Palak Paneer

by Kiran on January 20, 2012 · 101 comments

in Indian, Sides, Vegetarian

Phew! I feel much better now. Thanks for all the comments my dear friend. You rock! <3

The only matter I am still struggling close to a month right now is cough. I’ve tried anything and everything but it just doesn’t go away. The house gets very quiet since the Husband works remote and the only thing that actually irritates him during most of his conference calls are usually my coughs — it’s relentless!

Since there’s no way of curing this stubborn cough, I try to make up for it by treating the Husband to a delicious and belly-warming meal. After all, “a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” – it’s a simple formula right?

Palak translates to spinach whereas paneer is indian farmers cheese. Store-bought paneer’s are readily available from local indian/ethnic grocery stores. It definitely can’t beat a freshly homemade paneer.

To prepare paneer, food acid (usually lemon juice, vinegar, citric acid or yogurt) is added to hot milk to separate the curds from the whey. The curds are drained in muslin or cheesecloth and the excess water is pressed out. The resulting paneer is dipped in chilled water for 2–3 hours to give it a good texture and appearance – Wikipedia.

Homemade paneer recipe is coming up in the future. I made do with store-bought paneer. You do what you have to when there’s limited supply of whole milk in the refrigerator. Or when it’s freezing cold in Florida, and you just don’t want to abandon the cozy blanket. Or just sheer laziness. Your call 😉

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Ingredients:

  • 6 oz paneer, cubed
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil
  • 3 cups of hot water
  • 1 heaping tbsp ghee/clarified butter
  • 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh garlic, grated
  • 1/2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 green chilies, minced (reduce to decrease spiciness)
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1/2 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tbsp ground coriander
  • 3 handfuls of fresh spinach
  • 1 green bell pepper/capsicum, sliced
  • 1/2 cup of yogurt
  • 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves
  • less than 1/3 cup of water
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • salt to taste

Directions:

  1. Soak paneer cubes in hot water while prepping rest of ingredients.
  2. Heat a non-stick skillet on medium. Once skillet gets a little hot, add ghee.
  3. Sprinkle in fenugreek seeds and chopped onions. Fry till fragrant!
  4. Meanwhile, add spinach, bell pepper, fresh coriander and yogurt in a food processor or blender. Pulse until smooth. Add water gradually if need be, to help the blending process.
  5. Once onions are translucent and fragrant, add grated garlic+ginger, minced chilies and chopped tomatoes. Fry until fragrant & oil slightly separates.
  6. Sprinkle in ground cumin & coriander. Mix to combine.
  7. Add pulsed green sauce + salt. Simmer for 15 minutes or until sauce has slightly thicken & excess liquid evaporates.
  8. Meanwhile, drain paneer and pat-dry to remove any excess moisture.
  9. In a separate non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil on low to medium. Fry paneer’s until slightly browned on all angles.
  10. Add pan-fried paneer’s into spinach sauce with garam masala. Mix to combine and simmer for 2 minutes.
  11. Serve hot with chappati’s (rotis)/naans/rice and a side salad of choice.

 

Happy weekend y’all. I am off to menu-plan for next week and future recipes, accompanied with irritating cough. Classy, eh? 😉

What are your plans for this weekend? 

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Comments on this entry are closed.

1 Gerlinde in Dallas January 20, 2012 at 2:25 PM

I have never thought to add a green bell pepper, but I imagine that would be delicious and add an interesting flavour to this wonderful dish.
Gerlinde in Dallas recently posted..Chicken with Orange Sauce

2 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 3:53 PM

Gerlinde,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting! Adding bell pepper heightens the deliciousness of this recipe 🙂

3 Katie {Epicurean Mom Blog} January 20, 2012 at 3:12 PM

YUM!! I love indian food, naan and palak paneer! This looks divine!!

4 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 3:56 PM

Katie,
Thanks sweetie — glad you love Indian foods 🙂

5 Sophie January 20, 2012 at 3:42 PM

I am so happy that you are allready feeling better ,…I hope that your caughing will be gone soon,…I think this wonderful & good for you dish would help you a lot! 🙂

The dish looks magnificent! Big cyber hugs to you! xxx
Sophie recently posted..Mom’s brown baked rice & vegetables dish

6 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 3:58 PM

Sophie,
Thanks a lot buddy — you always make me smile 🙂 Sending virtual hugs!!!

7 Annapet January 20, 2012 at 4:48 PM

You know as much as I bake sweets, I don’t care much for them. Palak Paneer is the kind of treat I crave for and enjoy. Absolutely gorgeous photography and mouth-watering food.

