Description
Restaurant Style Healthy Palak Paneer Curry is a lighter, healthier version of the traditional Indian dish, offering a rich and flavorful spinach curry with soft paneer cubes. This easy-to-make dish is packed with nutrients, including the goodness of spinach, protein from paneer, and healthy fats from cashews. With fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, this curry is aromatic and satisfying. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect to serve with naan or rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Curry:
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
Instructions
- Steam the Spinach:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of water in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the spinach and cover to steam for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Transfer the spinach to a blender jar and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same pan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and chopped onion. Cook until the onions turn golden brown (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the tomato and cashews, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Blend the Puree:
- Transfer the cooked aromatics to the blender with the spinach. Add fresh cilantro leaves and water. Blend into a smooth puree.
- Cook the Curry:
- Clean the skillet and heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil over medium-low heat. Add turmeric, chili powder, and sauté for 10-15 seconds.
- Add the spinach puree and mix well.
- Stir in coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt to taste. Cover and cook on low heat for 5 minutes.
- Add the Paneer:
- Add the paneer cubes to the curry. Turn off the heat and cover, allowing the paneer to soak in the flavors for 5 minutes.
- Serve:
- Serve the curry warm with naan, roti, or rice.
Notes
- 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 spicier curry.
- Cashew-Free Option: If you prefer, substitute the cashews with a small amount of cream or coconut milk for richness.
- Vegan Version: Replace paneer with tofu for a vegan-friendly dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
