Palak Paneer is a traditional Indian dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people all around the world. Originating from the northern region of India, this flavorful dish has a rich history dating back centuries.

The combination of soft, creamy cubes of paneer cheese cooked in a vibrant green spinach gravy creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is simply irresis

Legend has it that Palak Paneer was originally created by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s personal chef, who sought to impress the royal family with a dish that was not only visually stunning but packed a punch in terms of taste.

The chef’s innovative use of spinach, a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine, paired with the luxurious paneer cheese, resulted in a dish fit for royalty.

Despite its royal beginnings, Palak Paneer has since become a beloved comfort food enjoyed by people from all walks of life. The creamy texture of the paneer cheese balances perfectly with the bold flavors of the spinach gravy, creating a dish that is both comforting and indulgent.

While Palak Paneer may seem daunting to prepare at first glance, the recipe is surprisingly simple to follow. With a few key ingredients and some patience, you can recreate this classic Indian dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Spinach: Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients such as iron, vitamin K, vitamin A, and calcium. It adds a vibrant green color and earthy flavor to the dish.

Paneer: Paneer is a fresh cheese that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It has a mild, creamy flavor and a firm texture that holds up well in dishes like Palak Paneer.

Onions: Onions add a savory depth of flavor to the dish. They are usually sautéed until golden brown to bring out their natural sweetness.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes provide a tangy sweetness and help to balance out the flavors of the dish. They also add a rich, red color to the gravy.

Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent, slightly spicy flavor to the dish. It is often sautéed with the onions to build layers of flavor.

Ginger: Ginger adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the dish. It complements the other spices and adds a subtle heat.

Green Chilies: Green chilies add heat and a fresh, spicy flavor to the dish. Adjust the amount of chilies based on your spice preference.

Cumin Seeds: Cumin seeds have a warm, earthy flavor that is essential in Indian cooking. They are usually tempered in hot oil to release their aroma before adding other ingredients.

Turmeric Powder: Turmeric powder adds a bright yellow color to the dish and has a warm, slightly bitter flavor. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Coriander Powder: Coriander powder has a mild, citrusy flavor that adds depth to the dish. It is commonly used in Indian cooking for its aromatic properties.

Garam Masala: Garam masala is a blend of ground spices that adds warmth and complexity to the dish. It usually contains spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.

Chili Powder: Chili powder adds heat and a spicy kick to the dish. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.

Fresh Cream: Fresh cream adds richness and a creamy texture to the dish. It helps to balance out the spices and adds a touch of luxury to the Palak Paneer.

Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients. Adjust the amount to taste, keeping in mind that other ingredients like the paneer and tomatoes may already contain salt.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For serving suggestions, you can enjoy Palak Paneer with some steamed rice or warm roti. You can also serve it with some naan bread or even with some plain yogurt on the side.

• For a variation, you can add some cubed potatoes along with the paneer in the recipe. Simply cook the potatoes along with the paneer until they are tender.
• Another variation you can try is to add some cashew nuts or almonds to the spinach puree for a creamy and nutty flavor.
• If you like a bit of tanginess in your dish, you can squeeze some lemon juice on top of the Palak Paneer before serving.
• You can also garnish the dish with some chopped fresh cilantro or mint leaves for added freshness.
• For a spicier version, you can increase the amount of green chilies or chili powder used in the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Palak Paneer?

Palak Paneer is a popular Indian dish made with spinach and paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices.

Is Palak Paneer vegetarian?

Yes, Palak Paneer is a vegetarian dish as it is made with spinach and paneer, both of which are vegetarian ingredients.

How is Palak Paneer served?

Palak Paneer is typically served with naan or roti (Indian bread) and rice. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a main dish.

What is the nutritional value of Palak Paneer?

Palak Paneer is a nutritious dish as it is rich in iron, calcium, and protein. Spinach is high in vitamins A and C, while paneer is a good source of protein and calcium.

Can I make Palak Paneer ahead of time?
Yes, Palak Paneer can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it before serving.

Is Palak Paneer spicy?
The level of spiciness in Palak Paneer can be adjusted according to your preference. If you prefer a mild dish, you can reduce the amount of green chilies or omit them altogether.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Saag Paneer
• Nawabi Paneer
• Paneer Tikka Masala
• Paneer Tikka
• Nawabi Paneer

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Palak Paneer

by Nabeela Kauser

Discover a vibrant, aromatic dish bursting with the earthy goodness of spinach and the rich creaminess of paneer. This traditional Indian recipe is flavored with a blend of fragrant spices that create a harmonious balance of flavors that will transport your taste buds on a culinary journey

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Calories 343 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 400 g Spinach washed and chopped
• ▢ 250 g Paneer cubed
• ▢ 2 Onions finely chopped
• ▢ 2 Tomatoes chopped
• ▢ 3 cloves Garlic minced
• ▢ 1- inch Ginger grated
• ▢ 2 Green Chillies finely chopped
• ▢ 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• ▢ 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Coriander Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Garam Masala
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
• ▢ 2 tbsp Oil
• ▢ 2 tbsp Double Cream
• ▢ Salt to taste

Instructions

• In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Cook for another 2 minutes.
• Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
• Now, add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook until wilted.
• Once the spinach is cooked, allow the mixture to cool slightly, then blend it into a smooth puree.
• In another pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
• Pour in the spinach puree and stir well.
• Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
• Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes.
• Gently add the cubed paneer into the spinach gravy and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in the fresh cream and cook for an additional minute.
• Remove from heat and serve hot with rice or naan.

Notes

Ensure the spinach is thoroughly washed to remove any dirt or grit.

Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.

Fresh paneer works best for this recipe, but you can also use store-bought paneer.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 343kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 13gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 183mgPotassium: 840mgFibre: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10081IUVitamin C: 44mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 437mgIron: 4mg

Keyword Cooking, Food, Palak Paneer, Paneer, Recipe, Vegan, Vegetarian

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