Palak paneer is an Indian classic that pairs tender spinach with fresh curd in a spiced, aromatic sauce. This express version cuts down on cooking time without losing flavor, perfect for anyone seeking a nutritious and comforting dinner in minutes.
Ingredients
How many are you cooking for?
Original recipe for 4 servings
- 400 g fresh spinach, washed
- 250 g homemade fresh cheese (cottage or firm ricotta)
- 1 large white onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 piece fresh ginger (2 cm), grated
- 1 ripe tomato, diced
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) or dried oregano
- 100 ml water or vegetable broth
Step by step
Follow the timeline: technique icon, time and temperature when relevant.
- Step 1 Prep 2 min
Boil a pot of water with a pinch of salt; add washed spinach and blanch exactly 2 minutes to preserve its vibrant green color, then drain well and blend with a cup of cold water until you get a smooth, glossy paste.
- Step 2 Pan 3 min
In a wide skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion with minced garlic and grated ginger for 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the onion turns translucent and releases its aroma without browning.
- Step 3 Pan 2 min
Add the diced tomato, cumin seeds, turmeric, and sweet paprika; cook while stirring for 2 minutes to lightly toast the spices and evaporate excess tomato moisture, which will concentrate the base flavor of the sauce.
- Step 4 Pot / simmer 5 min
Pour in the spinach paste and water or vegetable broth; bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-low heat and leave it uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Step 5 Mix 2 min
Cut the homemade fresh cheese into 2 cm cubes and add it to the sauce along with garam masala; fold gently with a spatula for 2 minutes to warm the cheese without crumbling it and let it absorb the flavors.
- Step 6 Serve
Remove the skillet from heat, rub the kasuri methi (or oregano) between your palms to release its aroma and stir it in; adjust salt and black pepper to taste, and serve immediately alongside basmati rice or warm flatbread.