Keto Palak Paneer
This Keto Palak Paneer offers a low-carb twist on a beloved North Indian classic, featuring tender paneer cubes immersed in a rich, creamy, and vibrantly spiced spinach gravy.
For 4 servings
**Prepare Spinach:** Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add fresh spinach and blanch for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Immediately transfer the spinach to an ice bath to stop cooking and preserve its vibrant color. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible, then blend the blanched spinach into a smooth paste using a food processor or blender, adding a splash of water if needed to aid blending.
**Sauté Aromatics:** Heat ghee in a large pan or kadai over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and allow them to splutter for about 15-20 seconds. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it turns translucent and lightly golden.
**Add Ginger, Garlic, and Chili:** Stir in the minced ginger, minced garlic, and slit green chili. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
**Introduce Spices and Tomato:** Reduce the heat to low. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are aromatic. Immediately add the tomato puree and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the raw smell of the tomato disappears and the ghee begins to separate from the mixture.
**Combine with Spinach Paste:** Pour the blended spinach paste into the pan. Mix thoroughly with the spice mixture. Add 1/4 cup of water or vegetable broth to adjust consistency. Bring the curry to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
**Add Paneer and Cream:** Gently stir in the cubed paneer and heavy cream. Season with salt to taste. If using, crush the kasuri methi between your palms and add it to the curry for an authentic flavor boost.
**Final Simmer:** Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 2-3 minutes, just until the paneer is heated through and the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to overcook the paneer, as it can become rubbery.
**Serve Hot:** Garnish with an optional swirl of heavy cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve your Keto Palak Paneer hot with cauliflower rice, keto-friendly flatbread, or as a side dish.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Blanching Technique:** For the brightest green spinach, ensure you use an ice bath immediately after blanching. This 'shocks' the spinach and locks in its vibrant color, preventing it from turning dull.
- 2**Paneer Texture:** To keep paneer soft, avoid overcooking it. Add it towards the end of the cooking process and simmer just long enough for it to heat through and absorb some of the gravy's flavors.
- 3**Spice Adjustment:** For a milder curry, deseed the green chili or omit it entirely. For more heat, add an extra chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other dry spices.
- 4**Consistency Control:** If the gravy is too thick, add a little more water or vegetable broth. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce it to your preferred consistency.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy-Free Keto
Replace ghee with avocado oil or coconut oil, and heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream to make this recipe dairy-free while maintaining its keto-friendly profile.
Added Protein BoostAdded Protein Boost
For an extra protein kick, consider adding some pan-fried tofu (for a vegan option) or cooked chicken pieces (for a non-vegetarian option) along with the paneer.
Smoky FlavorSmoky Flavor
Lightly char the paneer cubes in a separate pan before adding them to the curry for a subtle smoky flavor and firmer texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins & Minerals
Spinach is a powerhouse of vitamins K, A, C, and folate, as well as minerals like iron and magnesium, supporting bone health, vision, and energy.
High in Healthy Fats & Protein
Paneer and heavy cream provide substantial healthy fats and protein, essential for satiety, muscle maintenance, and sustained energy on a ketogenic diet.
Low Carb & Blood Sugar Friendly
Naturally low in carbohydrates, this dish helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, making it an excellent choice for managing diabetes or following a keto lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw 300g of frozen spinach, squeeze out all excess water thoroughly, and then blend it into a paste as per the instructions for fresh spinach.
