Palak Paneer Recipe – A Flavorful Spinach and Cottage Cheese Delight

Palak Paneer Recipe – A Flavorful Spinach and Cottage Cheese Delight

Learn how to make authentic Palak Paneer at home with this step-by-step recipe. A healthy and delicious Indian dish made with spinach and paneer, perfect for lunch or dinner.

---

Palak Paneer Recipe – A Flavorful Spinach and Cottage Cheese Delight

Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian vegetarian dish made with fresh spinach (palak) and Indian cottage cheese (paneer), seasoned with aromatic spices. This dish is loved for its rich green color, creamy texture, and delightful flavor. It pairs beautifully with roti, naan, or steamed rice and is a staple in Indian households and restaurants alike.

In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple and delicious Palak Paneer recipe you can easily make at home. Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation steps, and tips to make your Palak Paneer perfect every time.

---

🥬 Ingredients

For the Spinach Puree:

• 250 grams fresh spinach (palak)
• 2 green chilies (adjust to taste)
• 1-inch piece of ginger
• 2-3 garlic cloves
• Water for blanching

For the Gravy:

• 200 grams paneer (cut into cubes)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 1 medium tomato (pureed or finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh cream (optional for creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
• Salt to taste

---

🧑‍🍳 How to Make Palak Paneer – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Blanch and Puree the Spinach

1. Wash the spinach thoroughly to remove dirt.
2. Boil water in a large pan and add the spinach leaves. Blanch for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
3. Remove the spinach and immediately transfer it to a bowl of cold water (this helps retain the bright green color).
4. Blend the spinach with green chilies, garlic, and ginger into a smooth puree. Keep aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Paneer

• Optionally, lightly fry paneer cubes in oil or ghee until golden. Soak in warm water to keep them soft.
• Alternatively, use raw paneer cubes directly for a softer texture.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Stir in tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
4. Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
5. Pour the spinach puree into the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on medium heat.
6. Add the paneer cubes and mix gently.
7. Sprinkle garam masala and stir in cream for richness.
8. Simmer for 2 more minutes and turn off the heat.

---

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Palak Paneer tastes best when served hot with:

• Butter naan or garlic naan
• Jeera rice or plain basmati rice
• Tandoori roti or paratha

Garnish with a swirl of cream or a cube of butter on top before serving.

---

💡 Tips for Perfect Palak Paneer

• Always blanch and shock spinach to maintain its green color.
• Add lemon juice or amchur powder for a slight tang if desired.
• Use fresh homemade paneer for best texture.
• Avoid overcooking the spinach puree to retain nutrients and color.
• You can also add kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for extra flavor.

---

🥗 Health Benefits of Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is not just tasty but also highly nutritious:

• Rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin A
• Good source of protein (paneer)
• Supports eye health, immunity, and digestion
• A great vegetarian option for a balanced diet

---

✅ Conclusion

Palak Paneer is a wholesome and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. Its creamy, spiced spinach gravy combined with soft paneer makes it a must-try recipe for all Indian food lovers. Whether you’re cooking for your family or guests, this classic dish never fails to impress.

Try this recipe today and bring the authentic taste of North Indian cuisine to your kitchen!