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Palak Paneer Recipe Indian Spinach Paneer Curry

Palak Paneer

Pan-fried paneer cheese simmered in a smooth, spiced spinach gravy.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Soaking Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian, North Indian

Ingredients
  

Spinach Base
  • 500 g spinach washed and thick stems removed
  • 2 green chilies green chilies stemmed
Curry and Paneer
  • 250 g paneer cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee divided
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds whole
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste freshly prepared
  • 1 medium tomato finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder ground
  • 1 tsp coriander powder ground
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala ground
  • 1 tsp kasoori methi dried fenugreek leaves, crushed
  • to taste salt table salt

Equipment

  • 1 * Blender Used to purée the blanched spinach.
  • 1 Large skillet or pan Used for frying paneer and cooking the curry.

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Submerge the spinach leaves and green chilies for 2 minutes until wilted. Drain immediately and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Once cool, drain well.
  2. Transfer the blanched spinach and green chilies to a blender. Blend into a smooth, vibrant green purée without adding extra water if possible. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the paneer cubes and fry until light golden spots appear on the edges, about 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the fried paneer to a bowl of warm water to keep it soft.
  4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent and light golden, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the ginger garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears. Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and oil begins to separate at the edges, about 5 minutes.
  6. Pour the spinach purée into the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion-tomato base. Drain the paneer from the warm water and fold the cubes into the spinach gravy. Simmer uncovered over low heat for 5 minutes.
  7. Stir in the garam masala and crushed kasoori methi. Remove from heat and serve hot.

Notes

Soaking the fried paneer in warm water prevents it from becoming rubbery in the hot curry.