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Palak Paneer with Pressed Fresh Ricotta Recipe

Palak Paneer with Pressed Fresh Ricotta Recipe

A delicious Palak Paneer made with fresh spinach and pressed ricotta, combining authentic spices for a flavorful meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Pressing Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • blender
  • Pan
  • Sieve
  • Cheesecloth

Ingredients
  

Spinach and Cheese

  • 500 g fresh spinach washed and blanched
  • 250 g pressed fresh ricotta cheese cut into cubes

Spices and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger grated
  • 2 medium green chilies finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 2 medium tomatoes finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds or powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

Others

  • 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cream or yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Toasted cumin seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Firmly press the fresh ricotta cheese to remove excess whey. Place it in a cheesecloth-lined sieve and drain for 1-2 hours or press gently with a weight to achieve a dense, paneer-like texture that holds well during cooking.
  • Wash the spinach thoroughly, blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until wilted, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to preserve its vibrant green color. Drain well and puree into a smooth paste using a blender or food processor.

Cooking

  • Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions until they turn golden and translucent. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies, cooking until fragrant.
  • Stir in cumin, turmeric, and garam masala powders, gently toasting them to release their aroma. Add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and blend smoothly into the mixture, forming a rich, tangy sauce.
  • Pour the pureed spinach into the pan and mix thoroughly with the spiced tomato base. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes. Carefully fold in the pressed ricotta cubes or crumbles, warming them through without breaking them apart.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Stir in a splash of fresh cream or yogurt if a creamier texture is desired. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well heated and flavors meld together. Garnish with fresh cilantro and toasted cumin seeds before serving.

Notes

Pressing the ricotta is key to achieving a firm texture similar to paneer to prevent it from falling apart during cooking. Blanching spinach briefly keeps its vibrant green color and reduces bitterness. Adjust green chilies according to your heat preference. Using fresh cream or yogurt adds richness; omit for a lighter version or substitute with a plant-based cream. Serve with naan, roti, or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg
Keyword comfort food, Palak Paneer, Ricotta Recipe, Spinach Recipe, vegetarian dish
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