A rich and flavorful Indian vegetarian curry recipe called Palak Paneer made with Spinach and Cottage Cheese. Perfect served over rice or with garlic naan. Gluten free and vegetarian.
Though we’re no longer in India we are currently staying in Kuala Lumpur’s Little India (Brickfields) neighborhood so we’ve got a plethora of delicious Indian restaurants to choose from for every meal.
Tonight we tried a restaurant known for its banana leaf dishes, essentially a large banana leaf acts as a substitude for a plate and you get a scoop of rice, three vegetarian sides, a meat/fish side dish, curry sauce, and papadum.
All this for 13 Malaysian ringgits, the equivalent of less than $4. So since I’ve got Indian food on the mind it’s time to share this palak paneer curry recipe that I learned during a cooking class in India.
This dish is a thick and rich spinach and tomato based curry.
The sauce is cooked and blended to make it a smooth puree and the creamy soft paneer is a perfect addition. The sauce is made in a series of steps but comes together eventually all in one and is served over rice or with some fresh garlic naan. When you’re craving Indian food, make this at home.
A simple perfect Indian vegetarian recipe. Palak paneer was a recipe I never used to order before in Indian restaurants but now it has been a clear favorite!ย It’s amazing the variety of ingredients and flavors in Indian cooking and I am so happy to have traveled across Indian and been able to sample all the various tastes and regional cuisines.
A rich and flavorful Indian vegetarian curry recipe made with Spinach and Cottage Cheese. Perfect served over rice or with garlic naan. Gluten free and vegetarian! Palak Paneer for the win!
- 3 onions
- 1/2 inch piece of ginger
- 1/2 green chili
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 to matoes
- 250 grams spinach boiled and cooled
- 2 tablespoons cocnut oil
- 1 pinch asafoetida
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 small block paneer Indian cottage cheese, cut up into cubes
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
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Make a pasta out of the onions, ginger, chili and garlic(can use food processor/blender or mortar and pestle). Add a bit of water if having trouble blending it together.
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Make a paste out of tomatoes (can use blender)
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Make a paste out of the spinach (can use the blender).
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Heat oil in large deep pan (wok) and once hot add asafoetida, cumin seeds, mustard seeds and garam masala. Stir until fragrant.
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Add the onion paste and cook for 5-7 minutes until it turns a bit brownish. Then add the tomato paste and add red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder and salt.
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Cook until you see that the oil is coming up to the surface (after about 5 minutes) and then add the spinach paste and paneer.
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Add some heavy cream and stir. Cook for a few more minutes.
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Serve with rice or chapati/naan (for gluten free serve with rice)
Recipe From Spice Paradise Cooking School
Rachael@AnAvocadoADay says
This is my absolute favorite Indian dish! Pinning it now ๐ So jealous of your adventures around the world!
Vicky says
Thanks! When I went to India restaurants back in the US I always ordered the standard chicken tikka masala. Going to India introduced me to a whole world of vegetarian Indian food that I never even knew about and have now come to love!
Kate @Almond Butter Binge says
Yes, I am so happy to see some vegetarian Indian food! I love the spices and flavors, but I am trying to eat less meat (cheaper, better for you, etc.) โ I’ll have to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Vicky says
I too am trying to eat less meat and really opting for more vegetarian or even vegan recipes. There are so many incredible vegetarian Indian dishes – really no shortage of them! Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Allison says
This looks delicious! Love it.