Palak Paneer Recipe – Creamy Spinach and Cottage Cheese Curry

Introduction

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy Indian curry, Palak Paneer is a true classic. Made with silky spinach gravy, soft cubes of paneer (cottage cheese), and aromatic spices, this dish combines taste, texture, and nutrition beautifully. It’s vibrant, comforting, and one of the most loved paneer recipes across subcontinent

Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a food lover exploring new flavors, this spinach curry will become a regular on your table!

Ingredients

For the Spinach Puree:

2 cups fresh spinach (palak) leaves, washed
1 green chili
½ inch ginger
2 cloves garlic
Water for blanching

For the Curry:

2 tbsp oil or ghee
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tomato, pureed
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp coriander powder
½ tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
Salt to taste
200g paneer, cut into cubes
2 tbsp fresh cream or malai
1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Puree

Blanch the spinach leaves in hot water for 2 minutes, then transfer to ice-cold water.
Blend with green chili, ginger, and garlic to form a smooth, vibrant green puree.

Step 2: Make the Curry Base

Heat oil or ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds.
Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Mix in tomato puree, salt, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala.
Cook until the masala releases oil and becomes aromatic.

Step 3: Combine and Finish

Stir in the spinach puree and cook for 3–4 minutes on medium heat.
Add paneer cubes and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
Mix in cream and kasuri methi.
Adjust salt and spice levels as per taste.

Serving Suggestion

Serve hot Palak Paneer with buttery naan, jeera rice, or roti.
For an extra touch, drizzle cream on top and garnish with a few paneer cubes or lemon wedges.

Pro Tips

For richer flavor, lightly fry paneer cubes before adding them to the curry.
Use baby spinach for a smoother texture and natural sweetness.
Add a splash of lemon juice to balance the earthy spinach flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

High in protein and iron
Creamy, mild, and comforting
Ready in under 30 minutes
Perfect for both lunch and dinner
Vegetarian and gluten-free