Best palak paneer recipe
Introduction
Palak Paneer is a popular vegetarian dish in Indian cuisine made with spinach (palak) and Indian cottage cheese (paneer). The creamy spinach sauce and soft paneer cubes make it a favorite among vegetarians and even non-vegetarians who love healthy, flavorful dishes. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Indian recipes or just exploring, this guide will help you cook the best palak paneer recipe that everyone will love.
Ingredients for the best palak paneer recipe
To make the best palak paneer recipe, you’ll need simple ingredients that you can easily find in your kitchen or local grocery store:
- 2 cups spinach (palak), washed and chopped
- 200 grams paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 2-3 green chilies (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 2 tablespoons cream or yogurt (optional for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Best Palak Paneer Recipe
Step 1: Blanch the Spinach
Start by blanching the spinach to preserve its bright green color and nutrition. Boil water in a large pot, add the washed spinach leaves, and cook them for 2-3 minutes. Drain the hot water and immediately transfer the spinach into a bowl of ice water. This process will stop the cooking and help maintain the vibrant green color.
Step 2: Make the Spinach Puree
Once the spinach has cooled, blend it into a smooth puree using a blender or food processor. This puree will be the base for your best palak paneer recipe and will give the dish its signature flavor.
Step 3: Fry the Paneer
In a frying pan, heat some oil or ghee and lightly fry the paneer cubes until they turn golden brown. You can skip this step if you prefer softer paneer, but frying gives the paneer a nice texture that enhances the flavor of the dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Masala Base
In a separate pan, heat oil or ghee. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, and cook for another 2 minutes. The aroma of this masala is what makes the best palak paneer recipe truly stand out.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Now add the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates. This may take about 5-7 minutes. Once the tomatoes are cooked, add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Stir well to combine all the spices, creating a rich and flavorful masala base for your best palak paneer recipe.
Step 6: Add Spinach Puree
Pour the spinach puree into the pan and mix it with the masala. Add a little water if needed to get the desired consistency. Cook the spinach mixture for 5-7 minutes on medium heat. The vibrant green color and rich aroma will tell you that your best palak paneer recipe is coming together beautifully.
Step 7: Combine Paneer with the Spinach Gravy
Gently add the fried (or raw) paneer cubes into the spinach gravy. Stir gently to coat the paneer with the spinach sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the paneer can absorb the flavors. If you want a creamier texture, you can add cream or yogurt at this stage.
Step 8: Final Touches and Garnishing
Once everything is well combined, taste the gravy and adjust the salt or spices as needed. Garnish your best palak paneer recipe with a swirl of cream and serve hot.
Tips for Making the best palak paneer recipe
- Fresh Spinach: Always use fresh spinach for the best palak paneer recipe. Fresh leaves have better flavor and nutrition compared to frozen spinach.
- Soft Paneer: If you want softer paneer, soak the fried paneer in warm water for 10 minutes before adding it to the gravy.
- Blanching: Blanching the spinach and cooling it in ice water keeps its bright green color intact.
- Creamy Version: You can make a richer version of the best palak paneer recipe by adding cashew paste or more cream.
Serving Suggestions for the best palak paneer recipe
Palak Paneer pairs beautifully with Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha. You can also serve it with jeera rice or plain basmati rice for a complete meal. The creamy texture of the spinach and the soft paneer cubes make it a crowd-pleasing dish at family gatherings or special occasions.
Nutritional Value of the best palak paneer recipe
Palak Paneer is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Spinach is rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins, making it great for your health. Paneer provides a good source of protein, especially for vegetarians. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional benefits of the best palak paneer recipe:
- Calories: Moderate (depending on the amount of cream or oil used)
- Protein: High (due to paneer)
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K from spinach
- Minerals: Good source of iron and calcium
Variations of the best palak paneer recipe
- Vegan Palak Paneer: If you’re vegan, you can make this dish using tofu instead of paneer and coconut cream instead of dairy cream.
- Low-Calorie Version: Use minimal oil and skip the cream to make a healthier, low-calorie version of the best palak paneer recipe.
- Spicier Version: If you love spicy food, add more green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy.
Why the best palak paneer recipe is loved by all
The best palak paneer recipe is a blend of nutritious ingredients, rich flavors, and easy preparation. The softness of the paneer combined with the creamy, mildly spiced spinach gravy makes it a comforting dish for everyone, from kids to adults. Plus, it’s versatile—you can tweak it to suit your taste, whether you like it spicy, mild, or extra creamy.
Conclusion for the best palak paneer recipe
With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, the best palak paneer recipe is an ideal choice for a healthy and tasty meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish will surely impress. Follow the steps, and you’ll have a delicious, nutritious meal in no time