Last Updated on May 20, 2023 by Babita
Palak Paneer is an Indian recipe that combines spinach with paneer (Indian cheese) to create a creamy delicacy that tastes amazing with roti or naan. I make palak paneer with frozen spinach; it is a quick and easy recipe minus all the hassle.
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About Palak Paneer
Palak is spinach in Hindi. Paneer is a type of Indian cheese made with milk solids. The combination of both these ingredients makes for a yummy delicious recipe that is smooth, creamy, and not very spicy. The ingredients for palak paneer are pretty simple and basic. All you need is spinach, paneer, oil, onion, tomato, green chili (optional), cumin seeds, turmeric, and salt.
About my Recipe
My family and I love palak paneer. However, I found it a pain and a hassle to sort out fresh spinach leaves. Even after spending time cleaning, cutting, sorting spinach the amount of spinach would not be enough for making any dish for a family of four.
So many years back, I came up with this recipe because I felt too lazy to make it the old-fashioned way. I was genuinely surprised at how delicious and creamy this recipe turned out, even though I had used frozen spinach.
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Ingredient Notes & Substitution
Frozen spinach: is the main ingredient in this recipe. Frozen spinach is available in the frozen aisle of most grocery stores. I use frozen chopped spinach. However, you can use frozen whole spinach leaves as well.
Paneer: is an Indian cheese that is firm when uncooked and changes its texture to soft when cooked. It is available in Indian stores all over NJ.
Other Ingredients: include onion, tomato, green chili, cumin, turmeric, oil, and salt. I also add water to make the curry thinner.
How to Use Frozen Spinach (Palak)
The first step is to thaw the frozen spinach for an hour or two outside at room temperature (See the FAQ below for more information)
- Bring about 3 cups of water to boil.
- Add the chopped spinach and boil it for a minute.
- Drain the spinach and set it aside to cool.
- Next, cut the paneer into bite-size pieces and set them aside.
- Blend spinach, tomato, garlic, green chili, and cumin seeds into a puree.
- Heat oil in a sauce pan.
- Add chopped onion and saute it until it is translucent.
- Add paneer pieces and saute for a few seconds.
- Next, add the spinach puree, turmeric, and salt. Mix all the ingredients well.
- Add water, stir it well and allow it to cook for about 2 to 3 mins.
Serve it hot with roti, naan or rice.
Recipe FAQ
Absolutely Yes! You can use frozen spinach for palak paneer without thawing. However, you will have to boil this spinach for a longer time during the cooking process.
Yes, you can substitute paneer with tofu. Make sure to use firm or extra firm tofu.
Green chili is optional. You can add one green chili or 2 or more. It is really as per your spice level. However, if you are not used to spicy food, then you can avoid green chilies altogether.
I personally don’t find the need to add cream to this recipe. In restaurants they do add cream. However, it is not necessary.
Yes, you can make the vegan version of palak paneer. Simply substitute paneer with either tofu, potatoes or chickpeas.
Creamy Palak Paneer with Frozen Spinach
This all vegetarian palak paneer is made with frozen spinach. It is quick, easy and yummy!
Ingredients
- 1 packet of frozen spinach
- 1 cup or half block of paneer
- 1 small onion
- 1 medium tomato
- 2 green chili
- 3/4 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp oil
- salt as per taste
- water as required
Instructions
- Thaw frozen spinach at room temperature
- Bring about 3 cups of water to boil. Add the chopped spinach and boil it for a minute. Drain the spinach and set is aside to cool.
- Next, cut paneer into bite size pieces and set aside. Rinse it in some water.
- Blend spinach, tomato, garlic, green chili and cumin seeds into a puree.
- Heat oil in a sauce pan. Add chopped onion and saute it until it is translucent.
- Add paneer pieces and saute for few seconds.
- Next, add the spinach puree, turmeric and salt. Mix all the ingredients well.
- Add water, stir it well and allow it to cook for about 2 to 3 mins on medium heat.
- Serve it hot with roti, naan or rice.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 139Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 11mgSodium 290mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 5g
BabsProjects.com provides nutritional information as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although BabsProjects.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, please remember these are estimates only.
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How much cumin seeds, please? 3/4 of what unit?
3/4 tsp cumin seeds. Please refer to the recipe card at the bottom for full recipe list and measurement
3/4 cumin seeds, what does that mean? 3 or 4? that can’t be enough.
3/4 tablespoon?
3/4 tsp of cumin seeds
How much is a “packet” of spinach????
It is 10z packet … around 284 g