Palak paneer
Palak paneer is a classic Indian main course featuring cubes of paneer cheese in a velvety spinach and coriander sauce. The Thermomix TM7 grinds whole cumin and coriander seeds, chops onion, garlic and ginger, and simmers the masala base hands-free. Fresh long chillies add gentle heat while garam masala finishes this vegetarian favourite.
About this recipe
Palak paneer Thermomix TM7 is the Indian restaurant classic you can now make in your own kitchen with your all-in-one kitchen machine. This vegetarian curry brings together cubes of fresh paneer, a silky spinach sauce and a freshly ground masala of coriander seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric and garam masala. Searching for palak paneer recipes that fit a quick weeknight dinner? The TM7 handles every step: it grinds the whole spices to an aromatic powder, chops the onion, garlic, ginger and fresh long chillies in seconds, and then sautés and simmers everything at a steady temperature while you cube the paneer. The result is a vibrant green main course with a creamy texture and warming depth, far fresher than anything from a jar. Serve it with basmati rice or flatbread for a satisfying meat-free meal the whole family will enjoy, any day of the week.
Preparation tips
- Cut the paneer into even cubes of roughly two centimetres so each piece coats well in the spinach sauce and stays intact when stirred in at the end.
- For the brightest green colour, add the spinach at the very end of cooking and blend briefly; overcooking turns the sauce dull and khaki. Stir the paneer through off the heat so it softens without melting.
- If paneer is hard to find, substitute firm halloumi or extra-firm tofu pressed dry. For milder family versions, remove the seeds from the fresh long chillies before chopping them with the onion and garlic.
Recipe variations
- Vegan palak paneer: replace the paneer with cubes of extra-firm tofu and finish the sauce with coconut cream instead of cream. The ground cumin and garam masala keep the curry deeply aromatic and entirely plant-based.
- Festive saag version: swap half the spinach for mustard greens or kale for a punchier saag paneer, and garnish with fried paneer cubes, a drizzle of cream and toasted cumin seeds for a dinner-party-worthy Indian feast.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Fresh spice grinding - The TM7 grinds whole coriander and cumin seeds into aromatic powder far more fragrant than pre-ground. [Multi-Function]
- Chopping speed - The Thermomix chops onion, garlic and ginger uniformly in seconds, saving ten minutes of knife work. [Time Savings]
- Temperature control - Precise TM7 heating sautés the masala base without burning the turmeric or garam masala. [Precise Control]. [Precision Control]
- Hands-free simmering - The Thermomix stirs and simmers the spinach sauce automatically while you cube the paneer. [Hands-Free]
- Silky blending - The TM7 blends the spinach into a velvety smooth sauce that clings to every paneer cube. [Easy Result]. [Multi-Function]
Ingredients
- coriander seeds
- cumin seeds
- fresh long green chillies
- piece fresh ginger
- garlic cloves
- red onion
- light olive oil
- ground turmeric
- garam masala
- chilli powder