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Here are my mom's Palak Paneer Paratha stuffed with fresh spinach, paneer, and warming spices. Ready in under an hour these tasty parathas use an easy no-cook filling making them a winner!

When my parents visited last summer, mom pampered us with many of her signature recipes. Garam garam parathas were on repeat for breakfast and lunches and for my paratha-loving boys, it was the best summer ever!
Learning how to make Parathas from mom was on top of my to-do list. Especially these Palak (spinach) Paneer Paratha that is SO easy to make as the filling needs no cooking. Recently I have gotten so many requests for Paratha recipes that I am super excited to share this recipe with you.

Ingredients to make Palak Paneer Paratha
- Baby Spinach - Triple-washed Organic baby spinach works best for this recipe as you do not need to wash it. If you are using regular spinach, make sure to dry it completely using paper towels or a salad spinner to remove any moisture
- Paneer - I like Gopi paneer as it is made with basic ingredients and has no additives. It is available in Indian grocery stores, Costco as well as whole foods
- Whole Wheat Flour - Aashirwad brand select Sharbati atta is fine ground and is my go-to flour for roti and parathas
- Ginger and green chili - Homemade ginger paste and green chili paste add ideal heat and bright flavor to the parathas
- Spices - garam masala, ground coriander, ground cumin, amchur, salt, and Kasoori methi add warmth and earthy aromas.

Tips for Best Paratha
- Pre-washed baby spinach works best for this recipe. If using regular spinach make sure to dry any excess moisture from the spinach
- Grate the paneer using a fine or medium grater this will prevent the filling from breaking the parathas
- Knead the outer dough well making it soft and pliable for fluffy soft parathas
- After you have stuffed the filling into the dough, lightly press the ball to make a flat disc evenly spreading the filling inside the dough and removing any air pockets
- Roll the parathas with light hands moving the rolling pin back and forth on the entire surface area turning it slightly after rolling a couple of times.
- Cook on medium-high heat, do not press too much with a spatula. Only press as needed allowing the paratha to fluff up
- Do not give up, making Parathas needs practice and patience
Step by Step Recipe with Photos
Note: Printable recipe card with ingredients and steps is at the end of this post.
- Knead the dough with wheat flour, salt, and oil, cover, and keep aside
- To a large mixing bowl add chopped spinach, grated paneer, ginger, green chili, ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, amchur, and salt. Rub the Kasoori methi on the palm of your hand and add it to the bowl
- Mix everything together

- Divide the wheat flour dough and the palak paneer mixture each into 8 balls
- Coat a dough ball with dry flour and place it on the rolling surface
- Roll or press to make a 4-inch circle
- Place a spinach filling ball in the center

- Bring together the dough by pinching the edges lightly
- Then bring the dough together sealing in the filling
- Press down any excess dough into the ball
- Dip the filled dough ball in dry flour

- Gently flatten the dough ball on the palm of your hands to help the filling spread evenly and to make it a 3 to 4-inch thick disc.
- Lightly coat with dry flour again and then place it on a rolling surface. Roll the paratha into a 6 to 8-inch circle moving therolling pinback and forth through the entire dough ball turning it carefully for an evenly rolled paratha. Sprinkle dry flour if the paratha starts to stick.

- Place the paratha on a preheated pan on medium-high heat
- Cook for a minute and then carefully flip with a flat spatula. Allow the bottom side to cook fully for 1 to 2 minutes as it starts to get light golden brown spots. Lower the heat to medium if needed.
- Flip and cook as both sides get golden brown spots. For soft parathas, remember not to over-press and only press down gently using a spatula. Pressing from the sides where the steam is escaping will help fluff up the paratha

- Drizzle ghee or oil on top and remove the paratha from the pan. Repeat rolling and cooking the remaining parathas.
How to serve Parathas
For breakfast serve with yogurt, Indian pickles, or quick pickled onions and a cup ofchai. Kids will love Parathas with a dollop of butter and ketchup. For lunch or dinner, serve with raita and pair with a rice dish like BiryaniorPulao. Don't forget to make mom's sheera for dessert! Serve with a glass of coolinglassito make a hearty meal.

