Classic Restaurant Style Palak Paneer Recipe

Short description

Palak paneer is a traditional North Indian curry featuring cottage cheese cubes simmered in a smooth, spiced spinach sauce. Blanching fresh spinach before blending helps retain its bright green color and subtle sweetness. This wholesome curry balances aromatic garlic, onion, ginger, and gentle spices with creamy cottage cheese for a nutritious everyday meal.

Ingredients

• 500 grams fresh spinach leaves, thoroughly washed
• 250 grams paneer (cottage cheese), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chillies, slit lengthways
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 2 tablespoons fresh cream
• Salt to taste
• Ice water bath for blanching spinach

Method

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and prepare a bowl filled with ice cold water.
2. Add washed spinach leaves to boiling water and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
3. Transfer spinach immediately to the ice bath using a slotted spoon to preserve green coloration.
4. Drain ice water completely and blend cooled spinach with green chillies into a smooth puree without extra water.
5. Heat cooking oil or ghee in a deep pan over medium flame and add cumin seeds until they splutter.
6. Add chopped onions and saute for 5 minutes until light golden brown.
7. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
8. Add tomato puree, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until oil separates from the masala.
9. Pour spinach puree into the pan, mix well, and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
10. Gently fold in paneer cubes and let curry cook on low heat for 3 minutes to absorb flavors.
11. Sprinkle garam masala and swirl in fresh cream before turning off heat. Serve hot with naan or roti.