Authentic Palak Paneer Recipe | Easy Spinach & Paneer Dish

Palak Paneer is a classic Indian dish that strikes the perfect balance between nutrition and flavor. Creamy spinach (palak) puree combines with soft, melt-in-your-mouth paneer to create a comforting, hearty meal that pairs wonderfully with roti or rice. Loved by vegetarian foodies and fans of Indian cuisine alike, this easy recipe will help you bring authentic flavors straight to your kitchen.

Whether you're a seasoned home cook or completely new to Indian food, this step-by-step guide makes recreating Palak Paneer at home a delight!

What is Palak Paneer?

Palak Paneer is a North Indian dish featuring spinach (palak) and Indian cottage cheese (paneer). This vegetarian recipe is wholesome, packed with essential nutrients, and absolutely irresistible. Its creamy and mildly spiced base makes it a great introduction to Indian food for those who may not be accustomed to heavy spices.

Paneer is a rich source of protein, and spinach is loaded with iron, making this dish a go-to comfort meal with health benefits to boot.

Why You’ll Love This Palak Paneer Recipe

• Easy to Make: The recipe involves simple steps and is beginner-friendly. 
• Healthy and Wholesome: It’s loaded with protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Authentic Flavors: Using fresh and traditional ingredients ensures the dish retains its rich authenticity.

Ingredients for Palak Paneer

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to whip up your very own Palak Paneer. Most items can be found at your local grocery store or an Indian market.

For the Spinach Puree

• 2–3 cups of fresh spinach leaves (palak), washed and chopped
• 1 small green chili (optional, for mild heat)
• ½ cup water
• Ice water for blanching

For the Paneer and Gravy

• 250g paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 large tomato, finely chopped or pureed
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp red chili powder (optional)
• ¼ cup heavy cream or cashew paste (for a creamier texture)
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Palak Paneer Recipe

Follow these easy steps to recreate restaurant-quality Palak Paneer in the comfort of your home.

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Puree

1. Heat a large pot of water and bring it to a boil. Add the spinach leaves and blanch them for 2–3 minutes until they wilt.
2. Immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water. This helps preserve the vibrant green color.
3. Drain the spinach and blend it into a smooth puree with a green chili and ½ cup of water. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Paneer

1. Heat 1 tbsp of oil or ghee in a pan.
2. Lightly fry the paneer cubes until they turn golden on the edges. Remove and set them aside. (Optional step; you can skip frying if you prefer soft paneer.)

Step 3: Prepare the Gravy

1. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of oil or ghee in the same pan.
2. Add cumin seeds and allow them to crackle for a few seconds.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped onions; cook until the onions turn translucent.
4. Mix in the chopped tomatoes and cook until soft (about 5–6 minutes). You can use pureed tomatoes for a smoother texture.
5. Add turmeric, garam masala, coriander powder, and red chili powder to the pan. Stir everything together until the spices are aromatic.

Step 4: Combine Spinach, Paneer, and Gravy

1. Pour the spinach puree into the pan and stir well with the masala base.
2. Add a little water if the consistency is too thick. Simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Gently fold in the paneer cubes. Cover the pan and cook for another 3–4 minutes on low heat.

Step 5: Add the Final Touch

1. Stir in the heavy cream or cashew paste for a rich, creamy finish.
2. Adjust salt to taste. Simmer briefly and remove from heat.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Palak Paneer is ready to serve! Garnish with a drizzle of cream and serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice for an unforgettable meal.

Tips for the Perfect Palak Paneer

• Fresh Spinach: Always use fresh spinach for maximum flavor and nutrition. Frozen spinach works in a pinch, but fresh leaves give the dish a vibrant color and taste.
• Paneer Softness: To keep paneer cubes soft, soak them in warm water after frying until you’re ready to add them to the gravy.
• Blanch for Bright Color: Blanching spinach and cooling it in ice water prevents it from turning an unappealing dark green.
• Spice Levels: Adjust the spice based on your heat tolerance. Red chili powder and green chilies can be omitted for a mild version.

Why Palak Paneer Is a Must-Try for Indian Cuisine Lovers

Palak Paneer is more than just a vegetarian dish; it’s a celebration of bold yet comforting flavors. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner option or simply trying to explore Indian cuisine, this spinach-and-paneer combo is always a winner. Plus, it’s endlessly versatile—you can swap out paneer for tofu, add your favorite spices, or even use coconut milk for a vegan twist.

Experiment with Indian Cooking Today!

We hope this guide inspires you to try Palak Paneer at home. It’s simple enough for everyday cooking yet sophisticated enough to wow dinner guests. Roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare a dish that will tantalize your taste buds!

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