Palak Paneer Recipe

Palak Paneer is one of the most popular and loved dishes in Indian cuisine. A delightful combination of soft paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes cooked in a smooth spinach (palak) gravy, this dish balances rich flavors with wholesome nutrition. It is commonly served in Indian households, restaurants, and festive meals. The vibrant green color of the spinach paired with the creamy texture of paneer makes it not only appetizing but also healthy.

Ingredients

To prepare Palak Paneer, gather the following ingredients:

250 grams paneer (cubed)
3–4 cups fresh spinach leaves (palak), washed and chopped
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
2–3 green chilies, slit
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1–2 bay leaves
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
2 tablespoons fresh cream or yogurt (optional for richness)
2 tablespoons ghee or oil
Salt to taste
Water as needed
Fresh lemon juice (optional, for tanginess)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Blanching the spinach

Start by boiling water in a large pan. Add the cleaned spinach leaves and let them cook for 2–3 minutes until they wilt.
Immediately transfer them into a bowl of ice-cold water. This process, called blanching, helps retain the bright green color of the spinach and reduces bitterness.
Once cooled, drain the spinach and blend it into a smooth paste using a blender. Keep this spinach purée aside.

2. Preparing the base gravy

Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and bay leaves, letting them splutter for a few seconds.
Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
Now add chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the oil begins to separate from the mixture.

3. Adding spices

Add turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix well and cook for another minute to bring out the flavors of the spices.
At this stage, you can also add a tablespoon of cashew paste or yogurt for a richer gravy (optional).

4. Cooking with spinach purée

Reduce the heat to low and add the spinach purée to the onion-tomato mixture. Stir well so that everything combines into a smooth green gravy.
Add salt and a little water to adjust consistency. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

5. Adding paneer

Gently add the paneer cubes into the spinach gravy. Stir carefully so that the paneer does not break.
Cover and cook on low heat for another 5 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors.

6. Final touches

Add garam masala and stir gently. If you want a creamier taste, mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh cream or yogurt at this stage.
Taste and adjust seasoning as required. A few drops of lemon juice can also be added for a fresh tang.

Serving Suggestions

Palak Paneer is best enjoyed hot with roti, naan, paratha, or chapati.
It also pairs well with jeera rice, plain basmati rice, or pulao for a complete meal.
Garnish with a drizzle of cream or a few paneer cubes on top for presentation.

Health Benefits

Palak Paneer is not just tasty but also extremely nutritious:

Spinach (palak) is rich in iron, calcium, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. It boosts immunity, improves digestion, and promotes healthy skin.
Paneer is an excellent source of protein and calcium, making it ideal for vegetarians who need muscle and bone-strengthening nutrients.
The combination of leafy greens and dairy provides a wholesome balance of nutrients in one dish.
Using less oil and opting for fresh cream or yogurt makes the dish lighter while retaining its authentic flavor.

Variations

Restaurant-style Palak Paneer: Add a tablespoon of cashew paste or almond paste to the gravy for a creamier texture.
Dhaba-style Palak Paneer: Use more spices like kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and extra garlic for a rustic, bold flavor.
Low-fat version: Replace cream with low-fat yogurt or skip it entirely for a healthier option.
Paneer substitutes: You can replace paneer with tofu for a vegan version and use oil instead of ghee.

Conclusion

Palak Paneer is a perfect blend of taste and health. Its creamy spinach gravy combined with soft paneer cubes makes it a satisfying dish for all occasions. It is quick enough for a weekday dinner yet special enough to serve to guests. With its vibrant color, rich taste, and nutritional value, Palak Paneer continues to be a timeless favorite in Indian kitchens.