How to pack Paratha for Lunch Box
Kids love Parathas for lunch. Cut into triangle-shaped pieces using a pizza cutter and make sure they are at room temperature before packing so they do not get soggy.
How to Store Palak Paneer Parathas
Parathas are a perfect make-ahead dish. Keep parchment paper between 2 parathas and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Take out Parathas as needed and reheat them on a stovetop pan with a few drops of oil.
More Indian Bread Recipes
- Aloo Parathas
- Kale Parathas
- Methi Thepla
- Cabbage Parathas
Recipe
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5 from 4 votes
Palak Paneer Paratha
A MUST TRY recipe these parathas are stuffed with a delciious no-cook filling made with fresh spinach, ginger, green chili, paneer, and warming spices
Prep Time30 minutes mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr
Course: Breads
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 8
Calories: 246kcal
Author: Archana Mundhe
Ingredients
Filling
- 5 oz baby spinach **
- 6 oz paneer
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 2 teaspoons green chili minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon amchur powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon Kasoori methi optional
Dough
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ cup whole wheat flour for rolling
To cook
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
Instructions
Add wheat flour, salt, and half of the oil to a mixing bowl. Knead the dough by adding a little bit of water at a time. Add remaining oil and knead again for 2 to 3 mins. Cover and keep aside.
Finely chop spinach and add to a large mixing bowl.
Grate paneer and add to the bowl with spinach.
Add ginger, green chili, ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, amchur, and salt.
Rub the Kasoori methi on the palm of your hand and add it to the bowl. Mix everything together and make 8 round balls.
Divide the wheat flour dough into 8 balls.
Lightly roll one dough ball into dry flour to coat it evenly and place it on the rolling surface.Roll or press to make a 4-inch circle. Place a spinach filling ball in the center
Bring together the dough by pinching the edges lightly. Then bring the dough together sealing in the filling making sure there are no air pockets. Press down any excess dough into the ball.
Dip the filled dough ball in dry flour and lightly flatten it on the palm of your hands to help the filling spread evenly and to make it a 3 to 4-inch thick disc.
Lightly coat with dry flour again and then place it on a rolling surface. Roll the paratha into a 6 to 8-inch circle moving therolling pinback and forth through the entire dough ball turning it carefully for an evenly rolled paratha. Sprinkle dry flour if the paratha starts to stick.
Place the paratha on a preheated pan on medium-high heat
Cook for a minute and then carefully flip with a flat spatula. Allow the bottom side to cook fully for 1 to 2 minutes as it starts to get golden brown spots. Lower the heat to medium if needed.
Flip and cook as both sides get golden brown spots. For soft parathas, remember not to over-press and only press down gently using a spatula. Pressing from the sides where the steam is escaping will help fluff up the paratha
Drizzle ghee or oil on top and remove the paratha from the pan. Repeat rolling and cooking remaining parathas.
Video
Notes
- Pre-washed baby spinach works best for this recipe. If using regular spinach make sure to dry any excess moisture from the spinach
- Grating the paneer using a fine or medium grater will prevent the filling from breaking the parathas
- Knead the outer dough well making it soft and pliable for fluffy soft parathas
- After you have stuffed the filling into the dough, lightly press the ball to make a flat disc evenly spreading the filling inside the dough and removing any air pockets
- Roll the parathas with light hands moving the rolling pin back and forth on the entire surface area turning it slightly after rolling a couple of times.
- Cook on medium-high heat, do not press too much with a spatula. Only press as needed allowing the paratha to fluff up
Nutrition
Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 903mg | Potassium: 241mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 1669IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 136mg | Iron: 2mg
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Bernice says
This recipe interests me a lot. Have you ever made it using Gluten free flour? I can’t tolerate wheat. Thank you
Reply
Archana says
I am SO sorry I have not tried this with gluten-free flour.
Reply
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FAQs
Why not to eat palak and paneer together? ›
When consumed together, the calcium in the paneer restricts the iron absorption from spinach. Since less than 5% of the iron in spinach is absorbed by the body, it offers relatively less iron to our bodies.
Is palak paneer healthy or not? ›Though a popular and delectable dish that is consumed in many Indian states, palak and paneer is not really a healthy food combination, nutritionist Nmami Agarwal revealed in one of her Instagram videos. The expert said that there are certain combinations that do not go well together, mainly that of calcium and iron.
How many calories are there in 1 cup of palak paneer? ›Palak or saag paneer (spinach and cheese in gravy) (1 cup) contains 10.6g total carbs, 7.9g net carbs, 29.8g fat, 17.2g protein, and 369 calories.
Why is palak paneer so important? ›The dish has magnesium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin K, potassium, calcium and so much more. Priya says, 'Since palak paneer is full of calcium and phosphorous it plays a role in heart and muscle function. ' According to Priya, the vitamins B2 and B12 in cottage cheese help convert the food into usable energy.
