or freeze it for quicker meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: palak paneer, easy dinner, vegetarian curry, spinach recipe, gluten-free Indian food