Description
Authentic Indian Palak Paneer is a creamy spinach curry with tender paneer, warm Indian spices, garlic, ginger, and a smooth flavorful sauce that makes an easy vegetarian dinner for serving with naan or rice.
Ingredients
450 grams fresh spinach
225 grams paneer, cubed
2 tablespoons ghee or oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 to 2 green chilies, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 tablespoons water, as needed
1 teaspoon kasuri methi, crushed
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and prepare a bowl of ice water. Blanch the spinach for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted and bright green, then transfer it to the ice water and drain well.
2. Squeeze out the extra moisture from the spinach and blend it with the green chilies until smooth. Add a spoonful of water only if needed.
3. Heat ghee or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
4. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the chopped tomato, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomato softens and the mixture becomes thick and glossy.
6. Pour in the spinach puree and stir well. Simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes, adding a little water if the sauce feels too thick.
7. Add the paneer cubes, kasuri methi, garam masala, and heavy cream. Stir gently and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the paneer is heated through.
8. Turn off the heat, stir in the lemon juice, and serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
Notes
Use fresh spinach for the brightest color and cleanest flavor.
Do not boil the paneer in the sauce for too long or it can become firm.
A small splash of cream at the end helps mellow the spices and gives the curry a silky finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 38mg