How to make Palak Paneer

Palak paneer is a delicious Indian dish. It is the most popular dish that combines the freshness of spinach (palak) with soft cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese). It is a very healthy and nutritious vegetarian option that is loved by people of all ages. Here, we will learn How to make Palak Paneer  step by step and discover some helpful tips to make it even more flavorful.

Palak Paneer Recipe

So, create the same taste as a restaurant-style dish in the comfort of your home. You need to gather the ingredients, prepare the spinach puree, sauté the aromatics, create the gravy, combine it with paneer, and add the creamy touch for a perfect and flavorsome Palak Paneer recipe. Try this easy-to-follow recipe at home and impress your family and friends with your culinary abilities.

 Ingredients

• fresh spinach (palak)- 2 bunches of spinach leaves, cleaned (blanched then in ice-cold water)
• garlic cloves-3 pods(grated)
• ginger-1-inch piece(grated)
• green chilies-2 (roughly chopped)

For Palak Paneer Gravy

• Ghee -1 tbsp
• oil -1 tbsp
• cumin seeds-1/2 teaspoon
• cloves -3-4
• bay leaf-1
• asafoetida- Pinch of
• onions-2 medium-sized (finely chopped)
• garlic -2-3 pods(chopped)
• tomatoes -2 medium-sized(chopped)
• coriander seeds-1 tsp (roasted and crushed)
• kasoori methi (dry fenugreek leaves)-1/2 tbsp (roasted and crushed)
• turmeric powder-1/2 teaspoon
• Red chili powder-1 teaspoon
• spinach (palak)-2-3 leaves(chopped)
• hot water-½ cup
• paneer-250-300g (cut into cubes)
• Fresh Cream- 1 tbsp.
• garam masala-1/2 teaspoon
• Salt to taste

For garnish

• Ginger- Julienne
• Fresh cream

How to make Palak Paneer 

Step 1: Preparation

• Before we start cooking, let us prepare the ingredients:
• Wash and chop the spinach, onions, tomatoes, green chilies, ginger, and garlic.
• Cube the paneer into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.

Step 2: Blanching the Spinach

• In a large pot, blanch spinach leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes. Remove and transfer immediately into ice-cold water, so that it will help to retain its vibrant green color.
• Now in a mixer grinder, add the grated ginger, green chilli, and garlic and make a paste. Then add the cooked palak and make a smooth paste. Keep it aside.

Step 3: Making the Palak Paneer Gravy

• For palak paneer, heat ghee and oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Then add bay leaf, cumin seeds, and asafoetida. Stir it for a minute until the aroma releases.
• Further add the onion and minced garlic and sauté until they turn translucent. Stir it in and cook for another minute.
• Add the tomatoes and stir them until they turn soft and the oil starts to separate.
• After that, add turmeric, red chilli, kasoori methi, crushed coriander seeds, and some coriander powder and mix well.
• Add some chopped palak leaves.
• Now add the prepared palak puree and hot water, adjust the salt, and give it a nice stir.
• Transfer the paneer cubes, sprinkle with garam masala, and allow it to cook for another minute.
• Finally, finish with fresh cream and fold it into the gravy.
• Garnish with ginger julienne and fresh cream.

Tips 

• Use fresh and tender spinach leaves to get a vibrant green color and delicate flavor.
• You can add Kewra water to make the dish restaurant-style.
• Adjust the spiciness as per your taste.
• For a vegan version, you can replace paneer with tofu and use vegan yogurt and cream.

Serving Suggestion

Palak Paneer is best enjoyed with hot naan, roti, or steamed rice. Garnish the dish with a chunk of butter or cream and some fresh julienne ginger.

Variations of Palak Paneer 

Paneer Tikka Palak Paneer: Marinate the paneer cubes with yogurt and spices, then grill or bake them before adding them to the spinach gravy.

Mushroom Palak Paneer: Add sautéed mushrooms to the Palak Paneer for an earthy flavor.

Corn Palak Paneer: Mix in some boiled sweet corn kernels to add sweetness and texture.

Health Benefits of Palak Paneer

The palak paneer recipe is filled with nutritive components, which include spinach (palak), which is a good source of iron, calcium, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it great for overall health. Spinach is a great addition to a weight-loss diet as it is low in calories and packed with nutrients. It is appropriate for individuals who are diabetic due to its high fiber and antioxidant content, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Cottage cheese (paneer) is also a very essential source of high-quality protein that promotes muscle growth and contains calcium, which is important for bone health.

The  Palak Paneer recipe also contains various spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala, which are anti-inflammatory and aid digestion.