Palak Paneer (Easy Indian Spinach Paneer Curry)
The Best Palak Paneer Recipe made with soft cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) simmered in a creamy, spiced spinach gravy. Packed with protein, iron, and flavor, this vibrant green curry is easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for serving with rice or Indian breads like naan and roti.
Serving Size 4
Video
Ingredients
- 250 g fresh spinach palak
- 200 g paneer cottage cheese, cubed
- 3–4 cloves of garlic
- 1 inch piece ginger
- 1 medium onion roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- ½ tsp cumin seeds jeera
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp fresh cream or crème fraîche
- ½ cup water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Boil water in a pot, turn off heat, and add washed spinach. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Transfer to ice water to retain color, then drain.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil, add garlic, ginger, green chili (optional), and onion. Cook until lightly browned. Let cool.
- Blend spinach with sautéed aromatics into a smooth paste.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, turmeric, and red chili powder. Fry for a few seconds.
- Stir in spinach paste, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Mix in cumin powder and salt. Add water to adjust consistency.
- Gently stir in paneer cubes, cover, and simmer for 4–5 minutes.
- Add garam masala and cream, stir well, and turn off heat. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve Hot: Garnish with cilantro, ginger slivers, and cream. Pair with rice, roti, or naan.
Nutrition (Estimates Only)
Calories: 241kcalCarbohydrates: 9.8gProtein: 11.5gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1.2gSugar: 2.5gVitamin A: 9800IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 260mgIron: 2.3mg