Craving something warm, wholesome, and bursting with flavor — but short on time? This easy palak paneer recipe is exactly what you need!
Palak paneer, a beloved North Indian dish, combines soft cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with a silky spinach-based curry sauce. It’s rich in nutrients, packed with flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes — ideal for busy weekdays or cozy weekends.
Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned spice lover, you’ll love how simple and satisfying this palak paneer recipe is. Let’s get cooking! 🍛
🌿 What is Palak Paneer?
“Palak” means spinach, and “paneer” is fresh Indian cheese. Together, they create one of India’s most iconic vegetarian dishes — creamy, green, and absolutely delicious.
Traditionally, palak paneer is made with fresh spinach, garlic, ginger, and a blend of aromatic spices simmered into a smooth curry. Paneer cubes are added at the end, soaking up the flavorful sauce.
This dish is rich in iron, protein, and calcium, making it both healthy and comforting — perfect for everyone in the family.
🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make palak paneer at home:
For the Spinach Base:
1 tablespoon oil or ghee
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1–2 green chilies (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon coriander powder
Salt, to taste
For the Paneer & Sauce:
2 cups fresh spinach leaves (palak)
200 grams (7 oz) paneer, cut into cubes
¼ cup cream or cashew paste (for creaminess)
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
Lemon juice, to taste
🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a quick and authentic palak paneer:
Step 1: Blanch the Spinach
Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Add the spinach leaves and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
Immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice-cold water to retain the bright green color.
Drain and blend into a smooth puree. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Curry Base
Heat oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat.
Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
Add onion, sauté until golden brown (about 5 minutes).
Add ginger, garlic, and green chilies, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, garam masala, coriander powder, and salt.
Cook until tomatoes soften and the oil begins to separate.
Step 3: Add the Spinach Puree
Stir the blended spinach into the pan.
Mix well and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or milk.
Step 4: Add Paneer
Gently add the paneer cubes to the sauce.
Stir carefully to coat them evenly with the spinach curry.
Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the paneer to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Add Cream & Finish
Stir in cream or cashew paste for a rich, smooth texture.
Add butter and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Your easy palak paneer is ready to serve! 🌿
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy palak paneer with:
Steamed basmati rice for a classic combo
Naan or roti for a cozy Indian meal
Jeera rice (cumin rice) for added flavor
Or even with quinoa for a healthy modern twist
Add a side of mango chutney, raita, or papad for an authentic Indian dining experience.
💡 Quick Tips for Perfect Palak Paneer
✅ Use fresh spinach for the best color and flavor. Frozen spinach works too — just thaw and drain before blending.
✅ Don’t overcook the spinach! Overcooking can dull the color and taste.
✅ Homemade paneer gives the best texture — soft and spongy.
✅ Blend cashews with the spinach for a creamy, dairy-free version.
✅ Add a pinch of sugar if the curry tastes too bitter.
🥣 Shortcut Version for Busy Days
If you’re in a rush, try this 5-minute shortcut:
Use store-bought spinach puree or frozen spinach.
Use ready-made paneer cubes (easily found in grocery stores).
Blend tomato, onion, garlic, and ginger together to skip chopping.
Simmer everything together in one pan — done in no time!
It’s your quick palak paneer fix without the fuss! 🙌
🌱 Health Benefits of Palak Paneer
This dish isn’t just tasty — it’s a powerhouse of nutrition!
🥬 Spinach: Loaded with iron, vitamin A, and antioxidants.
🧀 Paneer: High in protein and calcium — great for vegetarians.
💚 Low-carb & gluten-free: Perfect for a balanced, wholesome meal.
⚡ Energy-boosting: Keeps you full and energized for hours.
🌟 Variations to Try
Tofu Palak – Replace paneer with tofu for a vegan version.
Methi Paneer – Add fenugreek leaves for extra aroma.
Palak Corn Curry – Stir in corn kernels for sweetness.
Spicy Palak Paneer – Add extra chili powder or garam masala for heat.
Conclusion
And that’s it — your easy palak paneer recipe for busy days! 🍛
In just a few simple steps, you’ve got a creamy, flavorful dish that feels like comfort food yet fits perfectly into a busy schedule. This recipe is proof that healthy and delicious can go hand-in-hand, even on hectic weeknights.
Serve it hot, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every bite of this Indian classic — rich, nourishing, and absolutely irresistible! 🌿