🇮🇳 India · Food
Palak Paneer
By eatmundo · August 3, 2026
🇮🇳 INAI-generated imageA vibrant North Indian curry featuring cubes of soft paneer cheese nestled in a silky, spiced spinach gravy. It is the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Blanch the fresh spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately plunge into cold water to preserve the bright green color.
- 2
Drain the spinach and blend it into a smooth puree.
- 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a pan and lightly brown the paneer cubes; set them aside.
- 4
In the same pan, heat the remaining ghee and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until golden.
- 5
Add the tomatoes and cook until they break down, then stir in the garam masala and salt.
- 6
Mix in the spinach puree and cook for 5 minutes over low heat to meld the flavors.
- 7
Add the fried paneer cubes to the gravy and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- 8
Serve warm with naan or jeera rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Palak Paneer?+
Palak paneer is a popular North Indian vegetarian curry made by simmering cubes of paneer cheese in a smooth, spiced spinach gravy. It is commonly served as a main course alongside flatbreads or rice during lunch and dinner.
Can I use store-bought paneer?+
Yes, but soaking store-bought paneer in hot water for 10 minutes before frying keeps it soft and spongy.
Is heavy cream needed?+
Traditional home-style Palak Paneer is often made without cream, but you can stir in 2 tablespoons for extra richness.
What if my spinach isn't bright green?+
The immediate ice bath after blanching is the key to stopping the cooking process and keeping the color vibrant.
Can I substitute paneer?+
Extra-firm tofu is the best vegan substitute, though it will have a different texture profile.
🇮🇳 INAI-generated imageMundo Match
Dishes across the world that share Palak Paneer's core ingredients.
