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Authentic Indian Palak Paneer


  • Author: Sally Roberts
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Authentic Indian Palak Paneer is a creamy, vibrant, and comforting vegetarian dinner made with fresh spinach, golden paneer, ginger, garlic, and warm Indian spices. It is an easy recipe for anyone craving cozy dinner ideas, healthy food ideas, quick vegetarian meals, and homemade Indian restaurant-style flavor in one beautiful green curry.


Ingredients

1 pound fresh spinach

8 ounces paneer, cut into cubes

2 tablespoons ghee or neutral oil

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 medium tomato, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 green chili, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon kasuri methi, crushed

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon butter

3/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/4 cup water, as needed


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the spinach, and blanch for 45 to 60 seconds until bright green and wilted.

2. Transfer the spinach immediately to ice water, then drain well and blend with a splash of water until smooth.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon ghee or oil in a skillet over medium heat, add paneer cubes, and sear until lightly golden on the edges. Remove and set aside.

4. Add the remaining ghee or oil to the same skillet, then add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.

5. Stir in the onion and cook until soft and lightly golden.

6. Add garlic, ginger, and green chili, then cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

7. Add tomato, turmeric, ground coriander, and salt, then cook until the tomato softens and the mixture looks thick.

8. Pour in the spinach puree and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, adding a little water if the sauce is too thick.

9. Add the seared paneer, cream, butter, garam masala, and kasuri methi, then simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.

10. Turn off the heat, stir in lemon juice, adjust salt, and serve warm with naan, roti, or basmati rice.

Notes

Use ice water after blanching the spinach to keep the sauce bright green and fresh-tasting.

Do not boil the curry hard after adding paneer because paneer can become firm and chewy.

For a richer restaurant-style finish, add an extra tablespoon of cream or butter just before serving.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: Authentic Indian Palak Paneer, palak paneer, spinach paneer curry, Indian vegetarian dinner, easy Indian recipe, dinner ideas, healthy food ideas