Creamy Palak Paneer

If you’re craving real Indian flavor, this creamy palak paneer recipe delivers it without unnecessary fuss. Here’s everything you need to make it right at home.

Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian vegetarian curry made from pureed spinach simmered with warm spices, tossed with soft cubes of paneer cheese for a hearty, comforting dish.

Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish, this beginner-friendly recipe makes 4 servings and comes together with 13 everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of Indian dish worth putting into regular rotation.

Why this recipe works:

• Blanching the spinach before pureeing keeps the sauce a vibrant green instead of a dull, muddy color.
• Soft cubes of paneer soak up the warmly spiced sauce while holding their shape, unlike softer cheeses.
• A simple simmer-and-blend process makes this friendly for a beginner cook, ready in about 40 minutes.
• Makes 4 servings, a comforting vegetarian main for any night of the week.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with basmati rice or warm naan bread, and a side of pickled onions.

Creamy Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian vegetarian curry made from pureed spinach simmered with warm spices, tossed with soft cubes of paneer cheese for a hearty, comforting dish. Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish, this beginner-friendly recipe makes 4 servings and comes together with 13 everyday ingredients. It's the kind of Indian dish worth putting into regular rotation.

Healthy

Author: Hannah Collins Cooking Method: Simmering Cuisine: Indian Courses: Dinner Recipe Keys: Gluten Free Nut Free V Vegetarian

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Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 40 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 9 Calories: 310 Best Season: Available Dietary:

V Vegetarian

Ingredients:

Servings

• 1 lb fresh spinach
• 8 oz paneer cubed
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 tomatoes chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ¹⁄₂ tsp turmeric
• ¹⁄₄ tsp cayenne
• ¹⁄₄ cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Before you start, gather and prep all 13 ingredients listed above - wash, chop, measure, and have everything within reach.
2. Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes.
3. Transfer to ice water.
4. Drain and blend into a smooth puree.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a pan and lightly fry the paneer cubes until golden on the edges.
6. Set aside.
7. In the same pan, heat remaining ghee and cook the onion for 5 minutes until softened.
8. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute.
9. Add tomatoes, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, and cayenne, cooking for 5-6 minutes until the tomatoes break down.
10. Stir in the spinach puree and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
11. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, acid, or spice as needed before serving.
12. Add the paneer and heavy cream, season with salt, and simmer for 5 more minutes before serving.
13. Garnish as desired and serve promptly for the best texture and flavor from your Creamy Palak Paneer.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 310kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 12g60%

Cholesterol 45mg15%

Sodium 380mg16%

Total Carbohydrate 14g5%

Dietary Fiber 4g16%

Sugars 4g

Protein 13g26%

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* 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

Blanching the spinach briefly before blending helps preserve its bright green color instead of turning dull once cooked further. Keep it at a gentle simmer, not a hard boil - too much heat breaks down delicate ingredients and can make sauces separate.

Keywords: palak paneer recipe, spinach paneer curry, indian vegetarian curry, homemade palak paneer