Palak Paneer (Indian Spinach & Cheese Curry)
A north Indian vegetarian classic: a silky, spiced spinach sauce (ginger, garlic, garam masala) with cubes of paneer, the fresh Indian cheese, simmered until creamy. Served with rice or naan, it's fragrant, comforting and nourishing.
Ingredients
- 400 g fresh spinach (or 300 g frozen)
- 250 g paneer
- 1 onion
- 2 tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 piece fresh ginger
- 100 ml cream
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Oil (or butter/ghee)
- Salt
Method
- 1Blanch the spinach 2 minutes in boiling water, drain, then blend to a purée.
- 2Cube the paneer and pan-fry a few minutes until golden; set aside.
- 3Soften the chopped onion, garlic and ginger, add the chopped tomatoes and spices, cook 5 min.
- 4Stir in the spinach purée and simmer 10 minutes over low heat.
- 5Add the cream for a silky sauce.
- 6Add the paneer, warm 3–4 minutes, adjust seasoning.
- 7Serve hot with basmati rice or naan.
Tips & tricks
- Don’t overcook the spinach so it keeps its bright green colour.
- Searing the paneer keeps it from breaking up in the sauce.
- A squeeze of lemon at the end lifts the dish.
Variations
- Vegan version: swap paneer for firm tofu and cream for coconut cream.
- Spicier: add a chopped green chilli.
Storage
Up to 3 days refrigerated; reheat gently in a pan.
Nutrition (per serving)
Ingredient substitutions
- Butter : coconut oil, plant-based margarine or nut butter (dairy-free / vegan).
- Cream : soy, oat or coconut cream.
What to serve it with
- A dressed green salad
- Fresh bread or a starchy side
- Roasted seasonal vegetables
- A wine matched to the dish (to taste)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to make "Palak Paneer (Indian Spinach & Cheese Curry)"?
Allow about 15 min of prep and 25 min of cooking, i.e. 40 min in total for 4 servings.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Its difficulty is "Medium". Following the steps in order and our tips, it stays accessible.
Can I make "Palak Paneer (Indian Spinach & Cheese Curry)" ahead and store it?
Up to 3 days refrigerated; reheat gently in a pan.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The quantities are for 4 servings. To adjust, simply multiply or divide the ingredients by the number of guests.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, "Palak Paneer (Indian Spinach & Cheese Curry)" is vegetarian: it contains no meat or fish.
How many calories per serving?
One serving provides about 320 kcal, including 16 g of protein, 12 g of carbs and 22 g of fat.
