Palak Paneer Recipe | Spinach Paneer Curry
Maharastrian Curry

Palak Paneer Recipe | Spinach Paneer Curry

Siddhi Ballal · June 19, 2026 · 4 min read
Jump to Recipe
Prep 15m
Cook 25-30m
Total 40-45m
Serves 3-4
Level Easy

Palak Paneer Recipe | Spinach Paneer Curry:

Palak Paneer Recipe is a simple and comforting Indian curry made with fresh palak, paneer, onion, tomato, tomato puree, and basic spices. It is one of those recipes that looks rich and special, but can still be made at home with regular kitchen ingredients.

The smooth palak gravy gives this dish a beautiful green colour, while the paneer pieces make it soft, filling, and satisfying. This popular North Indian dish is loved because it balances nutrition and flavour in every bite. Fresh spinach adds an earthy taste and a creamy texture when blended, while paneer absorbs the flavours of the masala beautifully. It is a wonderful option for both everyday meals and special family dinners.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be adjusted according to personal preference. Some people prefer a mild and creamy version, while others enjoy adding extra spices for a stronger flavour. The ingredients are easy to find, and the cooking process is straightforward, making it suitable even for beginners.

Palak Paneer pairs perfectly with chapati, phulka, naan, paratha, jeera rice, or plain steamed rice. It is also a great way to include more leafy greens in your diet without compromising on taste. Whether served for lunch or dinner, this wholesome curry brings warmth, colour, and comfort to the dining table.

Preparation Before Cooking:

Before starting the recipe, wash the palak leaves properly 2–3 times to remove any dirt. Keep the paneer cut into medium-sized cubes. Chop the onion, tomato, and green chilli. Keep tomato puree, jeera, hing, curry leaves, turmeric, chilli powder, masala, salt, and water ready. When everything is prepared before cooking, the recipe becomes easier and faster.

Palak Paneer Recipe | Spinach Paneer Curry
“Preparation for making Palak Paneer

Flavour and Texture:

This Palak Paneer Recipe is perfect when you want something tasty with chapati. It is not too heavy, but it still feels complete because of the paneer and spinach.

The flavour comes from simple tempering, cooked onion, tomato, chilli, turmeric, and tomato puree. When the palak paste is added to this masala and cooked properly, the curry becomes smooth, warm, and full of homemade taste.

Homemade Style Recipe:

This palak paneer is a simple homemade-style recipe that brings together fresh spinach, soft paneer, and everyday Indian spices to create a comforting and nutritious meal. Unlike restaurant versions that are often rich and heavy, this recipe focuses on balanced flavors and a light texture that is perfect for regular family meals. It is easy to prepare with basic ingredients available in most kitchens and pairs wonderfully with chapati, phulka, naan, or jeera rice.

The creamy spinach gravy and tender paneer cubes make it a favorite among both adults and children. This wholesome dish is ideal for lunch, dinner, or special occasions when you want to serve something healthy, delicious, and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

If you enjoy simple homestyle curry recipes, you can also try this ‘Maharashtrian Chana Dal‘ for another comforting meal with chapati or rice.

Palak Paneer Serving:

Serve this Palak Paneer hot with soft chapati. It also goes well with phulka, roti, paratha, or jeera rice. For a complete meal, you can serve it with onion salad, pickle, or curd on the side. This dish is perfect for both lunch and dinner because it is filling, nutritious, and easy to prepare. If you enjoy simple homestyle curry recipes, you can also try our Kadadhanya Usal Recipe for another comforting meal that pairs beautifully with chapati or rice. You can also explore more simple vegetable recipes to create a balanced everyday meal menu for your family.

Palak Paneer Recipe | Spinach Paneer Curry
“Serving of Palak Panner”
Palak Paneer Recipe | Spinach Paneer Curry
Main Course
Prep
15m
Cook
25-30m
Total
40-45m
Servings
3-4
Difficulty
Easy

Ingredients

Tap to check off as you go

Method

  1. 1

    Take the Palak and remove any damaged stems or leaves, and wash them thoroughly 2–3 times under running water to remove all dirt and mud.

    Step 1 — Palak Paneer Recipe | Spinach Paneer Curry
  2. 2

    Add water to a vessel and let it come to a boil.

    Step 2 — Palak Paneer Recipe | Spinach Paneer Curry
  3. 3

    Once the water starts boiling, add the washed palak leaves. Let them cook for 2–3 minutes until they become soft. Then Remove the palak from hot water and let it cool for some time.

    Step 3 — Palak Paneer Recipe | Spinach Paneer Curry
  4. 4

    Add the cooled palak and green chilli to a mixer jar and grind it into a smooth paste. Keep this palak paste aside.

    Step 4 — Palak Paneer Recipe | Spinach Paneer Curry
  5. 5

    Heat oil in a pan or kadai. Add jeera and let it crackle. Then add hing and curry leaves. Let them release a nice aroma.

    Step 5 — Palak Paneer Recipe | Spinach Paneer Curry
  6. 6

    Add chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft. Then add chopped tomato. Cook until the tomato becomes soft and mixes well with the onion.

    Step 6 — Palak Paneer Recipe | Spinach Paneer Curry
  7. 7

    Add turmeric powder, chilli powder, homemade masala or garam masala, and salt. Mix well. Then add tomato puree and cook the masala for 2–3 minutes.

    Step 7 — Palak Paneer Recipe | Spinach Paneer Curry
  8. 8

    Now add the palak paste to the masala. Mix everything properly. Add a little water to adjust the consistency. Let the palak gravy cook for 5–7 minutes on low to medium flame. Stir in between so it does not stick to the bottom.

    Step 8 — Palak Paneer Recipe | Spinach Paneer Curry
  9. 9

    Add paneer cubes to the palak gravy. Mix gently so the paneer does not break. Cook for another 3–4 minutes so the paneer absorbs the flavour of the gravy. Turn off the flame.

    Step 9 — Palak Paneer Recipe | Spinach Paneer Curry
  10. 10

    Serve the Palak Paneer hot with soft chapati.

Aaji's Tip

Do not boil the palak for too long. If palak is overcooked, the colour may become dull and the taste may change. Boil it only until soft, then cool it and grind it. Also, add paneer at the end so it stays soft.

Notes
If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little water and simmer for a few minutes. If you want a creamier taste, you can add a spoon of fresh cream or malai at the end, but this is optional. For a simple homestyle taste, the recipe works well without cream too.
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From the Kitchen of
Siddhi Ballal

Celebrating the coastal flavours and food heritage of the Konkan coast — one recipe at a time.

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