Paneer Palak Recipe – Easy Indian Spinach Paneer Curry in 30 Minutes
Paneer Palak is a classic Indian vegetarian curry made with soft paneer and fresh spinach cooked in a smooth, mildly spiced gravy. It is simple, comforting and can be prepared in around 30 minutes.
For Indians living in Europe, Paneer Palak makes a practical weekday lunch or dinner. Fresh spinach, paneer and everyday Indian spices are easy to find in Indian grocery stores across Europe. The curry pairs perfectly with chapati, roti, naan or steamed rice.
Ingredients for Paneer Palak
Serves 3–4
- 250 g GARAM FOODS BIO-PANEER, cut into cubes
- 300–350 g BABY Spinach
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1–2 green chillies
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 1–2 tbsp cooking oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
- 2–4 tbsp water, as required
- 1–2 tbsp fresh cream, optional
How to Make Paneer Palak
1. Prepare the Spinach
Wash the spinach thoroughly and remove any thick stems. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the spinach for 2–3 minutes.
Transfer the spinach immediately to cold water, drain well and blend into a smooth puree. This helps maintain the fresh colour and gives the gravy a smooth texture.
2. Lightly Cook the Paneer
Heat a little oil in a pan and lightly cook the paneer cubes until the edges become slightly golden.
Avoid frying the paneer for too long, as overcooking can make it firm and chewy. Keep the paneer aside.
3. Prepare the Masala
Heat oil or ghee in the same pan. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
Add chopped onion and cook until soft and lightly golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilli, followed by the chopped tomato.
Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder and coriander powder. Cook until the tomato softens and the spices are well combined.
4. Add the Spinach Puree
Pour the spinach puree into the prepared masala and mix well. Add a little water if the gravy is too thick.
Allow it to simmer gently for 4–5 minutes. Avoid prolonged cooking, as shorter cooking helps preserve the fresh flavour and green colour of the spinach.
5. Add the Paneer
Add the lightly cooked paneer cubes and gently mix them into the spinach gravy.
Add garam masala and adjust the salt. Simmer for another 3–4 minutes so the paneer absorbs the flavours.
Fresh cream can be added at the end for a richer texture, but it is completely optional.
Tips for Perfect Paneer Palak
Use fresh spinach: Tender spinach gives the curry a fresher flavour and brighter colour.
Blanch quickly: A short blanch followed by cold water helps maintain the spinach’s natural colour.
Keep paneer soft: Avoid over-frying paneer. For softer cubes, soak them briefly in warm water before adding them to the curry.
Balance the spices: Paneer Palak tastes best when the spices complement the spinach instead of overpowering it.
Choose the right texture: Blend the spinach completely for a smooth gravy or leave it slightly coarse for a more homestyle texture.
Cream is optional: A small amount of cream adds richness, but Paneer Palak is delicious without it too.
What to Serve with Paneer Palak?
Paneer Palak pairs well with chapati, roti, naan, paratha and jeera rice. For a quick weekday meal, chapati with Paneer Palak makes a simple and satisfying combination.
For Indian families shopping for paneer in European Indian grocery stores, Garam Foods Bio Paneer can be used for this recipe as well as other favourites such as Paneer Tikka and Paneer Butter Masala.
A Simple Taste of Home
Paneer Palak shows how a comforting Indian meal can come together with a few familiar ingredients. Fresh spinach, soft paneer and everyday spices create a wholesome curry without hours of preparation.
Whether served with warm chapati on a busy weekday or rice for a relaxed family meal, Paneer Palak is an easy way to enjoy a familiar Indian flavour anywhere in Europe.
Garam Foods brings familiar Indian food favourites closer to Indian homes across Europe, making everyday meals feel a little more like home.
