Palak Paneer Paratha

Spinach Paneer Paratha (or Palak paneer paratha) is a wholesome, flavourful, and nutritious Indian flatbread. It is made with a vibrant spinach dough. It is stuffed with a spiced paneer filling. This versatile recipe is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It pairs beautifully with yogurt. You can also pair it with pickle or a side of curry. Packed with the goodness of spinach and protein-rich paneer, it’s a great way to enjoy a healthy yet indulgent meal.

Step by step guide for making palak paneer paratha

1. Prepare Spinach Dough

1. Bring water to a boil in a pan. Add spinach leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes.

2. Drain and immediately transfer the spinach to ice-cold water to retain its green color.

3. Blend the spinach into a smooth puree using a blender or food processor.

4. In a mixing bowl, combine wheat flour and salt. Gradually add the spinach puree and knead into a soft dough. Let it rest for 5 minutes.

2. Make Paneer Stuffing

1. In another mixing bowl, crumble or grate the paneer.

2. Add chopped green chillies, grated ginger, cumin powder, garam masala, chaat masala, and salt. Mix well to form a uniform filling.

3. Assemble Parathas

1. Divide the spinach dough into 6 equal portions and shape them into balls.

2. Roll out one ball into a small circle using a rolling pin and a little dry flour.

3. Place 2 tablespoons of paneer stuffing in the center. Gather the edges and seal the dough to encase the filling.

4. Gently roll it out into a 6-7 inch diameter circle, taking care not to tear it.

4. Cook Parathas

1. Heat a skillet or tava over medium heat. Place the rolled paratha on the hot skillet.

2. After 1 minute, flip the paratha and apply oil or butter to the top side.

3. Flip again, apply oil or butter to the other side, and cook until both sides are golden brown.

Why should you try this palak paneer paratha recipe

1. Nutritious and Wholesome – Packed with spinach, which is rich in iron and vitamins, and protein-rich paneer. This paratha is a balanced and healthy meal for all ages.

2. Delicious Fusion of Flavours – The earthy spinach dough combines with the spicy and creamy paneer filling. This combination creates a flavourful bite that’s both satisfying and unique.

3. Perfect for Any Meal – Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these parathas are versatile. They work in any meal setting.

4. Kid-Friendly – The vibrant green dough is visually appealing to kids. The cheesy paneer filling ensures they’ll love it. It also sneaks in some veggies.

5. Great Pairing Options – Serve with yogurt, chutneys, or pickles, or enjoy them on their own. It’s a dish that pairs well with a variety of sides.

6. Meal Prep Friendly – The dough and filling can be prepared ahead of time. This preparation makes it easy to cook fresh parathas whenever you need them.

7. Supports Healthy Eating – This paratha is made with whole wheat flour and fresh ingredients. It is a healthier alternative to refined flour-based flatbreads.

8. Easy and Quick – Simple to prepare with basic ingredients. This recipe is beginner-friendly and quick to whip up. It is perfect for a busy day.

9. Authentic Indian Flavour – Enjoy a delicious taste of North Indian cuisine in your own kitchen. This recipe is simple yet satisfying.

Serving suggestion for palak paneer paratha

• Serve hot with chilled yogurt or raita.
• Pair with a tangy mango or green chilli pickle.
• Accompany with a side of dal or vegetable curry for a complete meal.
• Add a dollop of butter on top for extra indulgence.

Enjoy this delicious and nutritious Spinach Paneer Paratha, perfect for any meal of the day!

Pro tips for best palak paneer paratha

1. Blanch Spinach Perfectly

• Boil spinach for just 2-3 minutes to retain its vibrant green color and nutrients.
• Immediately transfer it to ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. This step ensures your dough gets a rich green hue.

2. Smooth Spinach Puree

• Blend the spinach into a very smooth puree for uniform incorporation into the dough. Lumps can make rolling difficult.

3. Soft Dough is Key

• Knead the dough until soft and pliable. Letting it rest for a few minutes ensures it’s easier to roll and less prone to cracking.

4. Paneer Consistency

• Crumble the paneer finely or grate it for a smooth filling. Larger chunks can tear the paratha while rolling.

5. Dry Filling

• Ensure the paneer mixture is not watery. Excess moisture can cause the paratha to break. If needed, add a teaspoon of breadcrumbs to absorb extra moisture.

6. Seal Properly

• While sealing the dough after stuffing, pinch the edges firmly to avoid the filling spilling out during rolling or cooking.

7. Gentle Rolling

• Roll the stuffed paratha gently and evenly. Apply light pressure to avoid the filling breaking through.

8. Perfect Heat Control

• Heat the skillet well before placing the paratha, but cook on medium heat for even cooking. High heat can burn the outer layer without cooking the filling properly.

9. Use Ghee for Rich Flavor

• For an authentic and rich taste, cook the parathas with ghee instead of oil. It enhances the flavor and adds a golden color.

10. Avoid Overstuffing

• Stick to 2 tablespoons of stuffing per paratha. Overstuffing can make rolling and cooking difficult.

FAQs for spinach paneer stuffed paratha recipe

1. Can I make Spinach Paneer Paratha ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and paneer filling in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just roll, cook, and enjoy!

2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works just fine! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before pureeing it.

3. What if I don’t have paneer?

No paneer? No problem! You can substitute it with ricotta cheese, tofu, or even crumbled cooked potatoes for a similar texture.

4. How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?

To avoid a filling disaster, make sure you seal the dough tightly around the stuffing and roll gently. If you’re too aggressive, you might end up with a “paneer explosion” — not a fun outcome.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour like chickpea flour or rice flour for the dough. Just keep in mind the texture might differ slightly, but the flavor will still be fantastic!

6. How do I keep the parathas soft?

The key is cooking them on medium heat and brushing with ghee or butter. A well-cooked paratha with a buttery finish stays soft and irresistible!

7. Can I freeze Spinach Paneer Paratha?

You can freeze the uncooked parathas! Just place parchment paper between each one and store them in a freezer bag. When ready, cook straight from the freezer!

8. Can I add more spices to the filling?

Of course! Spice it up with a pinch of chili powder or garam masala. Go wild — it’s your paratha, after all!

Recipe Card