Palak Paneer
A vibrant and wholesome take on the classic North Indian curry. This healthy Palak Paneer features tender cottage cheese cubes in a creamy, luscious spinach gravy, made lighter with minimal oil and no heavy cream. It's a nutritious, guilt-free comfort food.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tsp of salt.
- b.Add the spinach leaves and green chili, and blanch for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- c.Immediately remove the spinach with a slotted spoon and plunge it into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking and preserves the green color.
- d.Once cooled, squeeze out excess water and blend to a smooth puree. Set aside.
TIPDon't overcook the spinach, or it will lose its vibrant green color and nutrients. - 2
Step 2
- a.Heat oil in a non-stick pan or kadai over medium heat.
- b.Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- b.Pour in the tomato puree. Cook for 5-6 minutes until it thickens and oil begins to separate at the edges.
- c.Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Sauté for another minute.
TIPCooking the tomato puree well is key to developing a deep flavor for the curry. - 4
Step 4
- a.Add the prepared spinach puree to the pan. Mix well with the masala.
- b.Add 1/4 cup of water (or more, for desired consistency) and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- c.Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the whisked low-fat yogurt. Mix continuously to prevent curdling.
- b.Gently add the paneer cubes to the gravy.
- c.Simmer for 2-3 minutes, just until the paneer is heated through.
TIPAlways add yogurt on low heat to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without splitting. - 6
Step 6
- a.Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala and fresh lemon juice.
- b.Mix gently and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- c.Serve hot with whole wheat roti or brown rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a creamier texture without adding fat, you can blend a tablespoon of oats with the spinach.
- 2To make the paneer softer, you can soak the cubes in warm water for 10-15 minutes before adding to the gravy.
- 3Don't cover the pan after adding the spinach puree to help retain its bright green color.
- 4You can add a pinch of sugar to balance the slight bitterness of the spinach.
- 5Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace paneer with firm tofu or cubed potatoes. Use a plant-based yogurt like coconut or soy yogurt instead of dairy yogurt.
jainJain
Omit the onion and ginger-garlic paste. You can add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the oil and use grated cabbage or raw banana to build the base.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the amount of paneer to 350g or add 1/2 cup of boiled chickpeas along with the paneer for an extra protein boost.
ckd friendlyCkd friendly
Reduce paneer to 30g per serving. Omit tomatoes and use lemon juice for tanginess. Blanch the spinach well and discard the water to lower potassium. Use minimal salt.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Iron and Vitamins
Spinach is a powerhouse of iron, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and folate, which are essential for blood production, bone health, and vision.
Good Source of Protein
Paneer provides high-quality protein, which is vital for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Supports Bone Health
Both paneer and spinach are good sources of calcium, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Low in Calories
This recipe is prepared with minimal oil and no heavy cream, making it a low-calorie dish that supports weight management.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version is excellent for weight loss. It's low in calories and fat, high in fiber from spinach, and provides a good amount of protein from paneer, which helps in keeping you full for longer.