Who should avoid palak? ›People who are taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, should consult with their healthcare practitioner before eating large amounts of spinach ( 34 ). People who are prone to kidney stones may want to avoid spinach. This leafy green is also very high in vitamin K1, which can be a problem for people on blood thinners.
Why is paneer unhealthy? ›Made with milk or fresh cream or processed cream, paneer being a dairy product naturally contains milk fats, proteins and is also high in lactose content, which may affect your digestive system, if you suffer from lactose intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome.
What are the disadvantages of palak? ›- It limits your calcium absorption. Spinach contains oxalic acid. ...
- You may develop kidney stones. Spinach is among those green veggies that contain the highest amount of oxalic acid. ...
- Nitrate can be dangerous for babies. ...
- Interaction with medications. ...
- Metabolisation.
However, the ingredients palak and paneer are not supposed to be taken together as their combination is apparently not useful for the body. Yes, you read that right. Apparently, when spinach and paneer are consumed together, the calcium in paneer inhibits the iron in spinach.
Is palak paneer heavy to digest? ›Yes, palak paneer is healthy.
Let's understand the ingredients of Palak Paneer. Paneer : Paneer contains high quality protein and calcium which aids in weight loss. Since paneer is low in carbs and high in protein it gets digested slowly and hence good for diabetes.
Palak paneer is everyone's favourite and different people cook it using different spices and flavours. Just remember to cook it in less oil. Also, paneer is high in protein, which makes it a great choice for weight loss.
Can diabetics eat Palak paneer? ›
Yes, Palak Paneer needs no special introduction, but the health benefits of spinach (palak) and cottage cheese (paneer) for people with diabetes does demand a mention. Having palak paneer along with rotis once in a while is good for your diabetes diet plan.
What is the difference between Palak Paneer and Saag Paneer? ›Saag Paneer vs Palak Paneer:
While both dishes are made with spinach, Saag Paneer can be made with spinach, mustard leaves, or really any mixture of greens. Palak Paneer is just strictly made with spinach. If you're looking for a way to remember the difference, just think of this: Palak translates to spinach in Hindi.
In late November 2021, Insider reported that several Trader Joe's foods tested high for lead, and Palak Paneer was on the list. One serving contained 16.2 micrograms, but the FDA recommendation is under 12. Lead buildup in the body can result in lead poisoning, which can be dangerous, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What country is palak paneer from? ›Palak paneer is a north Indian vegetarian curry with origins in the Punjab region. The dish is comprised of a spinach purée (palak is Hindi for spinach) and fresh-pressed cheese, with an aromatic blend of spices that includes ginger, garlic, and garam masala. Palak paneer is also sometimes called saag paneer.
Who should avoid paneer? ›No, Paneer is not considered to be a good option to lose weight because of its high-fat content[2]. Paneer should be avoided if somebody is trying to lose weight because Paneer has the property of aggravating Kapha dosha due to which fat increases.
What happens if you eat too much paneer? ›If you eat too much paneer, the lactose in the cheese will not be digested properly. This will cause digestive confusion and lead to increased levels of hydrogen gas. It can also lead to bloating and other symptoms like crampy abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.
Does paneer make you fat or fit? ›100 grams of paneer contains 72 calories which is pretty low. Since it can be eaten even without loading it with other ingredients and seasonings, it is good for weight loss.
What happens if you eat palak daily? ›Garima Goyal, a dietician and nutritionist says it is safe to consume the leafy vegetable daily, as long as it is taken in “limited quantities”. “Spinach contains essential B-complex vitamins like folate, as well as vitamins A, C and K. Most diets lack one or more essential vitamins.
Is palak bad for kidneys? ›Leafy greens are rich in potassium, which you may need to watch with kidney disease. The amount of potassium you can have each day will depend on your stage of kidney disease or the type of dialysis you receive. Most people with CKD do not have to limit leafy greens because of potassium.
Is palak bad for liver? ›Spinach. Leafy greens have a powerful antioxidant called glutathione, which can help keep your liver working right. And spinach couldn't be easier to prepare. It makes a great base for a dinner salad, and it's also delicious sauteed with garlic and olive oil.
Is it OK to eat Palak and egg together? ›
Eggs offer high-quality protein and spinach provides a range of essential minerals and vitamins. An egg and spinach breakfast can provide a variety of health benefits as part of a balanced diet and can help you meet your daily nutrient recommendations.
Can we eat banana and Palak together? ›You can blend spinach and bananas into a smoothie or top a spinach salad with sliced bananas. Either way, sweetness from bananas tempers the slight bitterness of spinach, and the combination boosts the nutrients. Each one alone offers a small amount of magnesium and potassium, but they become a good source together.
