Name: Restaurant Style Healthy Palak Paneer Curry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 11 oz baby spinach; 4-5 oz paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into ¾” cubes; ¼ cup loosely packed fresh cilantro; 2 teaspoons cooking oil (divided); 3-4 whole garlic cloves; ½ inch ginger, peeled; 1 medium onion, cut into thick pieces; 1 medium red tomato, cut into large pieces; ¼ cup raw cashews, crushed; ½ teaspoon turmeric powder; ½ teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon coriander powder; 1 teaspoon cumin powder; ½ teaspoon garam masala; 1 ¼ cups water; Salt to taste

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This Restaurant Style Healthy Palak Paneer Curry is a light, flavorful, and healthy version of the traditional Indian dish. Soft paneer cubes are dunked into a creamy spinach curry that is quick, easy, and packed with nutrients. It’s a perfect meal to serve with naan or cooked rice for a complete lunch or dinner.

Restaurant Style Healthy Palak Paneer Curry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy and nutritious — packed with spinach, protein from paneer, and healthy fats from cashews
Quick and easy — ready in just 25 minutes
Flavorful — fragrant spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander add depth to the curry
Customizable — adjust the spice levels and paneer preparation to your liking

ingredients

(Tip: You can adjust the quantities using the scale if you want to make more servings.)

11 oz baby spinach
4-5 oz paneer, cut into ¾” cubes (Indian cottage cheese)
¼ cup loosely packed fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons cooking oil (divided)
3-4 whole garlic cloves
½ inch ginger, peeled
1 medium onion, cut into thick pieces
1 medium red tomato, cut into large pieces
¼ cup raw cashews, crushed
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon garam masala
1 ¼ cups water
Salt to taste

instructions

Steam the Spinach:
- Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of water and immediately add the spinach leaves.
- Cover the pan with a lid and steam the spinach for 2-3 minutes until it wilts.
- Once done, transfer the wilted spinach to a blender jar and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of cooking oil over medium heat.
- Add the garlic cloves, ginger pieces, and chopped onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions turn light golden brown.
- Add the tomato pieces and crushed cashews, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Transfer this mixture to the blender jar with the spinach, and also add the fresh cilantro leaves and water. Blend everything together into a smooth puree.
Cook the Curry:
- Clean the skillet and heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil on low-medium heat.
- Add turmeric powder and chili powder, frying them for 10-15 seconds.
- Immediately add the spinach puree to the skillet and mix well.
- Add the coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt to taste. Stir everything together, cover, and cook the mixture for 5 minutes on low heat.
Add the Paneer:
- Add the paneer cubes to the curry and turn off the heat.
- Cover and let the curry sit for 5 more minutes to allow the paneer to soak in the flavors.
Serve:
- Serve the healthy palak paneer curry warm with naan, roti, or rice.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Low-Fat Version: Use reduced-fat paneer or make paneer at home using low-fat milk.
Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or green chilies to the wilted spinach before blending if you want a spicy curry.
Cashew-Free Option: If you prefer, you can substitute the cashews with a small amount of cream or coconut milk for richness.
Vegan Version: Use tofu in place of paneer for a vegan-friendly dish.

Storage

Leftovers: Store any leftover curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If the curry thickens, add a little water to adjust the consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I make this curry without paneer?

Yes, you can substitute paneer with tofu or even add boiled potatoes for a different twist.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the curry can be made in advance. In fact, the flavors deepen after sitting for a few hours or overnight. Just reheat before serving.

3. How do I get the perfect paneer texture?

If you prefer slightly crispy paneer, you can lightly sauté the cubes in a little oil before adding them to the curry. Otherwise, just add them directly to the curry for a soft texture.

4. Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, frozen spinach works well in this recipe. Just thaw and drain it thoroughly before using.

5. How can I make the curry thicker?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can cook the curry uncovered for a few extra minutes, or blend a small portion of the curry and add it back.

Conclusion

Restaurant Style Healthy Palak Paneer Curry is a delicious and nutritious dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal. With creamy spinach, aromatic spices, and soft paneer, this curry is sure to satisfy your taste buds while being light and healthy. Serve it with your favorite Indian bread or rice for a complete meal!