Palak Paneer (Spinach + Paneer curry)
What you need
- Spinach (palak) – about 2 big bunches
- Paneer – 200–250 g, cut into cubes
- Onion – 1 medium, chopped
- Tomato – 1 large (or 2 small), chopped
- Green chili – 1 (optional, if you like heat)
- Ginger + garlic – 1 tsp paste (or finely chopped)
- Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
- Garam masala – ½ tsp
- Turmeric – a pinch
- Red chili powder – to taste
- Cream or butter – optional but highly recommended 😌
- Oil or ghee – for cooking
- Salt – to taste
How to make it
1. Cook the spinach
- Wash the spinach well (it hides dirt like it’s a hobby).
- Boil water, add spinach, cook for 2–3 minutes until it wilts.
- Drain and immediately put it in cold water (keeps the green color nice).
- Blend it into a smooth paste. Don’t add too much water.
2. Paneer prep (optional but tasty)
- Heat a little oil or butter.
- Lightly fry paneer cubes until golden.
- Take them out and soak in warm water (keeps them soft).
3. Make the masala
- Heat oil or ghee in a pan.
- Add cumin seeds, let them crackle.
- Add onion, cook till golden.
- Add ginger-garlic and green chili. Cook till it smells amazing.
- Add tomato, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt.
- Cook until the oil starts separating (important step, don’t rush).
4. Bring it together
- Add the spinach paste to the pan.
- Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add paneer cubes.
- Sprinkle garam masala.
- Add a little cream or butter if you want that restaurant vibe.
5. Final taste check
- Adjust salt or spice.
- Turn off the heat.
How to eat it
Best with roti, naan, or jeera rice.
And yes, it tastes even better the next day.
Why palak paneer is actually good for you
🥬 Makes your body feel less “meh”
Spinach is full of iron, folate, and vitamins, which basically help your blood do its job better. Translation: less tired, less “why am I exhausted for no reason?” energy.
💪 Good for muscles and strength
Paneer has protein. Protein = your body’s repair material.
So palak paneer helps with muscle recovery, strength, and not feeling weak.
🧠 Good for brain + mood
Spinach has magnesium and vitamin B stuff that helps your brain work smoothly.
Not a magic happiness pill, but definitely helps your brain chill a bit.
👀 Helps your eyes (yes, really)
All that green color? It’s doing something. Spinach supports eye health, especially if you stare at screens all day like the rest of us.
🦴 Stronger bones
Paneer brings calcium, spinach brings vitamin K. Together they’re like a bone-support team, helping keep bones solid.
❤️ Friendly to your heart
It’s not deep-fried junk food. The spinach helps with blood pressure and cholesterol, especially if you don’t drown it in butter every time.
🍽️ Filling but not heavy
It fills you up without making you feel like you need to lie down immediately.
Great for lunch or dinner when you want comfort without regret.
🧘 Works for many diets
- Vegetarian ✔️
- High-protein ✔️
- Can be made low-fat or vegan ✔️
Basically, it’s flexible like that.
Real talk disclaimer
If you:
- add too much cream
- eat it with 4 naan
- and then nap immediately
…it becomes comfort food, not health food 😅
Still worth it sometimes though.
