Description

Palak Paneer, a delightful dish featuring fresh spinach and creamy paneer, offers a perfect option for a quick dinner, healthy meal, or comforting feast. Its rich flavors and easy preparation make it a favorite among food lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

16 ounces fresh or frozen spinach
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, quartered lengthwise
4 cloves garlic, each cut into several segments
1 large green serrano chile or 1 medium jalapeno, ribs and seeds removed, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large yellow or white onion, halved and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon garam masala
¾ teaspoon fine salt, divided, to taste
8 to 12 ounces paneer, cut into ¾-inch to 1-inch cubes
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil, divided
½ cup whole-milk plain Greek yogurt or heavy cream
Optional squeeze of fresh lemon juice or finely chopped tomatoes for acidity
For serving: cooked basmati rice or flatbread, warmed

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Thaw frozen spinach if using, without draining.
In a food processor, pulse garlic and ginger until finely chopped, then add chili pepper and onion, pulsing until finely chopped without turning mushy. Transfer to a bowl.
Process spinach in the food processor until broken into tiny bits or smooth if using thawed spinach.
On the prepared baking sheet, place cubed paneer, sprinkle with spices and salt, then drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil. Stir to coat evenly and bake for 10 minutes, stir, then bake another 3 to 5 minutes until golden.
In a skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat, add onion mixture and salt, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until translucent and golden, stirring frequently.
Add spinach and stir well, then add cooked paneer, ½ cup water, and remaining salt. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes until warmed throughout.
Remove from heat, taking some spinach to another bowl, mix in yogurt (or cream). Stir yogurt mixture back into spinach gradually, and season with additional salt to taste. Serve with optional lemon juice or tomatoes, and warm rice or flatbread.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by using a milder pepper if desired.
Make sure not to overcook the spinach after adding it; you want to retain vibrant color and nutrients.
Pair with warm naan or rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 30mg