Is Palak heavy to digest? ›Spinach is high in fiber and takes time to get digested, which may further lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever.
Which is harder to digest paneer or chicken? ›Paneer vs chicken digestion is also a key factor in determining the better one of the two. Paneer is typically easier to digest in contrast to chicken, but you can boil the chicken if you feel that it is too stiff.
Can we eat banana and paneer together? ›Paneer and Raw Banana Kebab, this is a rare combination of the protein rich paneer, with the fibrous raw banana, and with the ingredients at home, this can be made in no time.
Why does my stomach hurt after eating paneer? ›Paneer is light on the stomach and easy to digest. However, uncooked paneer or a large amount of it can cause bloating and indigestion problems. According to Ayurveda, uncooked paneer is heavy to digest and thus takes time to digest completely.
Does paneer reduce belly fat? ›Consuming 150 to 200 grams of paneer in breakfast every day is something that can help in weight loss. This will not only lead to reduced belly fat but will also make you will feel energetic throughout the day.
Can we eat palak at night? ›Additionally, spinach is a good source of calcium, which helps the brain use tryptophan to manufacture melatonin, a sleep-promoting hormone; research suggests being calcium deficient may make it difficult to fall asleep.
Is palak paratha good for weight loss? ›No, this recipe is not good for diabetics, heart and weight loss. This recipe uses plain flour or maida which is refined carb not suitable for healthy lifestyle.
Does paneer spike insulin? ›Paneer does not include blood sugar, which is what makes it especially good for people with diabetes. Due to the low glycemic index of paneer, it is an excellent choice of food for people with diabetes. Due to the minimal amount of carbs in paneer, your blood sugar will not spike after eating it.
Is it OK to eat paneer at night? ›
Cottage cheese or paneer contains a significant amount of casein, which is a form of protein that is well known to sustain overnight muscle repair and growth when consumed before bed. Not only will it put you to deep sleep, it will also heal and build your muscles.
Is palak paneer good for muscle gain? ›Palak paneer is a rich source of protein and can help facilitate the process of weight management that involves muscle building through workouts. It contains onions which are a good source of antioxidants and can promote hair health and improve immunity.
Can I add milk in Palak paneer instead of cream? ›Cream is added to cut down on the bitterness of the spinach leaves and also make it rich. If you don't want to add cream, you can also use yogurt or milk in place.
What do we call Palak paneer in English? ›Palak Paneer is a popular Indian Vegetarian Dish consisting of paneer (Indian cheese) in a smooth, creamy and delicious spinach gravy.
Why is my Palak paneer bitter? ›Why is my Palak Paneer Bitter? Spinach has a very peculiar bitter taste. This taste often comes due to the presence of oxalic acid found in spinach. For cutting down the bitterness of the spinach leaves, you may add fresh cream into this recipe.
Can we eat palak paneer and egg together? ›There is absolutely no harm in having paneer and eggs together. In fact, there are several dishes in which both the food items are used. The only thing is that you need to consume protein as per the recommended daily allowance.
Can you eat spinach and cheese together? ›However, the absorption of calcium from milk and other rich-in-calcium ingredients won't be impaired by spinach's oxalic acid, which is why pairing spinach with dairy products helps ensure you gain all the nutrients you need.
What happens if we eat paneer and milk together? ›Paneer with milk or curd can increase Kapha dosha. Curd with pickle is very fine to take. In South India, we consume curd rice along with pickle at the end part of meals.
What happens if we eat palak and tomato together? ›Spinach And Tomatoes
Both these foods are loaded with oxalate that forms calcium oxalate stones in the kidneys. So, avoid eating these together.
100 grams of paneer has around 14 grams of protein, while one whole egg has around 7 grams of protein. One large egg weighs around 50 grams, so to put that in perspective, 100 grams of egg would contain 14 grams of protein.
Which is more healthy egg or paneer? ›
06/6Egg vs paneer: The better source of protein
They both are healthy and can be included in the diet on alternate days. For vegetarians trying to lose weight, eating paneer can be as beneficial as eating eggs. They need not worry about their protein and nutrient intake.
Spinach is a green leafy vegetable that we all know to be really healthy, due to the presence of high levels of antioxidants in it. However, the best way to eat spinach is not after blanching or boiling it, but rather adding it to your smoothies or juicing it, says a new study.
Is it OK to eat spinach with banana? ›You can blend spinach and bananas into a smoothie or top a spinach salad with sliced bananas. Either way, sweetness from bananas tempers the slight bitterness of spinach, and the combination boosts the nutrients. Each one alone offers a small amount of magnesium and potassium, but they become a good source together.
How many times a week is it safe to eat spinach? ›The good news is that eaten in moderation spinach provides nothing but positive health benefits. Although it's difficult to find authoritative limits for spinach consumption on a daily or weekly basis, MedicineNet confirms that a bowl a day, a moderate amount, is safe for most people.