India
Indian

Palak Paneer

Soft paneer cubes simmered in a velvety spinach sauce with ginger, garlic, garam masala, and cream.

Palak Paneer image placeholder

Prep

20 minutes

Cook

25 minutes

Level

Medium

Serves

4

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Instructions

  1. 1

    Blanch spinach briefly, then blend it into a smooth puree.

  2. 2

    Cook onion, garlic, ginger, and tomato until thick and fragrant.

  3. 3

    Stir in spices and spinach puree.

  4. 4

    Add paneer cubes and simmer gently.

  5. 5

    Finish with cream and serve warm.

Tips

Blanch spinach quickly and cool it to keep the color bright.

Simmer paneer gently so it stays soft.

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Helpful notes

Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Reheat over low heat and add a splash of water if the sauce thickens.

Substitutions

  • Use firm tofu instead of paneer for a lighter option.
  • Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-light sauce.

What to Serve With

  • Serve with basmati rice or naan.
  • Add cucumber raita or a simple tomato salad.

Common Mistakes

  • Do not overcook the spinach or the sauce can turn dull.
  • Do not boil paneer hard because it can become rubbery.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes. Thaw it, squeeze out excess water, and blend it before adding to the sauce.

How do I keep paneer soft?

Soak paneer cubes in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the sauce.

Keep cooking

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