India
Indian
Illustrated guide

Palak Paneer

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

Prep20 minutes
Cook25 minutes
LevelMedium
Serves4
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Palak Paneer

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Illustrated cooking guide

Step-by-step visual method

A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.

Palak Paneer illustrated step-by-step cooking guide

Written method

Instructions

Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.

  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.

Cook notes

Tips

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

Simmer paneer gently so it stays soft.

Cook smarter

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.

Kitchen tools

Helpful Tools for This Recipe

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Blender

Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.

Saucepan

Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.

Chef knife

A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.

Cutting board

Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.

Measuring spoons

Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.

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