I hope you fee better. Coughing is an energy drainer.
Annapet recently posted..Yuzu Cream Filling for Macarons

8 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 4:07 PM

Annapet,
Thanks sweetie — I am feeling much better now 🙂

Me, on the other hand, love sweets!!

9 Kulsum@journeykitchen January 20, 2012 at 4:59 PM

Your palak paneer looks absolutely delightful! Love that you use yogurt instead of cream

10 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 4:10 PM

Kulsum,
Thanks for dropping in and for the lovely comment 🙂

11 Em (Wine and Butter) January 20, 2012 at 5:33 PM

Kiran – I LOVE paneer!! Ive never had homemade though – that must be insanely good. I’m not very adventurous when it comes to Indian cuisine and nearly always order Palak Paneer, Onion Bhagis and the Naan with almonds and raisins… I’ve never gone wrong doing. Definitely need to try making my own soon though! xox ps – poor you with the cough – they are so INFURIATING when they won’t go away…
Em (Wine and Butter) recently posted..Frozen Margarita Frozen Yogurt

12 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 4:16 PM

EM,
Thanks sweetie — I am so glad you love Indian foods. Try butter chicken or tandoori chicken sometimes. It’s so good 🙂

13 Hannah January 20, 2012 at 9:20 PM

There is something so happy-making about a vibrantly green dish! Here’s hoping the cough disappears soon too 🙂
Hannah recently posted..St Ali and Tasti D’Lite with Heidi: Melbourne Day Three

14 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 4:18 PM

Hannah,
Thanks sweetie — I am feeling much better 😀

15 chinmayie @ love food eat January 20, 2012 at 10:54 PM

Palak Paneer!! I have some frozen paneer which needs to be used so thanks for the reminder 🙂
My weekend is filled with parties and people. Need to make some time for a little bit of blogging!

16 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 4:21 PM

Chinmayie,
You are welcome — have fun partying it up! 😀 Some of us can’t, so do it on our behalf!

17 Christy January 20, 2012 at 11:02 PM

Wow, that sounds very interesting, and looks like it too!:)
I’m sorry to hear about the cough, but you can try drinking something like honey with lemon to soothe your throat, in case it gets irritated? Hope it helps 😉
Christy recently posted..Winter Solstice Saga: How to make Fried Rice

18 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 4:26 PM

Christy,
Welcome to Recipebox dear! And thank you so much for the cough remedy — it worked like a charm 😀

19 Deeps @ Naughty Curry January 20, 2012 at 11:17 PM

such beautiful, beautiful pics… i looove palak paneer (its right up there amongst my top fav things to eat)… this must have def paved ur way to the husbands heart 😀
Deeps @ Naughty Curry recently posted..Baby Corn 65- Crispy, tangy deleciousness

20 Kiran January 25, 2012 at 8:42 PM

Deeps,
Thanks sweetie 🙂

21 Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake January 20, 2012 at 11:44 PM

I love your recipe! I just tried this dish at an Indian restaurant not too long ago and I loved it.
I hope that cough goes away! I’ve had that before and I know how annoying it can get.
Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake recently posted..Quick & easy beef pastries + move to WordPress!

22 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 12:35 PM

Jenny,
Thanks sweetie — I am feeling much better now 🙂

This recipe is so simple. Give it a try and let me know how it tastes 🙂

23 Sanjeeta kk January 20, 2012 at 11:59 PM

My favorite during winter with a thick cornmeal (makki) roti and dollop of fresh butter! Like your version of grinding the greens with yogurt, will try it next time. Love.
Sanjeeta kk recently posted..Harissa Marinated Tofu Skewers – AFBHLS post by Soma of eCurry

24 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 12:37 PM

Sanjeeta,
Best combo is always with makki and fresh butter 😀

25 Jay January 21, 2012 at 6:35 AM

great recipe with tempting cliks

Tasty Appetite

26 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 12:37 PM

Jay,
Thanks buddy 🙂

27 nancy at good food matters January 21, 2012 at 8:45 AM

Your palak paneer is beautifully made- and photographed. I hope you continue to get well—-it reminds me that I need to most my home remedy-cough syrup made with honey, cider vinegar, ginger, and cayenne!
nancy at good food matters recently posted..Ricotta Gnocchi, Dressed in Red

28 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 12:50 PM

Nancy,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliments and tips on home remedied cough syrup 🙂

29 Maureen January 21, 2012 at 8:54 AM

I hope your cough is finally better. This palak paneer should cure it because this looks so healthy and delicious. I love making home made cheese and this looks fairly straightforward. I want to dip that bread in and take a big bite right now!
Maureen recently posted..Curried Quinoa Salad

30 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 1:12 PM

Maureen,
Thanks sweetie — I am feeling much better now 🙂

31 balvinder January 21, 2012 at 12:05 PM

There is nothing like homemade paneer in spinach gravy. I love it. Kiran for your stubborn cough you must drink Turmeric milk, if you can.
balvinder recently posted..Malka masoor or Split Red Lentil

32 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 1:17 PM

Balvinder,
I’ve tried Turmeric milk — it definitely helped in relieving 🙂 Thanks for the tip!

