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Stews and Saucy Dishes

Spinach Palak Paneer

4 servings
Vegetarian Diet, Indian Simmering

Spinach Palak Paneer is a classic North Indian dish featuring creamy spinach and soft, fresh cheese (paneer). This flavorful and comforting vegetarian curry is surprisingly easy to make at home, requiring just 30 minutes of your time. My recipe delivers authentic flavor with a simple, step-by-step approach. Whether you're a...

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... seasoned cook or new to Indian cuisine, you'll find this recipe approachable and satisfying. It's perfect served over rice or with naan for a complete and delicious meal. Learn how to make perfect Palak Paneer with readily available ingredients and common kitchen tools.

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Tom the Chef Tom the Chef Founder
April 30, 2025
distance side top shot of Spinach Palak Paneer on the rice on the plate
  • 30 min.
  • 30 min.
  • 1/5
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Ingredients:

Tools:

Recipes

Best served with:

Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
Indian Flavored Rice
Poori Bread Recipe

Directions:

Spinach Palak Paneer all ingredients

1. Sauce Base:

Let’s begin the preparation of the Spinach Palak Paneer with the sauce base.

1.1. Preheat a stir fry pan on medium-high heat with 4 TBSP of frying oil and add:

1 large onion – finely chopped

Sauté, stirring occasionally, until glossiness and slight sear are achieved (about 2-4 minutes).

Palak Paneer steps-04Palak Paneer steps-05

1.2. Add:

½ TSP of ground coriander
½ TSP of ground cumin
¼ TSP of ground cinnamon
Optional: ½ TSP of ground cardamom

Cook while stirring for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Palak Paneer steps-06Palak Paneer steps-07

1.3. Then add:

5 cloves of garlic – grated
1 TBSP of fresh ginger – minced
¾ cup of tomato – pureed or crushed (fresh or canned)
Optionally: Up to 1 TBSP of chili powder (spicy)
¾ TSP of salt
2 TBSP of garam masala

Thoroughly stir.

Palak Paneer steps-08

1.4.

Cook while stirring until the volume is reduced to about half its original amount.

Palak Paneer steps-09

2. Sauce:

2.1. Add:

1 ½ cups of water
12 OZ of frozen spinach
1 cup of heavy cream

Thoroughly stir.

Palak Paneer steps-10Palak Paneer steps-11

2.2.

Bring to a simmer (about 190°F) with occasional stirring.

2.3. Lower the heat to medium and simmer until the spinach is cooked (usually about 5-10 minutes).

Note:
If the sauce evaporates too much during any part of this process, slightly dilute it with water. Keep in mind that in a later step, we will add paneer, which needs to cook for about 5-10 minutes in a sauce that is at least semi-runny.

2.4.

Then, while cooking, process with an immersion blender to your desired consistency, either semi-smooth or super-smooth.

Palak Paneer steps-12Palak Paneer steps-13

3. Assemble the Spinach Palak Paneer:

3.1. Stir in:

1 LB of paneer, diced

Palak Paneer steps-14

3.2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens (usually for about 5 to 10 minutes).

Important:
Make sure to cook it for at least 5 minutes to bring the paneer to its best. If the sauce thickens too quickly just stir in some water.

Palak Paneer steps-15Palak Paneer steps-16

4. Serve Spinach Palak Paneer:

4.1.

Serve over rice, Indian flavored rice, and optionally with garlic naan.

About the Author:
Tom the ChefFounder
# 1
  • Published Recipes: 270
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  • Location: Iowa, USA
  • Member since: 2023-02-02
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