Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is a vibrant North Indian curry of blanched spinach pureed into a smooth, mildly spiced sauce and simmered with soft cubes of paneer cheese. Nutritious, comforting, and a vegetarian menu staple.

By YumYum Editorial · Indian

Prep: 15 min · Cook: 25 min · Total: 40 min · Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
• 2 green chilies
• to taste 1-inch piece ginger, roughly chopped
• 8 oz paneer, cut into cubes
• 3 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil, divided
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• to taste Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or plain yogurt
• 1/2 tsp garam masala

Instructions

1. Blanch spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking and preserve the bright green color.
2. Drain the spinach and blend with green chilies and ginger into a smooth puree; set aside.
3. Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a pan and lightly pan-fry the paneer cubes until golden on the edges, 2-3 minutes; remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, heat remaining ghee and add cumin seeds until fragrant.
5. Add onion and cook until golden, 5-6 minutes, then stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
6. Add tomatoes, turmeric, and coriander powder; cook until softened and the oil separates, 6-8 minutes.
7. Stir in the spinach puree and salt; simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, adjusting consistency with a splash of water if too thick.
8. Add the fried paneer cubes and cream, simmer 3-4 minutes to warm through, then finish with garam masala and serve with roti or rice.