How to Make Palak Paneer A Delicious Indian Classic

Palak Paneer is one of India’s most beloved vegetarian dishes. Made with soft cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) simmered in a rich spinach gravy, this dish is a perfect balance of taste, health, and comfort. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, Palak Paneer is easy to make at home with simple ingredients.

In this article, we’ll explore how to make Palak Paneer step-by-step, discuss variations like Instant Pot Palak Paneer, Vegan Palak Paneer, Tofu Palak Paneer, and also talk about its nutritional value and calories.

What Is Palak Paneer?

Palak Paneer is a North Indian curry made by blending spinach (palak) with aromatic spices, onions, tomatoes, and garlic, and then adding cubes of paneer. The creamy, vibrant green gravy is flavorful yet mild, making it suitable for all age groups.

It’s traditionally served with roti, naan, or rice, and is especially popular during winter when fresh spinach is abundant.

Ingredients Needed for Palak Paneer

Before diving into the recipe, let’s look at the essential ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• 250g paneer (cut into cubes)
• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves (palak)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 medium tomatoes (pureed or chopped)
• 1 green chili
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup cream or 2 tablespoons yogurt (for richness)
• Salt to taste

Optional Garnish

• A drizzle of cream
• Fresh coriander leaves

How to Make Palak Paneer (Step-by-Step Recipe)

Step 1: Blanch the Spinach

1. Wash spinach thoroughly in cold water to remove dirt.
2. Boil water in a large pan, add spinach, and cook for 2–3 minutes.
3. Immediately transfer it into ice-cold water to retain the green color.
4. Drain and blend the spinach into a smooth puree.

Prepare the Masala Base

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chili; cook for a minute.
5. Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.

Add Spices

Add turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well to mix the flavors.

Combine with Spinach

Add the spinach puree into the cooked masala. Stir and cook for 3–5 minutes.

Add Paneer Cubes

Gently add paneer cubes into the spinach gravy. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Add Cream or Yogurt

Add cream or yogurt to make the curry rich and smooth. Mix gently and cook for another 2 minutes.

Serve Hot

Turn off the heat and serve hot with naan, roti, or jeera rice. Garnish with a swirl of cream or butter on top.

Instant Pot Palak Paneer

Making Palak Paneer in an Instant Pot is even simpler and faster. Here’s how:

Ingredients

Use the same ingredients as the traditional recipe.

Instructions

1. Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to Sauté mode.
2. Add oil, cumin seeds, and onions. Sauté until golden.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste, green chili, tomatoes, and dry spices.
4. Cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add washed spinach leaves and ½ cup water.
6. Close the lid and set pressure cook for 2 minutes.
7. Once done, release pressure, open the lid, and blend the mixture using a hand blender.
8. Add paneer cubes and cream, mix, and keep on sauté mode for another 2 minutes.

This method saves time, keeps the nutrients intact, and delivers the same authentic flavor with less effort.

Palak Paneer Calories and Nutrition

Palak Paneer is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Spinach is rich in iron, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K, while paneer provides protein and calcium.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving ~200g):

• Calories: 270–300 kcal
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Calcium: 20% of daily requirement
• Iron: 25% of daily requirement

To make it lighter, you can reduce cream or ghee and use low-fat paneer.

How to Prepare Palak Paneer Recipe (Tips and Tricks)

Here are some pro tips to make your Palak Paneer perfect every time:

1. Don’t overcook spinach — it will lose its bright green color and taste bitter.
2. Use fresh spinach for the best flavor; frozen spinach can make the dish watery.
3. Paneer freshness matters — homemade paneer or fresh store-bought paneer makes a big difference.
4. Adjust consistency — add water or milk for a thinner curry, or cook longer for a thicker version.
5. Enhance aroma — add a pinch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) at the end for a restaurant-style flavor.

Vegan Palak Paneer (Dairy-Free Version)

If you’re vegan or lactose-intolerant, you can easily make a Vegan Palak Paneer that tastes just as good.

What to Replace:

• Paneer → Tofu
• Cream → Coconut cream or cashew cream
• Ghee → Vegetable oil or coconut oil

How to Make Vegan Palak Paneer:

1. Follow the same recipe, but sauté ingredients in oil instead of ghee.
2. Add tofu cubes instead of paneer.
3. Use coconut cream or blended soaked cashews for creaminess.

This vegan version is rich, flavorful, and full of plant-based protein — ideal for a healthy diet.

Tofu Palak Paneer (High-Protein Vegan Alternative)

Tofu Palak Paneer is another popular variation that replaces paneer with tofu, a soy-based protein that absorbs flavors beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 200g firm tofu, cut into cubes
• Spinach, onions, tomatoes, and spices as per the original recipe

Method:

1. Pan-fry tofu cubes lightly in oil until golden brown for better texture.
2. Follow the same Palak Paneer recipe using tofu instead of paneer.
3. Add tofu cubes to the spinach gravy and simmer for 3–5 minutes.

Benefits of Tofu Palak Paneer:

• 100% vegan
• Lower in calories and fat than paneer
• Excellent source of protein and iron

It’s perfect for fitness enthusiasts and those following a vegan lifestyle.

Make Palak Paneer Like a Pro: Extra Flavor Boosters

To give your homemade Palak Paneer a restaurant-style taste, try these optional additions:

• Add a dash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavor.
• Sprinkle garam masala at the end to enhance aroma.
• Add a cube of butter for a smooth, luxurious finish.
• Roast paneer lightly before adding to the gravy for a firmer texture.
• Add cashew paste (1 tablespoon blended cashews) for an extra-creamy texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the spinach gravy separately (without paneer) for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Reheat on low heat and add a splash of milk or water to restore the creamy texture.

Avoid over-boiling during reheating to maintain the color and taste.

Health Benefits of Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer isn’t just delicious — it’s nutritious too!
Here’s why you should include it in your diet:

1. Rich in Protein: Paneer or tofu provides complete protein for muscle repair and growth.
2. Boosts Immunity: Spinach contains vitamins A and C that strengthen the immune system.
3. Good for Bone Health: High calcium content supports strong bones.
4. Aids Digestion: Spinach is rich in fiber, which helps maintain gut health.
5. Supports Weight Loss: It’s filling yet low in calories, making it ideal for a balanced diet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking spinach can turn it dark and bitter.
• Using too much cream can mask the natural spinach flavor.
• Not soaking paneer in warm water before use can make it chewy.
• Skipping blanching step might make spinach lose its vibrant color.

Serving Suggestions

Palak Paneer pairs perfectly with:

• Butter naan or tandoori roti
• Basmati rice or jeera rice
• A side of salad or papad
• A glass of lassi or buttermilk to balance the spices

Why You’ll Love Palak Paneer

• It’s healthy, hearty, and flavorful.
• Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
• Can be made vegetarian or vegan.
• Suitable for lunch, dinner, or even festive occasions.

Final Thoughts

Palak Paneer is more than just a curry — it’s a wholesome, comforting meal that brings together the best of Indian flavors and nutrition. Whether you make the traditional version, the Instant Pot Palak Paneer, or try Vegan Tofu Palak Paneer, each version is delicious in its own way.

So next time you crave something creamy and healthy, try this recipe and enjoy restaurant-style Palak Paneer right at home!