Palak Paneer Recipe | Creamy, Delicious & Nutritious Curry is one of the most popular and loved dishes in Indian cuisine. This wholesome combination of fresh spinach (palak) and soft paneer cubes creates a curry that is not only rich in flavor but also packed with essential nutrients.
Spinach is loaded with iron, vitamins, and fiber, while paneer is an excellent source of protein and calcium. Together, they make a dish that perfectly balances taste and health.
Making restaurant-style Palak Paneer at home is easier than you might think. The recipe begins with blanching the spinach and blending it into a smooth puree.
This puree is then cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of aromatic spices. Finally, soft paneer cubes are added to the luscious gravy, resulting in a creamy, vibrant green curry that pairs wonderfully with naan, chapati, paratha, or steamed rice.
Palak Paneer is also considered a comfort food in many Indian households, especially during the winter season when fresh spinach is in abundance. Its creamy texture, mild spices, and rich flavor make it a family favorite that even kids enjoy.
Beyond its taste, this dish is highly nutritious, making it a great choice for those who want to include more leafy greens in their diet without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients for Palak Paneer Recipe
To make a delicious and creamy Palak Paneer at home, you will need some fresh and simple ingredients that are easily available in every kitchen. Below is the list of ingredients you should gather before starting the recipe
- Spinach (Palak) – 250 to 300 grams (washed and blanched)
- Paneer (Cottage Cheese) – 200 grams (cut into cubes)
- Onion – 1 medium-sized (finely chopped)
- Tomato – 1 large (pureed or finely chopped)
- Green Chilies – 1–2 (adjust as per taste)
- Ginger-Garlic Paste – 1 teaspoon
- Cumin Seeds – ½ teaspoon
- Turmeric Powder – ¼ teaspoon
- Red Chili Powder – ½ teaspoon
- Coriander Powder – 1 teaspoon
- Garam Masala – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – as per taste
- Fresh Cream or Malai – 2 tablespoons (for creaminess)
- Butter or Ghee – 1 tablespoon
- Cooking Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Water – as needed
Step-by-Step Process to Make Palak Paneer
Follow these simple steps to prepare Palak Paneer Recipe | Creamy, Delicious & Nutritious Curry at home:
1. Blanch the Spinach
- Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly in water to remove any dirt.
- Boil water in a pan, add spinach leaves, and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Immediately transfer them into ice-cold water to retain their green color.
- Drain and blend the spinach into a smooth puree. Keep aside.
2. Prepare the Base Masala
- Heat oil or ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, then cook until the raw smell disappears.
- Now add tomato puree and cook until the masala releases oil.
3. Add Spices
- Mix in turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
- Stir well to combine all flavors with the onion-tomato masala.
4. Add Spinach Puree
- Pour the prepared spinach puree into the pan.
- Mix well and cook on medium flame for 4–5 minutes until the gravy becomes thick and creamy.
5. Add Paneer Cubes
- Gently add paneer cubes into the spinach gravy.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes so the paneer absorbs the flavors.
6. Finish with Cream
- Add fresh cream or malai to make the curry rich and smooth.
- Sprinkle garam masala and mix gently.
7. Serve Hot
- Your Palak Paneer is ready!
- Serve hot with naan, chapati, paratha, or steamed rice for a wholesome meal.
Health Benefits of Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer is not just a flavorful dish but also a powerhouse of nutrition. This creamy, delicious, and nutritious curry offers several health benefits, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Rich in Iron and Vitamins
Spinach (Palak) is loaded with iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K, which help in boosting immunity, improving eyesight, and maintaining healthy skin.
2. High in Protein and Calcium
Paneer (Cottage Cheese) is an excellent source of protein and calcium, which are essential for muscle growth, strong bones, and overall energy.
3. Supports Digestion
Spinach contains dietary fiber that promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation.
4. Good for Weight Management
Palak Paneer is filling yet low in calories, making it a great option for those who are trying to manage their weight without compromising on taste.