33 Simply Life January 21, 2012 at 12:54 PM

this looks like one of my favorite meals- you are so talented!
Simply Life recently posted..My Time in Morocco: Moroccan Chickpea Stew

34 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 1:20 PM

Gina,
I am not talented — this is an Indian’s staple meal 🙂

35 Parita @ myinnershakti January 21, 2012 at 6:28 PM

The recipe I was waiting for! This looks simply incredible. Paneer is one of my favorite cheeses. Whenever we got to Indian wedding receptions, I pile it on my plate. 🙂

36 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 1:30 PM

Parita,
Thanks sweetie — do try and let me know how it tastes 🙂

37 Glamorous Glutton January 22, 2012 at 5:42 PM

I always order pander and spinach at the Indian restaurant, now I can make my own. I’m looking forward to your post on making pander. GG
Glamorous Glutton recently posted..Sweet Cherry Pie Pops

38 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 1:31 PM

GG,
Post on paneer making is coming up soon 🙂

39 Yummy Morsel January 22, 2012 at 7:10 PM

Nice addition of Bell pepper. I am sure it will give a nice flavor to the dish.
Yummy Morsel recently posted..Chocolate Brownies (a foolproof recipe)!

40 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 4:08 PM

YM,
Thanks dear — bell pepper lends a lot of flavor to this recipe 🙂

41 wok with ray January 22, 2012 at 8:36 PM

Looks delicious! Must taste flavorful especially eaten with rice. Have a good week, Kiran!
wok with ray recently posted..Mussel Ginger Soup (Sinabawang Tahong)

42 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 4:09 PM

Ray,
Thanks dear, you have a great weekend 🙂

43 Autumn@Good Eats Girl January 22, 2012 at 9:19 PM

I hope you are feeling back to normal soon….coughs are the worst!

Your recipe looks great!
Autumn@Good Eats Girl recently posted..Baked Eggs…

44 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 4:10 PM

Autumn,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂

I am feeling much better now!

45 Ann January 22, 2012 at 10:03 PM

I’ve had this once before and absolutely LOVED it! Thanks for sharing and I’m glad you feel better!
Ann recently posted..Asian Noodle Slaw

46 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 4:19 PM

Ann,
I am glad you love Indian food 😉

47 Reem | Simply Reem January 23, 2012 at 1:23 AM

God Kiran!!!!
You just made what I wanna eat…. Yummm…
Infact you know I was thinking of sharing some Indian recipes too, this was my top pick 😉
But for now I am enjoy your’s, only in pics 🙁
Love the last pic of palak paneer…

Feel better my friend, take it easy and enjoy!!

48 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 4:20 PM

Reem,
Thanks a lot yaar, I am feeling so much better 🙂

49 Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella January 23, 2012 at 2:20 AM

I hope you feel better soon! Coughs are so annoying aren’t they? Palak paneer is a must order for me when we visit Indian restaurants!

50 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 4:35 PM

Lorraine,
Thanks sweetie — I am feeling much better. Yup, coughs can get too ANNOYING!!!!! 😀

51 Lubna Karim January 23, 2012 at 2:38 AM

One of the tastiest and easiest recipe with paneer….looks yummy….
Lubna Karim recently posted..Yakhni Pulao Shahjahani – A Royal Feast From The Kitchen’s Of Mughal’s

52 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 5:18 PM

Lubna,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂

53 Nava Krishnan January 23, 2012 at 3:42 AM

Sometimes the cough does take a long time to go away. I can it as once my hubby gets coughing, there’s no ending until I can’t sleep with the noise at night. When its really bad, he sleeps downstairs because he does not want my sleep to be interrupted. So kind of him and touching it is.

