The Best Homemade Palak Paneer Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade palak paneer is creamy, flavorful, and super easy to make, even for beginners. You’ll love how fresh and healthy it feels, perfect for a hearty yet nutritious meal. The vibrant green color makes it a feast for the eyes, while the blend of spices adds just the right kick. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra greens without compromising on taste. Best of all, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Recipe

Palak Paneer is a classic North Indian dish that combines creamy spinach gravy with soft cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese). It’s a nutritious and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal.

Ingredients:

• 500g fresh spinach (palak), washed and chopped
• 200g paneer, cut into cubes
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 2-3 green chilies, slit
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 cup fresh cream
• 2 tbsp cooking oil or ghee
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

Instructions:

1. Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to cold water. Blend into a smooth paste and set aside.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
5. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
6. Add the spinach paste and cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat.
7. Add garam masala and fresh cream. Stir well.
8. In a separate pan, lightly fry the paneer cubes until golden.
9. Add the paneer to the spinach gravy and simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust consistency with water if needed.
10. Serve hot with naan or rice.

Notes:

• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
• For a vegan version, replace paneer with tofu and use coconut cream instead of dairy cream.

Equipment:

• Blender
• Frying pan
• Cooking spoon

Time:

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Cuisine:

Indian

Serving:

Serves 4

Nutrition

Palak Paneer is a nutritious dish packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250
Protein	12g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	16g
Fiber	4g
Vitamin A	80% DV
Vitamin C	30% DV
Calcium	25% DV
Iron	15% DV

What To Serve With It

I always pair my homemade palak paneer with fluffy basmati rice, which soaks up the creamy spinach sauce perfectly. For something extra, I love serving it with warm garlic naan bread, adding a delicious crunch and burst of flavor. These sides make the meal feel complete and satisfying.

Fluffy Basmati Rice

When you’re serving a dish as flavorful as palak paneer, pairing it with fluffy basmati rice is a no-brainer. The light, aromatic grains perfectly balance the rich, creamy spinach and paneer, creating a harmony of textures and tastes. I love rinsing the rice until the water runs clear, then letting it soak for 20 minutes before cooking—it makes all the difference. A pinch of salt and a splash of oil or ghee transforms it into something truly special. It’s not just a side; it’s the base that soaks up every bit of that delicious gravy. Trust me, you won’t want to skip this step.

Garlic Naan Bread

There’s something magical about tearing into warm, buttery garlic naan bread right out of the oven—it’s soft, slightly chewy, and packed with that irresistible garlic flavor. I love how it perfectly complements homemade palak paneer, soaking up that creamy spinach sauce like a dream. Making it isn’t as hard as you’d think—just mix flour, yogurt, and yeast, knead the dough, and let it rise. Then, roll it out, sprinkle minced garlic and cilantro, and cook it on a hot skillet. The smell alone is worth the effort. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never want a palak paneer meal without it.