Go Back
TrendyTadka Editorial

15-Minute Creamy Spinach Paneer with Frozen Spinach

A quick weeknight take on classic palak paneer: supermarket frozen chopped spinach transformed into a velvety, emerald-green curry with seared paneer cheese in 15 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 bag 10 oz / 283 g frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed firmly in a clean towel)
  • 8 oz 225 g block paneer (cut into 3/4-inch cubes)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter or ghee divided
  • 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil
  • 1 tsp whole cumin seeds
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced; extra garlic pairs beautifully with greens
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger finely grated
  • 1 green serrano pepper minced, optional for heat
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup water or vegetable broth
  • 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves kasuri methi, crushed
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Sear Paneer: Melt 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the paneer cubes in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until lightly golden on two sides. Transfer seared paneer to a plate.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet with remaining fat, add the cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for 20 seconds. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic, ginger, and green serrano pepper; cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add Spices & Greens: Stir in ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, and salt for 20 seconds. Add the squeezed thawed spinach and 1/3 cup water or broth. Stir thoroughly, breaking up any clumps of spinach, and simmer on medium for 3 minutes.
  4. Immersion Pulse (Optional for Silky Texture): Remove skillet from heat. Insert an immersion blender directly into the skillet and pulse 4 to 5 times (about 10-15 seconds total) to break down coarse spinach shreds into a creamy, velvety sauce. (Leave some texture; do not over-puree).
  5. Finish with Dairy: Return skillet to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and remaining 1 tbsp butter. Fold in the seared paneer cubes.
  6. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the paneer is warm and tender. Remove from heat, stir in garam masala, crushed kasuri methi, and fresh lemon juice. Serve hot with warm garlic naan, parathas, or basmati rice.

Notes

Recipe development note: This recipe was developed using culinary research and established cooking techniques. TrendyTadka does not operate a physical test kitchen, so results can vary with ingredients, equipment, and technique.