I have to agree with you on the store ready palak because did try a couple of it and nope, I don’t will ever do that again. This palak with spinach is another on top of the list for me but my hubby does not fancy it too much. I simply love this you made and for me, as usual its simply yummy digging in with mashing into white rice.
Nava Krishnan recently posted..B4 Hotel – Padova, (Italy)

54 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 5:23 PM

Nava,
You have a great husband 🙂

55 Malin January 23, 2012 at 5:38 AM

I´ve totally fallen in love with this dish, though I´ve never tried making it at home – but now I have 2 weeks off, so this is definitely on top of my to-do list, and that is making the paneer too! And those chapattis looks great too – maybe I have to bake that as well! 😉

56 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 5:58 PM

Malin,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliments 🙂

You can try baking the chappati, though it’s best made on a griddle. Recipe is coming up soon. Did you tried this palak paneer recipe during your off?

57 Malin January 30, 2012 at 2:40 AM

Tried it – and loved it! 🙂
Malin recently posted..Chocolate cake for 2012

58 Baker Street January 23, 2012 at 5:57 AM

Mmmm… Palak Paneer! I love it.
Baker Street recently posted..Muffin Monday: Mocha Mascarpone Marble Chip Muffins

59 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 6:04 PM

Baker Street,
Thanks sweetie 🙂

60 Team G Square January 23, 2012 at 6:11 AM

Mouth watering …. join for the dinner ……
Team G Square recently posted..Roadissi – 1 Lost Hampi -1

61 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 6:18 PM

Team,
Thanks dear 🙂

62 Anita Menon January 23, 2012 at 6:26 AM

One of the staple sabjis in my home since it is my toddler’s favourite. I am glad you are feeling better.
It looks so sumptuous..

63 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 6:18 PM

Anita,
Thanks a lot dear 🙂

64 Angie@Angie's Recipes January 23, 2012 at 6:31 AM

I would love to have some now! Looks absolutely delicious!
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Tomato Soup with Parmesan Cheese Croutons

65 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 7:21 PM

Angie,
Thanks sweetie 🙂

66 Asmita January 23, 2012 at 8:51 AM

Your palak paneer looks delicious! What a perfect meal for the winter! As usual the photographs are beautiful!!!
Asmita recently posted..Minced Chicken

67 Kiran January 27, 2012 at 10:29 PM

Asmita,
Thanks a lot sweetie 🙂

68 Sukanya January 23, 2012 at 10:41 AM

The most likable paneer dishes of all time, never thought of using capsicum and making separate green sauce for it, sounds delish and looks so tempting. bookmarked
Sukanya recently posted..Baingan ka bharta goes Mediterranean

69 Kiran January 30, 2012 at 12:06 AM

Sukanya,
Just a simplified version of an authentic recipe — the bell pepper adds a subtle flavoring to the overall dish, with hints of spices 🙂

70 Caroline January 23, 2012 at 4:57 PM

So glad to hear that you’re feeling better, Kiran! Lovely photos…I love palak paneer. Though, I’ve only had the Trader Joe’s frozen dinner (which is delicious), but your homemade version would be much, much better. Oh, and I have that dish towel in the first photo. 😉 haha
Caroline recently posted..freshen up. [fish tacos w. southwestern slaw, chipotle pico de gallo & Mexican crema]

71 Kiran January 30, 2012 at 12:10 AM

Caroline,
Thanks sweetie — there’s nothing better than the ability to enjoy ice creams all over again 😉

I am fine with store-bought. The original palak paneer recipe is very tedious. My version is quite simplified with toned spices. Not too much.

Honey, that dish towel is from Ikea!!!!!!

Can I say how jealous I am of TJ’s at your vicinity??!?! We are still awaiting for their arrival in Orlando. Anxiously.

72 kankana January 23, 2012 at 5:35 PM

One of my .. our, favorite paneer dish! healthy.. yet rich .. delicious and comforting!
kankana recently posted..Mixed Berry Jam – Enjoy it fresh or preserve it.

73 Kiran January 30, 2012 at 12:11 AM

Kankana,
Thanks sweetie — this is definitely the healthier version, minus any cream 😉

74 Magic of Spice January 23, 2012 at 6:59 PM

This is one of my favorite dishes and I have had it out on several occasions, but never made it myself. I have to try this soon 🙂
Glad you are feeling better, and I hope your cough goes away soon!
Magic of Spice recently posted..Food of the week – Parsley Root

75 Kiran January 30, 2012 at 12:12 AM

Magic of Spice,
Thanks sweetie — do try this recipe and let me know how it tastes!

