Palak Paneer is a traditional North Indian recipe of creamy spinach gravy and paneer cubes. It is healthy, delicious, and great with rice or roti.
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It is on the menu of almost every Indian restaurant and it is a favorite among health-conscious food bloggers and culinary enthusiasts.
It belongs to current food trends such as:
• Protein-packed vegetarian foods
• Clean eating
• Indian keto meals
• Low-carb curry meals
With its versatility and ease, it is a recipe well worth learning, whether a novice or an expert.
Palak Paneer: Healthy, Easy & Authentic Indian Dish
Indian food is a culinary storehouse of flavor, and one of its most favorite dishes is Palak Paneer, a classic North Indian recipe finds a harmonious balance between the delicate taste of paneer and the rich earthiness of spinach (palak). Not only delicious, it is also nutritious, which is why it is a favorite with Indian families and restaurant menus too.
This is the ultimate presentation of how Indian cuisine combines taste with nutrition. Whether you are new to Indian cuisine or an experienced foodie, this article will take you through the history, nutrition, ingredients, tips on preparation, and step-by-step cooking instructions.
What is Palak Paneer?
It is a curry that consists of pureed spinach and paneer (Indian cheese), seasoned with a combination of Indian spices. The spinach is blanched and pureed to form a smooth green sauce, and the paneer is either lightly fried or used raw to soak up the flavors of the gravy.
It is best served with roti, naan, or steamed basmati rice and usually garnished with a dollop of ghee or a swirl of cream.
Palak Paneer Origin
It is originated from Punjabi cuisine, which is a cooking tradition that is known for having strong flavors and dairy-based foods. Spinach has been used in Indian cuisine for centuries, but combining it with soft paneer became extremely popular in North India and eventually around the world.
Nowadays, this dish is a vegetarian Indian thali staple and a buffet spread favorite. Its bright green color and creamy texture are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the taste buds.
Health Benefits
Aside from its fantastic flavor, it is very healthy:
• Spinach contains high amounts of iron, fiber, Vitamin A, C, and K, and antioxidants.
• Paneer contains high-quality protein, calcium, and healthy fats.
• It’s a low-carb, gluten-free, and vegetarian dish suitable for many diets.
Because of these benefits, Palak Paneer is often recommended for people following a healthy eating plan or high-protein vegetarian diet.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this delicious and healthy Indian curry:
For the Spinach Gravy:
• 3 cups spinach (palak), washed and chopped
• 1 green chili
• 1-inch piece ginger
• 4–5 cloves garlic
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 2 tbsp fresh cream (optional)
• Salt according to taste
• 1 tbsp ghee or oil
For the Paneer:
• 200–250g paneer (cut into cubes)
• Optional: lightly pan-fry the paneer cubes in ghee
Step-by-Step
✅ Step 1: Blanch the Spinach
• Boil water in a large pan.
• Add chopped spinach leaves and boil for 2–3 minutes.
• Transfer immediately to ice-cold water to preserve green color.
• Drain and mix with green chili and half of the garlic to a fine puree.
✅ Step 2: Make the Masala Base
• Heat ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds.
• Add chopped onions, remaining garlic, and ginger.
• Sauté until golden.
• Add tomatoes, turmeric, and coriander powder.
• Cook until the tomatoes are tender and oil begins to separate.
✅ Step 3: Add the Spinach Puree
• Add the spinach puree and stir well.
• Add salt, and cook for 4–5 minutes on medium heat.
• Add garam masala and a little cream if desired.
✅ Step 4: Add Paneer
• Add paneer cubes in the gravy and stir gently.
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
• Switch off the flame and let it rest for some time before serving.
Tips to Make Perfect Palak Paneer
1. Blanch, don’t overcook spinach – It retains the green color lively.
2. Don’t over-fry paneer – It becomes rubbery. Light sautéing or adding raw paneer is best.
3. Add cream for richness – Optional, but adds flavor and texture.
4. Use fresh spinach – Frozen spinach may be used, but fresh gives better taste.
5. Adjust spice level – Use your discretion in adding green chilies and garam masala.
What to Serve with Palak Paneer
It pairs best with:
• Phulka/Roti – Soft Indian flatbread
• Butter Naan – For an affluent meal
• Jeera Rice – Cumin-flavored rice
• Plain Steamed Rice – Plain, healthy combination
• Tandoori Roti – Crisp clay-oven bread
Serve with raita, papad, and salad to make a full-fledged Indian lunch or dinner.
Why is it Loved Globally
Indian cuisine has become popular globally, and Palak Paneer can be found in restaurants in the UK, US, Australia, and the Middle East.
Here’s why global food enthusiasts opt for it:
• Gluten-free & veg
• Mild but spicy
• Aesthetic appeal
• Protein-rich meal with fiber
Served in an Indian buffet or prepared fresh at home, the dish breaks cultural barriers and provides comfort to tables everywhere.
Storage & Reheating Tips
• Keep leftover Palak Paneer in the fridge for up to 2 days in a sealed container.
• Warm over a low stovetop. Add a dash of water if it gets too thick.
• Freezing is not recommended, as spinach will turn grainy and lose its flavor.
Final Thoughts
Palak Paneer is more than a meal—it’s comfort food, a nutritional boost, and a celebration of India’s culinary diversity. With its rich spinach sauce, tender paneer bits, and pungent spices, it’s not surprising that Palak Paneer is a classic favorite.
Whether cooking for loved ones, a dinner party, or week-long meal prep, the dish does it all: delicious, healthy, and crowd-pleasing.
So, roll up your sleeves and bring the magic of Palak Paneer into your kitchen today!
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