Low-Cal Palak Paneer

Low-Cal Palak Paneer

This lighter palak paneer uses cottage cheese in place of traditional full-fat paneer for a creamy, protein-packed spinach curry. Blended spinach and aromatics create the silky gravy you love with far fewer calories.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese, drained
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 0.5 cup cooked brown rice
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Blanch the spinach in boiling water 1 minute, then transfer to ice water and drain well.
2. Blend the blanched spinach with the tomato into a smooth puree and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan and add cumin, letting it sizzle 30 seconds.
4. Add onion and cook 5 minutes until golden.
5. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute, then add turmeric and garam masala.
6. Pour in the spinach-tomato puree and simmer 5 minutes.
7. Gently fold in the cottage cheese and warm through 2-3 minutes without boiling hard.
8. Serve over brown rice.

Nutrition Facts

Tips

• Press the cottage cheese dry so it holds its shape like paneer cubes.
• A pinch of ground nutmeg enhances the spinach flavor.
• For a vegan version, swap cottage cheese for firm tofu.