Best Easy Palak Paneer Recipe

Palak paneer is a nutritious vegetarian curry combining protein-rich paneer with iron-packed spinach puree. This healthy, high protein vegetarian dish supports DASH and PCOS diet goals while being a family staple.

Cook 45 min Difficulty NORMAL 285 kcal
#vegetarian #DASH #mediterranean #high protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Paneer 12 oz
  • Spinach (fresh, trimmed) 10 cups
  • Yellow onion (medium, chopped) 1 piece
  • Roma tomato (chopped) 2 pieces
  • Garlic cloves 4 cloves
  • Ginger (fresh, peeled, chopped) 1 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Canola oil (or ghee) 2 tbsp
  • Cumin seeds 1 tsp
  • Garam masala 1 tsp
  • Coriander powder 1 tsp
  • Turmeric powder 0.5 tsp
  • Red chili powder 0.5 tsp
  • Salt 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 13 g 18%
Protein 17 g 24%
Fat 17 g 58%
Serving size 230g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Add spinach and blanch for 2 minutes until just wilted, then drain and plunge into ice water to preserve its bright green color.

  2. 2

    Transfer blanched spinach to a blender along with garlic, ginger, and chopped tomatoes. Blend until very smooth, adjusting with a splash of water if needed for a thick puree.

  3. 3

    In a heavy skillet over medium heat, warm canola oil. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds, then add onions and sauté until soft and golden, about 7 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir in turmeric, coriander powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Sauté for 1 minute over medium-low heat to bloom the spices, then add the spinach puree and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and the raw smell disappears.

  5. 5

    Gently add cubed paneer pieces to the sauce and simmer over low heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust consistency with a few tablespoons of hot water if needed. Serve hot with rice or flatbread.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Palak Paneer recipe?
The key ingredients that define Palak Paneer are the paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and fresh spinach. Paneer provides a rich, mild protein base, while spinach brings a vibrant color, creamy texture, and a distinct earthy flavor. Together, they create the classic identity of this nutritious vegetarian curry.
Q. How do I get the best color and texture for the spinach gravy?
To get a bright green color and velvety texture, blanch the spinach briefly, then shock it in ice water before blending. This step locks in both the color and nutrients. Blending with aromatics and simmering the puree gently helps achieve a smooth, restaurant-style sauce.
Q. How do I prevent the paneer from turning rubbery when cooking?
Always add paneer cubes towards the end and simmer them gently on low heat for just 5–7 minutes. Overcooking paneer or boiling it rapidly can make it tough and chewy, so keep the heat low and stir occasionally for soft, tender pieces.
Q. What are the nutrition stats and protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Each serving contains 285 kcal, with 17g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. The protein accounts for 24% of total calories and carbohydrates for 18%, making this dish a balanced, high-protein vegetarian option suitable for various health-focused diets.
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