Palak Paneer (Spinach and Cottage Cheese Curry) (Palakya-Paneer-Shaka)

A nourishing, protein-rich spinach and paneer curry that balances Vata and Pitta through warming spices and unctuous ghee.

A nourishing and grounding preparation of fresh spinach purée simmered with cubes of paneer, a traditional fresh cheese. This dish is prepared by lightly sautéing the spinach with warming spices to enhance digestibility, balancing the inherent cooling nature of the greens with the unctuous, tissue-building qualities of the paneer. In the Ayurvedic tradition, this preparation is considered 'Brimhana' (nourishing) and 'Balya' (strengthening). By using ghee as the cooking medium, the dish becomes easier to assimilate, supporting the digestive fire (Agni) while providing essential nutrients for the Dhatus (tissues). It is particularly suitable for the cooler seasons of Hemant and Shishir, where the body requires more substantial, warming, and unctuous foods to maintain vitality.

At a glance

Category: Main Course
Meal: lunch

Ingredients

Fresh Spinach — 250 g
Paneer — 150 g
Ghee (Clarified Butter) — 1 tbsp
Cumin Seeds — 0.5 tsp
Fresh Ginger — 1 tsp
Turmeric — 0.25 tsp
Rock Salt (Saindhava) — 0.25 tsp

Method

1. Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer to ice-cold water to retain color. (Tip: Blanching makes the spinach easier to digest compared to raw consumption.)
2. Blend the blanched spinach into a smooth purée. (Tip: Add a small amount of warm water if needed for consistency.)
3. Heat ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds, grated ginger, and a pinch of turmeric. (Tip: Sautéing spices in ghee releases their essential oils and enhances their digestive properties.)
4. Add the spinach purée to the pan and simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes. (Tip: Cooking the purée helps to neutralize the cold, raw quality of the greens.)
5. Gently fold in the paneer cubes and cook for another 3 minutes until heated through. (Tip: Do not overcook the paneer to keep it soft and tender.)
6. Season with a pinch of rock salt and serve warm. (Tip: Serve with freshly cooked rice or warm flatbread.)

Health benefits

Supports tissue nourishment
Provides sustained energy
Promotes healthy digestion when prepared with appropriate spices

Indications

Dhatu-kshaya (tissue depletion)
Vata-pitta imbalance
General weakness

Suitable doshas

vata
pitta

Pathya (supportive)

Suitable for those needing nourishment
Ideal for cold weather
Appropriate for those with active lifestyles

Apathya (avoid)

Avoid in cases of severe Kapha congestion
Not recommended for those with weak digestion (Mandagni) or during acute fever

Contraindications

Not for those with severe digestive stagnation
Avoid if allergic to dairy

Classical sources

Charaka Samhita · Sutra Sthana · Unknown Varga · Tasyashitiya Adhyaya · Dravadravya Vigyan Adhyaya · Dinacharya Adi Vyadhivigyan Adhyaya · Dinacharya Adi Vyadhivigyan · Kho Shodash Mahamula Adhyaya · Annapanavidhi Adhyaya · Annapanavidhi · Tasyashitiya Varga · Tasyashitiya · Navegandharaniya Varga · Navegandharaniya · Dipaniya Adhyaya · Unit 21 — 01 21
Charaka Samhita · Sutra Sthana · Unknown Varga · Tasyashitiya Adhyaya · Dravadravya Vigyan Adhyaya · Dinacharya Adi Vyadhivigyan Adhyaya · Dinacharya Adi Vyadhivigyan · Kho Shodash Mahamula Adhyaya · Annapanavidhi Adhyaya · Annapanavidhi · Tasyashitiya Varga · Tasyashitiya · Navegandharaniya Varga · Navegandharaniya · Dipaniya Adhyaya · Unit 7 — 01 7

Frequently asked questions

What is Palak Paneer (Spinach and Cottage Cheese Curry)?