Name: Palak Paneer (Indian Spinach and Paneer)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 0.5 pound paneer, cubed; 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1.5 cups water; 1 (10 ounce) package fresh spinach; 1 large tomato, diced; 3 cloves garlic; 2 dried red chile peppers, or to taste; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger root; 1 teaspoon curry powder; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 pinch salt to taste

Savor the vibrant flavors of India with this classic Palak Paneer recipe. Fresh spinach and creamy paneer cheese are simmered in a fragrant blend of spices, creating a dish that's both comforting and exotic. A vegetarian delight that's sure to impress!

Follow The Directions

01

Step

5 mins

Heat a skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat; fry paneer cubes until lightly browned on each side, about 5 minutes. Transfer paneer to a bowl.

02

Step

0 mins

Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in the same skillet used to cook paneer over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and cook until seeds are slightly red. Stir water, spinach, tomato, garlic, chile peppers, ginger, curry powder, ground coriander, and ground turmeric into cumin seeds. Season with salt.

03

Step

20 mins

Bring spinach mixture to a boil and simmer until garlic is very soft, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool.

04

Step

0 mins

Transfer spinach mixture to a blender or food processor; puree until smooth.

05

Step

5 mins

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil in a saucepan over medium heat; add spinach puree and paneer cubes. Simmer until hot, about 5 minutes.

For a richer flavor, use ghee (clarified butter) instead of canola oil.
If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the pureed spinach mixture before adding the paneer.
Adjust the amount of chile peppers to your desired level of spiciness.
Serve hot with naan bread or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Claudia Legros

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.2/ 5 ( 10 Ratings)

Total Reviews: (6)

Amara Strosin
Jun 13, 2025
I added a little cream at the end for extra richness.
Elwin Kuhic
May 11, 2025
This recipe is so easy to follow!
Janelle Gutkowski
May 10, 2025
My family loved it!
Leo Mcclure
May 6, 2025
Definitely adding this to my regular rotation!
Cyril Fahey
Apr 13, 2025
The flavors are amazing!
Jaylin Kuvalis
Apr 1, 2025
I used frozen spinach and it turned out great!

Palak Paneer (Indian Spinach and Paneer)

Ingridients

Nutrition

Follow The Directions

01

02

03

04

05

Claudia Legros

Written by

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RECIPE REVIEWS

Amara Strosin

Elwin Kuhic

Janelle Gutkowski

Leo Mcclure

Cyril Fahey

Jaylin Kuvalis

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