No Onion No Garlic Palak Paneer: A Healthier Twist on a Classic

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4.84 from 6 votes

About No Onion No Garlic Palak Paneer: A Healthier Twist on a Classic

Craving the creamy comfort of Palak Paneer but seeking a healthier twist? This vibrant, onion-and-garlic-free version is surprisingly simple, delivering a rich depth of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
We'll show you how to blanch and puree spinach to perfection, pan-fry paneer until golden, and create a luscious sauce bursting with aromatic spices and a hint of smoky char.
Serve this delightful dish with roti, naan, or rice for a truly satisfying and wholesome meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep10 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Calories462 kcal
Serves2
Recipe TasteSaltySavoury

Ingredients
 

Produce

Paneer and Dairy

Spices and Flavorings

Other

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Instructions
 

  • Wash the spinach thoroughly. Blanch it in boiling water for a minute to brighten its color and stop the cooking process. This helps retain its nutrients and vibrant green hue. Immediately plunge the spinach into ice water to stop cooking and set the color. Once cooled, drain well and puree into a smooth paste.
    Palak paneer
  • Lightly pan-fry the paneer cubes in ghee for a few seconds per side until they develop light golden spots. This adds a lovely texture and enhances their flavor. Set the paneer aside.
    Creamy paneer cubes being cooked in a hot skillet for flavorful Indian dish preparation.
  • In the same pan, add the ghee, bay leaves, and whole spices. Sauté for a moment until fragrant. This infuses the ghee with the spices' aroma, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
    Creamy green chutney cooking in a black skillet, vibrant and flavorful Indian condiment.
  • Add the spinach puree to the pan and stir continuously. Cook until the raw smell of the spinach disappears and the mixture thickens slightly.
  • Add the roasted cumin seeds, ginger powder, and salt. Stir well to combine. Sprinkle in a little water if the mixture is too thick.
  • Add the melon seed paste (magaj) and cook for another minute. This adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor to the palak paneer.
  • Gently add the pan-fried paneer cubes to the spinach mixture. Cook for a few more minutes to allow the paneer to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
    Palak paneer
  • Garnish with white sesame seeds and a dollop of coconut cream. Serve hot with roti, chapati, naan, or rice.
    Palak paneer

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips

  • For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless, skinless breasts.
  • Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less chili powder or using a milder or hotter variety.
  • If you don't have fresh cilantro on hand, you can substitute with parsley or omit it altogether.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Recipe Video

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4.84 from 6 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 462kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 13gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 124mgPotassium: 734mgFiber: 5gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 11743IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 391mgIron: 5mg

Geeta Biswas
Geeta Biswas

Are you missing old, traditional recipes? I, Geeta Biswas would love to share all those different tasty and traditional recipes. Most of my recipes are simple and very creative as I try to add twist and easy steps to prepare each and every recipe.

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