The Indian Cookbook Series

One Pan Dishes · Curries

Palak Paneer

A creamy spinach curry studded with soft, pan-seared paneer, spiced just enough to let the greens shine. A comforting vegetarian classic that's easier to make than it looks.

By Sai Balaji·PREP 10 MINUTES·COOK 25 MINUTES·SERVES 4

Watch it made

Ingredients

  • butter2 tbsp
  • paneer, cut into 4 even rectangular pieces1 block
  • large onion, thickly diced1
  • tomatoes, cubed4
  • green chilies, halved4
  • ginger-garlic paste1 tbsp
  • spinach1 bag
  • ghee1 tbsp
  • cumin seeds1 tsp
  • turmeric1 tsp
  • salt½ tbsp
  • coriander powder1 tbsp
  • chili powder1 tbsp
  • Kashmiri chili powder1 tbsp
  • black pepper1 tsp
  • garam masala½ tbsp
  • water¾ cup
  • Heavy cream, for finishing
  • kasthoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)2 tbsp
  • Rice or flatbread, for serving

Instructions

  1. 1Sear the paneer: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Cut the paneer into 4 even rectangular pieces and sear both sides until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. 2Cook the vegetables: In the same pan, add 1 thickly diced onion, 4 cubed tomatoes, and 4 halved green chilies. Add 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste and mix well.
  3. 3Add 1 entire bag of spinach and cook until the spinach has wilted and softened.
  4. 4Blend the spinach mixture: Transfer the cooked vegetables and spinach to a blender and blend until completely smooth.
  5. 5Build the curry: Add 1 tbsp ghee to the same pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and let them sizzle briefly. Pour the blended spinach mixture back into the pan and stir.
  6. 6Add 1 tsp turmeric, ½ tbsp salt, 1 tbsp coriander powder, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder, 1 tsp black pepper, and ½ tbsp garam masala. Mix well.
  7. 7Add ¾ cup water and stir to combine. Let the curry simmer gently.
  8. 8Add the paneer: Cut the seared paneer into even cubes and add them to the curry. Stir gently to coat.
  9. 9Finish: Add a dash of heavy cream and 2 tbsp kasthoori methi. Stir gently and cook briefly until heated through.
  10. 10Serve hot with rice or flatbread.