• Country: India
• Region/Province: North India
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Medium

Health Benefits

• Bone Health: Paneer is a good source of calcium.
• Immune Support: Spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Heart Health: A nutritious and heart-healthy dish.

Dietary Categories

• ✅ Vegetarian, Gluten-free
• ❌ Contains dairy.

Nutritional Highlights (per serving)

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Key Nutrients: Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C

Ingredients (with quantities)

• 1 large bunch of spinach, washed and chopped
• 200g paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cubed
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or ghee
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1/4 cup cashews, soaked in warm water for 15 minutes
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1 green chili, slit lengthwise
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh cream or coconut cream, for garnish

Instructions

1. Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice-cold water. This helps to retain the green color of the spinach. Once cooled, blend the spinach into a smooth puree.
2. In a pan, heat the coconut oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until golden brown.
4. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
5. Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala.
6. Grind the soaked cashews into a smooth paste and add it to the pan. Cook for a couple of minutes.
7. Stir in the turmeric powder and coriander powder. Cook for a minute.
8. Add the spinach puree and mix well. Add 1/2 cup of water, salt, and the green chili. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
9. Add the paneer cubes and garam masala. Mix gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
10. Garnish with fresh cream or coconut cream and serve hot.

Chef’s Healthy Modifications

• Original ingredient → Healthier substitute: Using coconut cream instead of heavy cream makes this dish lighter. Using homemade paneer is a healthier option.
• Cooking method change for health: This is a simple and healthy cooking method.
• Portion/serving suggestions: Serve with brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat naan.

Cultural Context

Palak paneer is a popular vegetarian dish from North India. It is a creamy and flavorful curry made with spinach and paneer. This healthy version is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy this classic Indian dish.