Are you craving something creamy, flavorful, and healthy? Look no further! If you want to learn How to Make Palak Paneer at Home Easy Recipe, then you’re in for a real treat. This dish is not only a favorite across Indian households, but it’s also packed with nutrients, vibrant color, and comforting taste. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned home chef, this Easy Palak Paneer recipe step by step will help you master a restaurant-style dish right in your kitchen.
Why Palak Paneer is a Favorite
Palak Paneer is a North Indian vegetarian classic made with soft cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) simmered in a rich spinach-based gravy. This dish is comforting, full of flavor, and can be served with roti, naan, or rice. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and is especially popular during winters when fresh spinach is in season.
One of the best things about Palak Paneer is that it’s not just tasty—it’s also healthy. If you’re looking for a Healthy spinach paneer curry recipe, this post has you covered. We’ll explore the ingredients, preparation, cooking techniques, and even some expert tips that make this a must-try meal.
Ingredients You Will Need
To prepare this Homemade Palak Paneer recipe, gather the following ingredients:
For the spinach puree:
- 500 grams fresh spinach (palak)
- 1-2 green chilies (adjust to taste)
- Water for blanching
For the curry:
- 200 grams paneer (cubed)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (pureed)
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala (optional)
Optional:
- A pinch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek)
- Lemon juice (for added tanginess)
- Fresh cream (we’ll show a Palak Paneer recipe without cream too)
Easy Palak Paneer Recipe Step by Step Instructions
Preparing a delicious bowl of Palak Paneer at home is much easier than you might think. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a flavorful and healthy version of this classic Indian dish. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this guide ensures you’ll get it right every time. Let’s dive into the process of How to Make Palak Paneer at Home Easy Recipe using fresh ingredients and simple techniques.
Step 1: Blanch the Spinach
Blanching spinach enhances both the color and flavor while preserving its nutrients. Begin with 500 grams of fresh spinach. Wash it thoroughly under cold running water, repeating the rinse two to three times to remove grit and dirt. Make sure the leaves are vibrant green and fresh.
Pour 5–6 cups of water into a deep pot and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the spinach along with 1–2 green chilies for a spicy edge. Boil only for 2–3 minutes to retain the bright green hue and avoid overcooking.
Quickly drain and place the spinach in ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps lock in the color. After a few minutes, drain the blanched spinach and green chilies, then transfer them to a blender. Blend them into a smooth, vibrant green puree, adding a splash of water only if necessary. Your fresh spinach paste is now ready to use!
Step 2: Prepare the Base Masala
Start by heating a heavy-bottomed pan on medium flame. Add 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee. Once hot, toss in 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them splutter. Now, add 1 finely chopped medium onion. Saute for 5–7 minutes until the mixture becomes golden and fragrant, enhancing its depth of flavor.
Add 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste and saute for a minute until the raw aroma fades and the mixture turns delightfully aromatic. Then stir in 2 pureed tomatoes and cook the mixture for 5–7 minutes, or until the oil begins to separate. This means your masala is well-cooked.
Then, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly to blend the spices into the masala. Mix well to combine the spices evenly. Mix well and let the spices simmer for a few more minutes to enhance the flavor. This flavorful base is the heart of your curry, providing warmth and depth that beautifully complement the spinach and paneer.
Step 3: Add the Spinach Puree
It’s now time to bring in the vibrant, nutrient-rich spinach puree you prepared earlier. Carefully pour the puree into the pan over your cooked masala. Using a spatula, mix thoroughly so the tomato-onion base merges evenly with the spinach. You’ll notice the color turning a beautiful deep green. This is where the curry starts taking its signature look.
Allow the mixture to gently simmer over low to medium heat for 5–7 minutes, letting the spices blend and deepen in flavor. This helps blend the flavors and thickens the gravy. If it looks too thick, add 2–3 tablespoons of warm water to adjust the consistency. Stir gently.
Now sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala and a pinch of kasuri methi (optional) to enhance the aroma and flavor. Stir thoroughly and allow it to simmer for an additional minute to enhance the taste. Your spinach gravy is now aromatic, thick, and ready for the paneer!
Step 4: Add the Paneer
Now comes the most exciting part—adding the paneer cubes into your rich, green spinach gravy. Cube 200 grams of paneer into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking and smooth blending with the spinach gravy. If using packaged paneer, soak the cubes in warm water for 10 minutes to soften and refresh their texture. This step ensures they remain tender and juicy inside the curry.
Gently add the paneer cubes into the pan. Stir softly so they don’t break apart. Let the curry simmer with paneer for about 3–4 minutes on low heat. This helps the paneer soak up the flavors from the gravy without turning rubbery.
If you want a richer version, stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh cream. But if you’re following a Palak Paneer recipe without cream, skip this step—the curry is still delicious, creamy, and full of flavor naturally!
Final Touch and Serve
Give the curry a final taste and adjust salt or spices if needed. Squeeze in a bit of lemon juice for brightness (optional). Garnish with a swirl of cream or a few paneer cubes on top for presentation.
Serve hot with roti, naan, or a bowl of jeera rice. And there you have it—a truly satisfying and Healthy spinach paneer curry recipe that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Tips for Best Flavor
- Use fresh spinach for vibrant flavor and color.
- Homemade paneer is best; store-bought works too.
- Don’t overcook spinach to retain nutrients and color.
- Blanch, then cool spinach to lock in green hue.
- Lightly saute paneer in ghee for added richness.
How to Make Palak Paneer at Home Easy Recipe
You might be wondering—what makes this version of Palak Paneer stand out? The answer lies in simplicity, quality ingredients, and technique. The process focuses on retaining the natural color and taste of spinach without overpowering spices. That’s why it’s ideal if you’re looking for a Healthy spinach paneer curry recipe for your family.
Also, by skipping cream or butter, this becomes a Palak Paneer recipe without cream, which is lighter yet delicious. For extra protein, you can even add tofu instead of paneer if you’re vegan.
Variations You Can Try
If you’ve mastered this Homemade Palak Paneer recipe, here are a few interesting twists:
- Tofu Palak – A vegan twist that swaps paneer with firm tofu for a plant-based option.
- Spinach-Corn Curry – Mix in boiled sweet corn for a creamy, slightly sweet variation.
- Spicy Palak Paneer – Add extra green chilies and a pinch of crushed black pepper to elevate the heat and flavor.
- Restaurant-Style Palak Paneer – Finish with a swirl of cream and a small dollop of butter for that rich, indulgent flavor.
What to Serve with Palak Paneer
This dish is versatile and pairs well with:
- Steamed basmati rice
- Jeera rice (cumin rice)
- Roti or chapati
- Naan or paratha
Add a simple salad and a glass of buttermilk to complete your Indian meal experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- When reheating, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the gravy if needed.
- Avoid freezing, as spinach tends to lose its texture and freshness after thawing.
Conclusion
Now that you know How to Make Palak Paneer at Home Easy Recipe, there’s no need to order it from restaurants. This homemade dish is not only healthier but also deeply satisfying. The combination of creamy paneer, earthy spinach, and aromatic spices comes together to create a nourishing and comforting dish full of flavor. Try this Easy Palak Paneer recipe step by step once, and it might just become a regular in your weekly menu.
