🥗Palak Paneer Recipe | Delicious & Healthy Indian Curry Dish

Palak Paneer Recipe is one of the most loved vegetarian dishes in Indian cuisine. This creamy, flavorful, and healthy recipe combines fresh spinach (palak) with soft paneer cubes (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a rich and aromatic gravy. Not only is it a comfort food for many, but it’s also packed with nutrients that make it a wholesome meal for any time of the day.

In this detailed article, we’ll cover everything about Palak Paneer Recipe — from ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and variations to its nutritional benefits. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, this SEO-friendly guide will help you make restaurant-style Palak Paneer Recipe easily at home.

🥬What Is Palak Paneer Recipe?

Palak Paneer Recipe is a traditional North Indian curry made with spinach purée and paneer cubes. The word “Palak” means spinach, and “Paneer” refers to Indian cottage cheese. Together, they create a creamy and mildly spiced curry that goes perfectly with roti, naan, or rice.

This dish is a favorite across India and globally loved for its rich green color, creamy texture, and earthy flavor. It’s also a great way to include greens in your diet while enjoying a delicious meal.

🍛Ingredients for Palak Paneer

Here’s the list of ingredients you’ll need to make authentic Palak Paneer at home:

For Blanching Spinach:

• Fresh spinach leaves – 4 cups (around 250g)
• Water – 4 cups
• Ice-cold water – 2 cups

For Gravy:

• Oil or ghee – 2 tablespoons
• Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
• Onion (finely chopped) – 1 medium
• Garlic cloves – 5-6 (finely chopped)
• Ginger – 1-inch piece (grated)
• Green chilies – 2 (optional, for spice)
• Tomato – 1 large (finely chopped)
• Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
• Cumin powder – ½ teaspoon
• Garam masala – ½ teaspoon
• Red chili powder – ½ teaspoon
• Salt – as required

For Finishing:

• Paneer cubes – 200g (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Fresh cream – 2 tablespoons
• Butter – 1 tablespoon (optional)

🥄Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Palak Paneer

Step 1 – Blanch the Spinach

1. Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly under running water to remove dirt.
2. Boil 4 cups of water in a pot and add spinach leaves.
3. Blanch for 2–3 minutes until the leaves wilt.
4. Immediately transfer them to ice-cold water to preserve the bright green color.
5. Once cooled, blend the spinach into a smooth purée and set it aside.

Step 2 – Prepare the Gravy

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan on medium flame.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add ginger, garlic, and green chilies; sauté for a minute until aromatic.
5. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and pulpy.
6. Add coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.

Step 3 – Add Spinach Purée

1. Pour the blended spinach purée into the pan.
2. Mix thoroughly and let it cook for 5–7 minutes on low flame.
3. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.

Step 4 – Add Paneer

1. Gently add the paneer cubes into the spinach gravy.
2. Cook for another 3–4 minutes so that paneer absorbs the flavors.
3. Add cream and butter to give the curry a smooth, restaurant-like texture.

Step 5 – Garnish and Serve

1. Turn off the flame and garnish with a drizzle of cream.
2. Serve hot with naan, roti, paratha, or steamed basmati rice.

🧀Tips to Make the Best Palak Paneer Recipe

1. Use fresh spinach: It gives the dish a vibrant color and fresh taste.
2. Avoid overcooking spinach: Overcooking can make the curry dark and bitter.
3. Fry paneer lightly (optional): You can shallow-fry paneer cubes before adding them for a firmer texture.
4. Add cream or cashew paste: This enhances creaminess and balances the earthy spinach flavor.
5. For vegan version: Replace paneer with tofu and cream with coconut milk.

🍽️Serving Suggestions

Palak Paneer tastes best when served hot with:

• Butter naan
• Tandoori roti
• Jeera rice
• Plain basmati rice
• Garlic paratha

You can also pair it with a side salad, papad, and a bowl of curd for a complete Indian meal experience.

🥗Variations of Palak Paneer Recipe

1. Palak Paneer with Cashew Paste

Adding cashew paste gives the gravy a rich, creamy texture, perfect for parties and festive meals.

2. Dhaba-Style Palak Paneer

This version includes extra spices and butter, giving the dish a bold flavor similar to roadside dhaba food.

3. Vegan Palak Paneer

Use tofu instead of paneer and coconut cream instead of dairy cream for a 100% plant-based version.

4. Palak Paneer with Corn

Sweet corn kernels add a mild sweetness that complements the earthy spinach flavor beautifully.

💪Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

❤️Health Benefits of Palak Paneer

1. Rich in Iron & Calcium: Spinach and paneer are both rich in these essential nutrients.
2. Good for Eyesight: Spinach is loaded with vitamin A, which supports healthy vision.
3. Boosts Immunity: Antioxidants in spinach strengthen the immune system.
4. Supports Muscle Health: Paneer is high in protein, aiding muscle growth and repair.
5. Aids Digestion: Fiber content in spinach promotes good gut health.

🧂Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Palak Paneer in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the spinach gravy (without paneer) for up to a month. Add paneer only after reheating.
• Reheating: Warm it in a pan over low flame; avoid microwaving for long to maintain texture.

🏁Conclusion

Palak Paneer Recipe is a flavorful, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish that represents the heart of Indian home cooking. Whether you are preparing a family dinner or hosting guests, this vibrant green curry never fails to impress. Its perfect balance of health and taste makes it a favorite among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Make this restaurant-style Palak Paneer at home today and enjoy the goodness of spinach and paneer in one delicious meal!

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