This soft spinach and paneer stir-fry is a simple, nourishing dish made with fresh spinach, lightly seasoned paneer, and gentle spices. It is commonly served for lunch or dinner when you want something warm, wholesome, and not too heavy.
The recipe is well suited to home cooking because it uses minimal ingredients, cooks quickly, and does not require complex techniques. The flavours are mild and comforting, making it ideal for everyday family meals.
Recipe Information
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Serves: 3
Difficulty level: Easy
Ingredients
Main ingredients
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200 g paneer, cut into small cubes
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200 g fresh spinach leaves
Base ingredients
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1 tablespoon oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon grated ginger
Spices
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½ teaspoon cumin seeds
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¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
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½ teaspoon ground coriander
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Salt to taste
To finish
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander
Step-by-Step Method
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Wash the spinach thoroughly and roughly chop the leaves. Set aside.
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Heat the oil in a wide pan on medium heat.
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Add the cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle for a few seconds.
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Add the chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until soft and lightly golden.
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Stir in the grated ginger and cook for 30 seconds.
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Add turmeric powder, ground coriander, and salt. Mix well.
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Add the paneer cubes and gently stir so they are coated with the spices. Cook for 2 minutes.
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Add the chopped spinach and mix gently. The spinach will begin to wilt.
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Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring once, until the spinach is soft and fully cooked.
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Turn off the heat and add lemon juice. Mix carefully.
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Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.
Cooking Tips
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Keep the heat low after adding spinach to prevent excess moisture.
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Stir gently to avoid breaking the paneer cubes.
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Do not overcook, as spinach should remain soft and bright in colour.
Variations
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Vegan: Replace paneer with firm tofu.
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Gluten-free: This dish is naturally gluten-free.
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Less onion: Reduce the onion quantity for a milder flavour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with chapati, plain rice, or a simple lentil dish. This stir-fry works well as part of a balanced everyday meal.
Storage and Reheating
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
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Reheat gently in a pan over low heat until warmed through.
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Freezing is not recommended as the texture of paneer may change.
Recipe Image Description:
A three-quarter angle photograph of soft spinach and paneer stir-fry served in a simple shallow ceramic bowl. Bright green wilted spinach is mixed with small white paneer cubes and lightly coated in spices, finished with a sprinkle of fresh coriander. The bowl is placed on a light wooden surface with a plain serving spoon beside it. Soft natural daylight, clean uncluttered background, sharp focus on the dish, natural colours, realistic home-style presentation.
