This classic Indian Palak Paneer is a vibrant and comforting dish that combines tender cubes of paneer cheese with a rich, smooth spinach gravy. The sauce is built with sautéed onions, fresh tomatoes, and a fragrant blend of ginger, garlic, and garam masala, creating a deep, earthy flavor profile balanced by a hint of heat from red chili powder. The texture is luxuriously smooth yet hearty, making it perfect for scooping up with warm naan bread or fluffy basmati rice. ItâÂÂs an ideal weeknight dinner that feels special enough for guests, offering a nutritious, vegetarian main course packed with iron and protein. Simple to assemble with pantry staples and frozen spinach, this recipe delivers authentic home-style taste without the fuss of complicated techniques.
Palak Paneer
Description
This classic Indian Palak Paneer is a vibrant and comforting dish that combines tender cubes of paneer cheese with a rich, smooth spinach gravy. The sauce is built with saut&# 195;©ed onions, fresh tomatoes, and a fragrant blend of ginger, garlic, and garam masala, creating a deep, earthy flavor profile balanced by a hint of heat from red chili powder. The texture is luxuriously smooth yet hearty, making it perfect for scooping up with warm naan bread or fluffy basmati rice. ItâÂÂs an ideal weeknight dinner that feels special enough for guests, offering a nutritious, vegetarian main course packed with iron and protein. Simple to assemble with pantry staples and frozen spinach, this recipe delivers authentic home-style taste without the fuss of complicated techniques.Ingredients
Directions
-
Heat oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
-
Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
-
Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, and red chili powder; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and soften, about 5-7 minutes.
-
Stir in the thawed spinach and cook until fully incorporated and heated through, about 5 minutes.
-
Gently fold in the cubed paneer cheese.
-
Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and warm the cheese.
-
Serve hot with naan or rice.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 2620.3kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 282.0g434%
- Saturated Fat 61.2g306%
- Cholesterol 104.4mg35%
- Sodium 598.3mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 19.9g7%
- Dietary Fiber 6.9g28%
- Sugars 6.6g
- Protein 15.0g30%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Paneer is a fresh Indian cheese available in Indian or ethnic supermarkets. If unavailable, substitute with firm tofu (pressed and cubed) or 1 cup of green peas for a different texture.
To prevent the curry from becoming too watery, ensure the thawed spinach is thoroughly squeezed of excess liquid before adding it to the pan.
For a smoother consistency, you can blend the spinach, tomato, and onion mixture after cooking, then return it to the pan to simmer with the paneer.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
