When dinner needs comfort fast, Palak Paneer turns silky, bright, and deeply spiced with soft paneer in every bite.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Keyword Paneer, Spinach
Total Time 40 minutesminutes
Servings 4
Calories 375kcal
Ingredients
2cupsspinach leaves
200gramspaneer
1medium onion
2tomatoes
2-3green chiliesfinely chopped (adjust to taste)
2teaspoonsginger-garlic paste
1teaspooncumin seeds
1teaspoongaram masala
1/2teaspoonturmeric powder
1/2teaspoonred chili powderadjust to taste
1/4cupheavy cream or cashew cream
2tablespoonsghee or oil
Salt to taste
Instructions
Shock-Blanch the Greens — Drop spinach into boiling water for exactly 120 seconds, then immediately plunge into an ice bath to lock in the neon-green chlorophyll.
Silky Pureeing — Blend the cooled leaves into a fine paste without adding extra water; the goal is a thick, shimmering concentrate.
Aromatic Tempering — Bloom cumin seeds in hot ghee until they sizzle and darken, then sauté onions until they reach a deep caramel-gold hue.
Masala Base Development — Incorporate ginger-garlic and tomatoes, cooking until the oil begins to separate at the edges—a visual cue that the raw moisture has evaporated.
The Gentle Simmer — Stir in the spinach puree and spices; cook uncovered for 5 minutes to prevent the trapped steam from browning the vibrant color.
Paneer Integration — Fold in the cheese cubes gently to avoid breaking them, allowing them to simmer until they feel soft and "springy" to the touch.
Glossy Finish — Swirl in the cream over low heat until the sauce transitions from a flat green to a rich, glowing emerald.