5. Strengthens Immunity
The combination of leafy greens and dairy provides antioxidants and essential nutrients that help in strengthening the body’s defense system.
6. Maintains Heart Health
Spinach is rich in magnesium and potassium, which help regulate blood pressure and support cardiovascular health.
Tips to Make Creamy and Delicious Palak Paneer
To prepare a truly creamy and delicious Palak Paneer, it is important to focus on freshness and technique. Always choose tender and fresh spinach leaves, as they give a vibrant green color and naturally sweet flavor to the dish, while old leaves may turn the curry slightly bitter.
When blanching the spinach, avoid overcooking just two to three minutes is enough, and immediately placing the leaves in ice-cold water will help lock in both color and nutrients.
The texture of the curry depends a lot on how well the spinach is blended. A smooth, lump-free puree creates the perfect creamy base, and blending it with a couple of green chilies adds a gentle kick of spice.
Paneer should also be prepared carefully; soaking paneer cubes in warm water for a few minutes before cooking keeps them soft and prevents them from turning rubbery.
Palak Paneer tastes best when the flavors are mild and balanced. Avoid adding too many heavy spices—let the natural taste of spinach and paneer shine through.
For that restaurant-style richness, finish the curry with a spoonful of fresh cream or a little cashew paste, which gives the gravy a silky and luxurious texture. Finally, always cook the spinach puree on a low to medium flame. Overcooking can dull the bright green color and reduce its nutritional value.
Storage & Shelf Life of Palak Paneer
- Refrigeration: Store Palak Paneer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for about 2 days.
- Reheating: Always reheat on low flame to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid reheating multiple times.
- Freezing: You can freeze the spinach gravy (without paneer) for up to 2–3 weeks. Add fresh paneer cubes when reheating.
- Paneer Texture: Paneer may turn chewy if stored too long, so it’s better to add paneer fresh before serving.
- Shelf Life at Room Temperature: Do not keep Palak Paneer at room temperature for more than 4–5 hours, especially in warm weather.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Making Palak Paneer
- Overcooking Spinach: Cooking spinach for too long makes it lose its bright green color and nutrition. Always blanch for just 2–3 minutes.
- Skipping Ice Bath: Not transferring blanched spinach into ice-cold water can turn the curry dull and brownish instead of vibrant green.
- Using Old Spinach: Old or wilted spinach leaves can make the curry bitter. Always choose fresh, tender leaves.
- Chewy Paneer: Adding paneer directly without soaking may make it hard. Soak paneer cubes in warm water before using for a soft texture.
- Too Many Spices: Overloading with heavy spices can overpower the natural flavor of spinach and paneer. Keep the balance mild and creamy.
- Overcooking After Adding Puree: Cooking the spinach puree for too long on high heat can spoil both taste and color. Use low to medium flame.
- Skipping Cream or Cashew Paste: Not adding a little cream or nut paste may leave the curry less creamy and rich compared to restaurant-style Palak Paneer.
Conclusion
Palak Paneer Recipe | Creamy, Delicious & Nutritious Curry is a perfect blend of taste, health, and tradition. With the goodness of spinach and the richness of paneer, this dish not only delights your taste buds but also nourishes your body with essential nutrients. Whether you prepare it for a weekday meal or a special family dinner, Palak Paneer always makes the menu extra special. By following the right steps, using fresh ingredients, and keeping a balance of flavors, you can easily recreate the authentic restaurant-style experience at home. Serve it hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice, and enjoy a wholesome Indian meal with your loved ones.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach for Palak Paneer?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but fresh spinach gives better taste and color.
2. How to keep paneer soft in the curry?
Soak paneer cubes in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the curry.
3. Is Palak Paneer healthy for kids?
Yes, it is rich in iron, protein, and calcium, making it a great choice for kids.
4. Can I make Palak Paneer without cream?
Yes, you can skip cream or replace it with cashew paste for a healthier version.
5. What can I serve with Palak Paneer?
It pairs well with naan, roti, paratha, and steamed rice.