My cough is bygone now, thanks!! It’s a HUGE relief 🙂

76 Jen at The Three Little Piglets January 23, 2012 at 7:51 PM

Hope the stubborn cough goes away! In the meantime this should definitely win over your husband! Feel better soon.
Jen at The Three Little Piglets recently posted..What my Pink Lemonade Cupcakes taught me…

77 Kiran January 30, 2012 at 12:12 AM

Jen,
Thanks sweetie 🙂

78 Melanie @ Melanie Cooks January 24, 2012 at 11:05 AM

Glad that you are feeling better! The paneer looks great!
Melanie @ Melanie Cooks recently posted..Making Cornbread Stuffing Using Packaged Stuffing Mix

79 Kiran January 30, 2012 at 12:26 AM

Melanie,
Thanks sweetie 🙂

80 Katherine Martinelli January 24, 2012 at 1:52 PM

Palak paneer is one of my favorites but I’ve never made it at home. Yours looks so good!! I’ve always wanted to make my own paneer. Can’t wait for your recipe!

81 Kiran January 30, 2012 at 12:27 AM

Katherine,
Thanks dear — i hope to make paneer as soon as I can get my hands on fresh whole milk! Recipe coming up soonish 🙂

82 Nami | Just One Cookbook January 24, 2012 at 5:59 PM

Oh no! You are still coughing! Just like my daughter. She’s still sick, meanwhile I got sick and almost getting better. Watch out for whooping cough. Once you get it it’s hard to recover from it. I think it was popular among schools last year…

I’m very new to Palak Paneer recipe but it sounds delicious! The you served with Chappati is the best! Yummy~~~
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Tomato Bacon Pasta

83 Kiran January 30, 2012 at 12:28 AM

Nami,
I hope you daughter is feeling better now. It’s not easy when a child falls ill 🙁 Coughs are a menace, thank god I am done with it…

Hoping you have recovered!!

84 Gayatri January 25, 2012 at 1:29 AM

Looks yummy. I love paneer. Waiting for your recipe that explains how to make it from scratch.
Gayatri recently posted..Munch Bunch 6 – Japanese

85 Kiran January 30, 2012 at 12:43 AM

Gayatri,
Thanks sweetie — I am sure you know how to make paneer from scratch 😉

86 Gayatri January 30, 2012 at 4:22 PM

Yeah but mine always turns out really grainy in texture and chalky in taste 🙁
Gayatri recently posted..January 26th

87 Kiran January 31, 2012 at 11:18 AM

Gayatri,
I doubt it 😉 But hey, give this recipe a shot and let me know how it tastes 🙂

88 Keerthana January 25, 2012 at 4:42 PM

Palak paneer looks perfect to drive the winter blues away. This is my all time favorite dish!
Keerthana recently posted..Chocolate Brownies

89 Kiran January 30, 2012 at 12:51 AM

Keerthana,
Thanks yaar 🙂

90 Anji February 1, 2012 at 1:00 PM

Palak paneer, one of my most favorite indian dishes! With a nice hot ghee roti, yummm! 🙂

91 Kiran February 4, 2012 at 1:15 AM

Anji,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂

92 Matt @ The Athlete's Plate February 11, 2012 at 8:01 PM

This is my all time favorite Indian dish!
Matt @ The Athlete’s Plate recently posted..Friday Favorites

93 Kiran February 13, 2012 at 5:22 PM

Matt,
Thanks buddy 🙂

94 Carolyn Jung February 16, 2012 at 8:26 PM

I hope your cough finally went away. It’s always the last thing to disappear when you get a cold. Hope all these wonderful, warming spices in the paneer dish helped soothe your throat, too.
Carolyn Jung recently posted..Parcel 104 Marks a Decade of Deliciousness

95 DanTheArtist February 21, 2012 at 6:08 AM

You did so much work to share this with us. Thank you so very much!

96 Shareen February 22, 2012 at 3:27 AM

I love palak paneer and now that I have your paneer recipe, I just HAVE to make it this week!

97 Shannon | Just As Delish March 3, 2012 at 9:38 AM

i love palak paneer, is the spinach used chinese or english spinach? will make this after making paneer. can’t wait.
Shannon | Just As Delish recently posted..Mushroom Tartlet with Oat Crust (Gluten Free)

98 sundari October 27, 2012 at 4:53 AM

HEY 🙂 looks very delicious! so Tempting. i JUST went through your friends blog ,
I do follow the same method, once try adding whole garam masala-cinnamon-1/2,cardamom 2,cloves-3 (step-2) and repeat the same.(this adds EXTRA flavor). Also, if you sprinkle some kasuri methi Smells too good!
And yeah awesome clicks 😉
Happy blogging 🙂

99 AGEN SBOBET Terbesar March 20, 2018 at 4:47 PM

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